The number of intensive livestock and poultry farms is expected to increase substantially in future because of consumer demand.Unfortunately,such demand also results in a great deal of manure being generated,which thr...The number of intensive livestock and poultry farms is expected to increase substantially in future because of consumer demand.Unfortunately,such demand also results in a great deal of manure being generated,which threatens the environment if it is not properly managed.Concurrent developments in biotransformation of these wastes with the black soldier fly(BSF),Hermetia illucens(L.)(Diptera:Stratiomydiae),demonstrates such concerns can be abated,while also producing products(e.g.,protein,chitin,biodiesel,and fertilizer)of value.In this review,we analyzed the factors influencing black soldier fly larvae(BSFL)conversion processes,the role of microorganisms,and the mechanisms used by BSFL when converting livestock and poultry manure into these valuable products.The effects of BSFL conversion technology on reducing the hazards of such materials and their associated pathogens are reviewed,and the economics of livestock and poultry manure conversion by BSF larvae is discussed.展开更多
To assess the status of environmental beating capacity of livestock and poultry manure in Nanjing City, the environmental pollution warning value and environmental bearing potential of livestock and poultry manure in ...To assess the status of environmental beating capacity of livestock and poultry manure in Nanjing City, the environmental pollution warning value and environmental bearing potential of livestock and poultry manure in various districts of Nanjing were calculated according to livestock and poultry manure discharge coefticiem and manure content. The results showed that based on planting-breeding pattern, the livestock and poultry manure load in Nanjing City was 14.08 t/hm2 pig manure equivalent; the warning values of environmental bearing capacity of livestock and poultry breeding calculated by nitrogen and phosphor- us were 0.23 and 0.26, respectively, which were within the scope of environmental hearing capacity, with no threat to the environment. Under the premise of reasonable planing of livestock and poultry breeding and comprehensive utilization of manure, the environmental beating potential of livestock and poultry breed- ing in Nanjing City were 5. 667 3 million （nitrogen） and 11. 109 1 million （phosphorus） pigs equivalent, and there were nearly one third of bearing space more than the existing total breeding quantity.展开更多
The blood-brain barrier(BBB)keeps poisons and infections out of the brain.Some viruses can pass through this barrier and replicate in the central nervous system(CNS).Velogenic Newcastle disease virus(VNDV)is a neurotr...The blood-brain barrier(BBB)keeps poisons and infections out of the brain.Some viruses can pass through this barrier and replicate in the central nervous system(CNS).Velogenic Newcastle disease virus(VNDV)is a neurotropic virus that causes avian nonsuppurative encephalitis.VNDV often develops into a chronic infection that seriously affects poultry health in partially immune birds.The routes by which the virus enters the chicken brain are poorly understood.In this study,we discovered that VNDV increased BBB permeability in vivo and in vitro by breaking the tight junction protein zona occludens-1(ZO-1)continuity of chicken brain microvascular endothelial cells(chBMECs).By investigating the susceptibility of chBMECs to NDV infection,we found that VNDV but not lentogenic NDV was detected in the basolateral compartment in transwell assays after apical infection,suggesting that efficient replication and transcellular transport of the virus across the BBB in vitro.Furthermore,viral replication and BBB permeability were reduced during the early stage of infection by using the dynamin inhibitor dynasore.Our data demonstrate that VNDV invades the chicken brain by infecting and damaging the tight junction of chBMECs directly to increase BBB permeability.VNDV could infect chBMECs via endocytosis.As a result,our findings provide compelling evidence for VNDV entrance into the brain via the BBB,paving the way for the development of medications for NDV prevention and therapy.展开更多
Background AflatoxinB1(AFB_(1))is a prevalent contaminant in agricultural products,presenting significant risks to animal health.CotA laccase from Bacillus licheniformis has shown significant efficacy in degrading myc...Background AflatoxinB1(AFB_(1))is a prevalent contaminant in agricultural products,presenting significant risks to animal health.CotA laccase from Bacillus licheniformis has shown significant efficacy in degrading mycotoxins in vitro test.The efficacy of Bacillus CotA laccase in animals,however,remains to be confirmed.A 2×2 factorial design was used to investigate the effects of Bacillus CotA laccase level(0 or 1 U/kg),AFB_(1) challenge(challenged or unchal-lenged)and their interactions on ducks.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus CotA laccase in alleviatingAFB_(1) toxicosis of ducks.Results Bacillus CotA laccase alleviatedAFB_(1)-induced declines in growth performance of ducks accompanied by improved average daily gain(ADG)and lower feed/gain ratio(F/G).Bacillus CotA laccase amelioratedAFB_(1)-induced gut barrier dysfunctions and inflammation testified by increasing the jejunal villi height/crypt depth ratio(VH/CD)and the mRNA expression of tight junction protein 1(TJP1)and zonula occluden-1(ZO-1)as well as decreasing the expression of inflammation-related genes in the jejunum of ducks.Amino acid metabolome showed that Bacillus CotA laccase amelioratedAFB_(1)-induced amino acid metabolism disorders evidenced by increasing the level of glu-tamic acid in serum and upregulating the expression of amino acid transport related genes in jejunum of ducks.Bacil-lus CotA laccase amelioratedAFB_(1)-induced liver injury testified by suppressing oxidative stress,inhibiting apoptosis,and downregulating the expression of hepatic metabolic enzyme related genes of ducks.Moreover,Bacillus CotA laccase degradedAFB_(1) in digestive tract of ducks,resulting in the reduced absorption level ofAFB_(1) across intestinal epithelium testified by the decreased level ofAFB_(1)-DNA adduct in the liver,and the reduced content ofAFB_(1) residues in liver and feces of ducks.Conclusions Bacillus CotA laccase effectively improved the growth performance,intestinal health,amino acid metabolism and hepatic aflatoxin metabolism of ducks fedAFB_(1) diets,highlighting its potential as an efficient and safe feed enzyme forAFB_(1) degradation in animal production.展开更多
Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-da...Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-day-old unpaired non-lactating male pigeons(MN)and males initiating lactation on the first day after incubation(ML).Using RNA sequencing,ribosomeprofiling,andsingle-cell transcriptome sequencing(scRNA-seq),we identified a significant up-regulation of genes associated with ribosome assembly and protein synthesis in ML compared to MN.Results from scRNA-seq analysis identified 12distinct cell types and 22 clusters,with secretory epithelial cells(SECs)exhibiting marked expression of plasma cell markers,including IGLL1 and MZB1.RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization(RNA FISH)and IgY quantification confirmed the critical role of SECs in producing endogenous IgY during lactation.We propose that fibroblast-derived BAFF signals activate SECs,mimicking B cell transformation and enhancing protein production through the unfolded protein response(UPR).These findings shed light on the cellular dynamics of pigeon milk production and contribute to a broader understanding of avian biology.展开更多
Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. Green-shell laying hens were randomly assigned to a free range group and two caged groups, one...Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. Green-shell laying hens were randomly assigned to a free range group and two caged groups, one with low-density and the other with high-density housing. Each group was further divided into control（C） and taurine treatment（T） groups. All hens were fed the same basic diet except that the T groups＇ diet was supplemented with 0.1% taurine. The experiment lasted 15 d. Survival rates, laying rates, daily feed consumption, and daily weight gain were recorded. Histological changes, inflammatory mediator levels, and oxidation and anti-oxidation levels were determined. The results show that dietary taurine supplementation and reduced housing density significantly attenuated pathophysiological changes in the oviduct. Nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） DNA binding activity increased significantly in the high-density housing group compared with the two other housing groups and was reduced by taurine supplementation. Tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） m RNA expression in the high-density and low-density C and T groups increased significantly. In the free range and low-density groups, dietary taurine significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α m RNA. Supplementation with taurine decreased interferon-γ（IFN-γ） m RNA expression significantly in the low-density groups. Interleukin 4（IL-4） m RNA expression was significantly higher in caged hens. IL-10 m RNA expression was higher in the high-density C group than in the free range and low-density C groups. Supplementation with taurine decreased IL-10 m RNA expression significantly in the high-density group and increased superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity in the free range hens. We conclude that taurine has important protective effects against oviduct damage. Reducing housing density also results in less oxidative stress, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and lower levels of inflammatory mediators in the oviduct. Therefore, both dietary taurine and reduced housing density can ameliorate oviduct injury, enhance oviduct health, and promote egg production in laying hens.展开更多
Previous studies on mammals showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α(PGC-1α)played a prominent role in regulating muscle fiber type transition and composition.However,the role of P...Previous studies on mammals showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α(PGC-1α)played a prominent role in regulating muscle fiber type transition and composition.However,the role of PGC-1αin chicken muscle has seldom been explored.To investigate the effect of PGC-1αon chicken skeletal muscles in this study,the PGC-1αgene was overexpressed or silenced in chicken primary myoblasts by using lentivirus,and then the effects of the PGC-1αgene overexpression and knockdown on the mRNA expression profile of genes related to myofiber type specificity were examined during fiber formation.The results showed that overexpression of PGC-1αfrom proliferation to differentiation was accompanied by the up-regulated expression of Pax7,MyoD,and CnAα,which was significantly(P<0.01)increased after one day of transfection(1 I).The enhancement of MyoG,MEF2 c,and MyHC SM expression lagged,which was improved significantly(P<0.01)after four days of transfection(1 I3 D).Overexpression of PGC-1αdecreased(P<0.01)the MyHC FWM expression after four days of transfection(1 I3 D),and it had no significant impact(P>0.05)on the expression of CnB1,NFATc3,and MyHC FRM during myofiber formation.The effective silence(P<0.01)of PGC-1αby lentivirus mediating short hairpin RNA(shRNA)was detected after four days of transfection(1 I3 D)in cultures,and the lack of its function in chicken primary myoblasts significantly(P<0.01)down-regulated the expression of Pax7,MyoD,CnAα,MyoG,MEF2 c,and MyHC SM,significantly(P<0.01)up-regulated the expression of MyHC FWM,and had no significant impact(P>0.05)on the expression of CnB1,NFATc3,and MyHC FRM.These results indicated that the role of PGC-1αin regulating the fiber type specificity of chicken skeletal muscles might be similar to that in mammals,which interplayed with key genes related to myocyte differentiation and calcineurin signaling pathway.展开更多
The mechanisms that regulate the specificity and maintenance of chicken muscle fiber types remain largely unknown. In mammals, CSRP3 has been shown to play a vital role in the maintenance of typical muscle structure a...The mechanisms that regulate the specificity and maintenance of chicken muscle fiber types remain largely unknown. In mammals, CSRP3 has been shown to play a vital role in the maintenance of typical muscle structure and function. This study investigated the role that CSRP3 plays in chicken skeletal muscle. First, the antibody against chicken CSRP3 protein was prepared, and the expression levels of the mRNA and protein of the CSRP3 gene in four chicken skeletal muscles with different myofiber compositions were compared. Then the effects of CSRP3 silencing on the expression profile of chicken myoblast transcriptomes were analyzed. The results showed that the expression levels of the mRNA and protein of the CSRP3 gene were both associated with the composition of fiber types in chicken skeletal muscles. A total of 650 genes with at least 1.5-fold differences(Q<0.05) were identified, of which 255 genes were upregulated and 395 genes were downregulated by CSRP3 silencing. Functional enrichment showed that several pathways, including adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, adipocytokine signaling pathway and apelin signaling pathway, were significantly(P<0.05) enriched both in differentially expressed genes and all expressed genes. The co-expressed gene network suggested that CSRP3 silencing caused a compensatory upregulation(Q<0.05) of genes related to the assembly of myofibrils, muscle differentiation, and contraction. Meanwhile, two fast myosin heavy chain genes(MyH1B and MyH1E)were upregulated(Q<0.05) upon CSRP3 silencing. These results suggested that CSRP3 plays a crucial role in chicken myofiber composition, and affects the distribution of chicken myofiber types, probably by regulating the expression of MyH1B and MyH1E.展开更多
Background:Research on nutrition in early-life commonly focuses on the maturation of the intestine because the intestinal system is crucial for ensuring continued growth.To explore the importance of early nutrition re...Background:Research on nutrition in early-life commonly focuses on the maturation of the intestine because the intestinal system is crucial for ensuring continued growth.To explore the importance of early nutrition regulation in animals,soy protein concentrate(SPC)was added to the early diet of broilers to investigate its effects on amino acid digestibility,intestinal development,especially intestinal microorganisms,and broiler metabolites.A total of 192 oneday-old Arbor Acres(AA)male broilers were randomly assigned to two experimental treatments with 8 replicates of 12 birds.The control group was fed a basal diet(control),and the treatment group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 12%SPC(SPC12)during the first 10 d(starter phase).From d 11 to 21(grower phase)and d 22 to 42(finisher phase),a basal diet was fed to both treatment groups.Results:SPC reduced the pH value and acid-binding capacity of the starter diet(P<0.05,d 10);SPC in the early diet enhanced the gizzard weight(P<0.05,d 10 and d 42)and the ileum weight(P<0.05,d 10)and decreased the weight and length of the jejunum(P<0.05,d 10)and the relative length of the duodenum and jejunum(P<0.05,d 10).At the same time,SPC enhanced villus height(P<0.05,d 10)and muscle thickness in the jejunum and ileum(P<0.05,d 10)and increased the number of goblet cells in the duodenum(P<0.05,d 10).Meanwhile,SPC increased the Chao1 index and the ACE index(P<0.05,d 10)and altered the composition of caecal microflora at d 10.SPC also increased the relative abundance of Alistipes,Anaerotruncus,Erysipelatoclostridium,Intestinimonas and Flavonifractor bacteria(P<0.05,d 10).At the same time,the concentrations of caecal butyric acid and total short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)were also increased in the SPC12 group(P<0.05,d 10).Conclusions:In summary,the results showed that supplementing the starter diet of broilers with SPC has a significant effect on the early development of the intestine and the microflora.展开更多
Background: Vitellogenin(VTG) is a precursor of egg yolk proteins synthesized within the liver of oviparous vertebrates. Betaine is an important methyl donor that is reported to improve egg production of laying hens w...Background: Vitellogenin(VTG) is a precursor of egg yolk proteins synthesized within the liver of oviparous vertebrates. Betaine is an important methyl donor that is reported to improve egg production of laying hens with an unclear mechanism. In the present study, we fed betaine-supplemented diet(0.5%) to laying hens for 4 wk and investigated its effect on VTGII expression in the liver.Results: Betaine did not affect chicken weight, but significantly(P < 0.05) increased egg laying rate accompanied with a significant(P < 0.05) increase in hepatic concentration and plasma level of VTGI. Plasma estrogen level did not change,but the hepatic expression of estrogen receptor α(ERα) mR NA was significantly(P < 0.05) up-regulated. Betaine did not affect the protein content of ERα, but significantly(P < 0.05) increased hepatic expression of glucocorticoid receptor(GR)at both mR NA and protein levels. Also, ERα/GR interaction tended to be enhanced in the liver nuclear lysates of betainesupplemented hens as determined by co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, dietary betaine supplementation significantly increased(P < 0.05) the hepatic expression of methyl-transfer enzymes, such as BHMT, GNMT, and DNMT1,which was associated with higher SAM/SAH ratio and hypomethylation of GR promoter regions.Conclusions: Betaine activates hepatic VTGII expression in association with modified DNA methylation of GR gene promoter, GR expression and ERα/GR interaction. Activation of hepatic VTGII expression may contribute, at least partly, to improved egg production in betaine-supplemented hens.展开更多
Many different chicken breeds are found around the world,their features vary among them,and they are valuable resources.Currently,there is a huge lack of knowledge of the genetic determinants responsible for phenotypi...Many different chicken breeds are found around the world,their features vary among them,and they are valuable resources.Currently,there is a huge lack of knowledge of the genetic determinants responsible for phenotypic and biochemical properties of these breeds of chickens.Understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms that explain across-breed variation can help breeders develop improved chicken breeds.The whole-genomes of 140 chickens from 7 Shandong native breeds and 20 introduced recessive white chickens from China were re-sequenced.Comparative population genomics based on autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)revealed geographically based clusters among the chickens.Through genome-wide scans for selective sweeps,we identified thyroid stimulating hormone receptor(TSHR,reproductive traits,circadian rhythm),erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 like 1(EPB41L1,body size),and alkylglycerol monooxygenase(AGMO,aggressive behavior),as major candidate breed-specific determining genes in chickens.In addition,we used a machine learning classification model to predict chicken breeds based on the SNPs significantly associated with recourse characteristics,and the prediction accuracy was 92%,which can effectively achieve the breed identification of Laiwu Black chickens.We provide the first comprehensive genomic data of the Shandong indigenous chickens.Our analyses revealed phylogeographic patterns among the Shandong indigenous chickens and candidate genes that potentially contribute to breed-specific traits of the chickens.In addition,we developed a machine learning-based prediction model using SNP data to identify chicken breeds.The genetic basis of indigenous chicken breeds revealed in this study is useful to better understand the mechanisms underlying the resource characteristics of chicken.展开更多
Background The energy/protein imbalance in a low-protein diet induces lipid metabolism disorders in late-phase laying hens.Reducing energy levels in the low-protein diet to adjust the energy-to-protein ratio may impro...Background The energy/protein imbalance in a low-protein diet induces lipid metabolism disorders in late-phase laying hens.Reducing energy levels in the low-protein diet to adjust the energy-to-protein ratio may improve fat deposition,but this also decreases the laying performance of hens.This study investigated the mechanism by which different energy levels in the low-protein diet influences liver lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens through the enterohepatic axis to guide feed optimization and nutrition strategies.A total of 288 laying hens were randomly allocated to the normal-energy and normal-protein diet group(positive control:CK)or 1 of 3 groups:lowenergy and low-protein diet(LL),normal-energy and low-protein diet(NL),and high-energy and low-protein diet(HL)groups.The energy-to-protein ratios of the CK,LL,NL,and HL diets were 0.67,0.74,0.77,and 0.80,respectively.Results Compared with the CK group,egg quality deteriorated with increasing energy intake in late-phase laying hens fed low-protein diet.Hens fed LL,NL,and HL diets had significantly higher triglyceride,total cholesterol,acetylCo A carboxylase,and fatty acid synthase levels,but significantly lower hepatic lipase levels compared with the CK group.Liver transcriptome sequencing revealed that genes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation(ACOX1,HADHA,EHHADH,and ACAA1)were downregulated,whereas genes related to fatty acid synthesis(SCD,FASN,and ACACA)were upregulated in LL group compared with the CK group.Comparison of the cecal microbiome showed that in hens fed an LL diet,Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were enriched,whereas riboflavin metabolism was suppressed.Cecal metabolites that were most significantly affected by the LL diet included several vitamins,such as riboflavin(vitamin B2),pantethine(vitamin B5 derivative),pyridoxine(vitamin B6),and 4-pyridoxic acid.Conclusion A lipid metabolism disorder due to deficiencies of vitamin B2 and pantethine originating from the metabolism of the cecal microbiome may be the underlying reason for fat accumulation in the liver of late-phase laying hens fed an LL diet.Based on the present study,we propose that targeting vitamin B2 and pantethine(vitamin B5 derivative)might be an effective strategy for improving lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens fed a low-protein diet.展开更多
An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary pyridoxine on the gene expression of appetite-regulating peptides in the hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract of rabbits. Thirty-two rabbits were ran...An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary pyridoxine on the gene expression of appetite-regulating peptides in the hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract of rabbits. Thirty-two rabbits were randomly divided into 2 treatments for 8 weeks (16 replicates/group and 1 rabbit/replicate). The treatments were fed a basal diet (control, measured pyridoxine content is 4.51 mg/kg) and the basal diet with a pyridoxine supplementation at 10 mg/kg (pyridoxine, measured pyridoxine content is 14.64 mg/kg). The results showed that dietary pyridoxine did not significantly alter the mRNA levels of neuropeptide Y, agouti related peptide, pro-opiomelanocortin and cocaine, amphetamine regulated transcript, peptide YY and cholecystokinin in arcuate nucleus, peptide YY in jejunum and ileum, and cholecystokinin in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P > 0.05). Compared with the control, the mRNA levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone and melanocortin 4 receptor in paraventricular nuclei and peptide YY in duodenum were significantly decreased after pyridoxine treatment (P 0.05). In conclusion, the appetite genes of melanocortin 4 receptor and corticotropin-releasing hormone in paraventricular nuclei and peptide YY in duodenum are involved in the pyridoxine-caused hyperphagia.展开更多
The data of an experimental study of the influence of feeding and the conditional stimulus on digestive function in birds is presented. It is stated that feed consumption is a powerful stimulator of pancreatic secreti...The data of an experimental study of the influence of feeding and the conditional stimulus on digestive function in birds is presented. It is stated that feed consumption is a powerful stimulator of pancreatic secretion in broiler chicks. The secretory response of the pancreas was the highest in the morning when secretion of pancreatic juice was 1.8 times higher, amylase activity 3.2 times, proteases activity 3.3 times, lipase activity 2.1 times higher than before feeding (basal levels). The regulation of pancreatic activity is known to be complex-reflex with conditioned-reflex component being very important since it provides 25% higher juice secretion and 42% - 74% higher enzyme secretion compared to the basal levels during few minutes after the conditional signal.展开更多
Background： The broiler industry has undergone intense genetic selection over the past 50 yr. resulting in improvements for growth and feed efficiency, however, significant variation remains for performance and growt...Background： The broiler industry has undergone intense genetic selection over the past 50 yr. resulting in improvements for growth and feed efficiency, however, significant variation remains for performance and growth traits. Production improvements have been coupled with unfavourable metabolic consequences, including immunological trade-offs for growth, and excess fat deposition. To determine whether interactions between fatty acid（FA） metabolism and innate immunity may be associated with performance variations commonly seen within commercial broiler flocks, total carcass lipid %, carcass and blood FA composition, as wel as genes involved with FA metabolism, immunity and cel ular stress were investigated in male birds of a broiler strain, layer strain and F1 layer × broiler cross at d 14 post hatch. Heterophil：lymphocyte ratios, relative organ weights and bodyweight data were also compared.Results： Broiler bodyweight（n = 12） was four times that of layers（n = 12） by d 14 and had significantly higher carcass fat percentage compared to the cross（n = 6; P = 0.002） and layers（P = 0.017） which were not significantly different from each other（P = 0.523）. The carcass and whole blood FA analysis revealed differences in the FA composition between the three groups indicating altered FA metabolism, despite al being raised on the same diet. Genes associated with FA synthesis andβ-oxidation were upregulated in the broilers compared to the layers indicating a net overal increase in FA metabolism,which may be driven by the larger relative liver size as a percentage of bodyweight in the broilers. Genes involved in innate immunity such as TLR2 and TLR4, as wel as organel e stress indicators ERN1 and XBP1 were found to be nonsignificant, with the exception of high expression levels of XBP1 in layers compared to the cross and broilers. Additional y there was no difference in heterophil： lymphocytes between any of the birds.Conclusions： The results provide evidence that genetic selection may be associated with altered metabolic processes between broilers, layers and their F1 cross. Whilst there is no evidence of interactions between FA metabolism, innate immunity or cel ular stress, further investigations at later time points as growth and fat deposition increase would provide useful information as to the effects of divergent selection on key metabolic and immunological processes.展开更多
[Objective]In order to research on effect of different content of cottonseed meals on production performance and egg quality of Hisex laying hens. [Methods]120 Hisex laying hens of 37 weeks old are chosen,randomly div...[Objective]In order to research on effect of different content of cottonseed meals on production performance and egg quality of Hisex laying hens. [Methods]120 Hisex laying hens of 37 weeks old are chosen,randomly divided into four groups and three repetitions are set in each group,there are 10 hens in each repetition. Group I is the control group,II,III and IV are experimental groups. Cottonseed meal contents are respectively 5%,10% and 15%,with test cycle of 10 weeks,effects of different cottonseed meal dosages on Hisex laying hens production performance and egg quality are observed. [Results]When the diet is added with 5% to 15% of cottonseed meal,the average laying rate,average egg weight and feed-gain ratio all show downward trends when compared with that of the control group,but with no significant difference（ P 〉 0. 05）; eggshell strength,eggshell thickness,Haugh unit,egg shape index all show no significant difference（ P 〉0. 05）,with the increasement of cottonseed meal,the color of egg yolk got brighter,egg yolk color of 15% added group increased by 12%,show a significant difference with that of control group（ P 〈0. 05）. [Conclusion]When the feed was added with 15% cottonseed meals,it has an unconspicuous effect on laying performance and egg quality of Hisex laying hens,but whether it had an effect on animal health and food safety or not,a further systematic research is needed.展开更多
In the present feeding trial,responses of laying hens that were kept at high ambient temperature and Fed with various dietary ratios of linoleic acid(LNA)toα-linolenic acid(ALA)and vitamin A levels on production perf...In the present feeding trial,responses of laying hens that were kept at high ambient temperature and Fed with various dietary ratios of linoleic acid(LNA)toα-linolenic acid(ALA)and vitamin A levels on production performance and egg quality traits were evaluated.A total of 360 Leghorn laying hens at 40th week of age(average initial body weight;1.79±0.23 kg)were fed with various combinations of canola oil and linseed oil containing diets to achieve LNA to ALA dietary ratios of 20:1,10:1,4:1,2:1,1:1 and 1:2,each supplemented with 3000 or 10000 IU of vitamin A/kg of diet.The experiment was designed as a 6×2 factorial Completely Randomized Design that continued for 12 weeks.Feed intake,body weight gain,egg production and egg quality traits were recorded during the trial.Decreasing dietary LNA to ALA ratio or increasing poly unsaturated fatty acids(PUFA)in the diet decreased(P<0.05)body weight gain and yolk percentage in laying hens.Feed intake,hen-day and hen-housed egg production,feed conversion ratio(FCR)per dozen of eggs and shell quality remained unaffected(P>0.05)by dietary treatments.Feed conversion ratio per kg eggs,egg weight and egg-shell thickness showed a curvilinear(P<0.05)response to decreasing dietary LNA to ALA ratio.Although the dietary ratio of LNA to ALA of 4:1 or less could produce eggs by the hens with desirable quantities of n-6 and n-3 PUFA–that are characteristics of functional diets–the performance of laying hens in terms of body weight gain and egg-yolk percentage was slightly compromised.Therefore,a 4:1 or 2:1 LNA to ALA combination can make a borderline between the production traits and the feed economics.展开更多
Enhancing host immunity is an effective way to reduce morbidity in chickens.Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio(H/L)is associated with host disease resistance in birds.Chickens with different H/L levels show different dise...Enhancing host immunity is an effective way to reduce morbidity in chickens.Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio(H/L)is associated with host disease resistance in birds.Chickens with different H/L levels show different disease resistances.However,the utility of the H/L as an indicator of immune function needs to be further analyzed.In this study,a H/L directional breeding chicken line(Jingxing yellow chicken)was constructed,which has been bred for 12 generations.We compared the function of heterophils,and combined statistical analysis to explore the candidate genes and pathways related to H/L.The oxidative burst function of the heterophils isolated from the H/L selection line(G12)was increased(P=0.044)compared to the non-selection line(NS).The 22.44 Mb genomic regions which annotated 300 protein-coding genes were selected in the genome of G9(n=92)compared to NS(n=92)based on a genome-wide selective sweep.Several selective regions were identified containing genes like interferon induced with helicase C domain 1(IFIH1)and moesin(MSN)associated with the intracellular receptor signaling pathway,C–C motif chemokine receptor 6(CCR6),dipeptidyl peptidase 4(DPP4)and hemolytic complement(HC)associated with the negative regulation of leukocyte chemotaxis and tight junction protein 1(TJP1)associated with actin cytoskeleton organization.In addition,45 genome-wide significant indels containing 29 protein-coding genes were also identified as associated with the H/L based on genome-wide association study(GWAS).The expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 5(PTPN5)(r=0.75,P=0.033)and oxysterol binding protein like 5(OSBPL5)(r=0.89,P=0.0027)were positively correlated with H/L.Compared to the high H/L group,the expressions of PTPN5 and OSBPL5 were decreased(P<0.05)in the low H/L group of Beijing you chicken.The A/A allelic frequency of indel 5_13108985(P=3.85E–06)within OSBPL5 gradually increased from the NS to G5 and G9,and the individuals with A/A exhibited lower H/L than individuals with heterozygote A/ATCT(P=4.28E–04)and homozygous ATCT/ATCT(P=3.40E–05).Above results indicated oxidative burst function of heterophils were enhanced,and 22.44 Mb genomic regions were selected with the directional selection of H/L.In addition,PTPN5 and OSBPL5 genes were identified as H/L-related candidate genes.These findings revealed the complex genetic mechanism of H/L related to immunity and will allow selection for improving chicken immunity based on the H/L.展开更多
Background Domestic goose breeds are descended from either the Swan goose(Anser cygnoides)or the Greylag goose(Anser anser),exhibiting variations in body size,reproductive performance,egg production,feather color,and ...Background Domestic goose breeds are descended from either the Swan goose(Anser cygnoides)or the Greylag goose(Anser anser),exhibiting variations in body size,reproductive performance,egg production,feather color,and other phenotypic traits.Constructing a pan-genome facilitates a thorough identification of genetic variations,thereby deepening our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diversity and phenotypic variability.Results To comprehensively facilitate population genomic and pan-genomic analyses in geese,we embarked on the task of 659 geese whole genome resequencing data and compiling a database of 155 RNA-seq samples.By constructing the pan-genome for geese,we generated non-reference contigs totaling 612 Mb,unveiling a collection of 2,813 novel genes and pinpointing 15,567 core genes,1,324 softcore genes,2,734 shell genes,and 878 cloud genes in goose genomes.Furthermore,we detected an 81.97 Mb genomic region showing signs of genome selection,encompassing the TGFBR2 gene correlated with variations in body weight among geese.Genome-wide association studies utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and presence-absence variation revealed significant genomic associations with various goose meat quality,reproductive,and body composition traits.For instance,a gene encoding the SVEP1 protein was linked to carcass oblique length,and a distinct gene-CDS haplotype of the SVEP1 gene exhibited an association with carcass oblique length.Notably,the pan-genome analysis revealed enrichment of variable genes in the“hair follicle maturation”Gene Ontology term,potentially linked to the selection of feather-related traits in geese.A gene presence-absence variation analysis suggested a reduced frequency of genes associated with“regulation of heart contraction”in domesticated geese compared to their wild counterparts.Our study provided novel insights into gene expression features and functions by integrating gene expression patterns across multiple organs and tissues in geese and analyzing population variation.Conclusion This accomplishment originates from the discernment of a multitude of selection signals and candidate genes associated with a wide array of traits,thereby markedly enhancing our understanding of the processes underlying domestication and breeding in geese.Moreover,assembling the pan-genome for geese has yielded a comprehensive apprehension of the goose genome,establishing it as an indispensable asset poised to offer innovative viewpoints and make substantial contributions to future geese breeding initiatives.展开更多
基金the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFD0500203 and 2018YFF0213503)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31770136)。
文摘The number of intensive livestock and poultry farms is expected to increase substantially in future because of consumer demand.Unfortunately,such demand also results in a great deal of manure being generated,which threatens the environment if it is not properly managed.Concurrent developments in biotransformation of these wastes with the black soldier fly(BSF),Hermetia illucens(L.)(Diptera:Stratiomydiae),demonstrates such concerns can be abated,while also producing products(e.g.,protein,chitin,biodiesel,and fertilizer)of value.In this review,we analyzed the factors influencing black soldier fly larvae(BSFL)conversion processes,the role of microorganisms,and the mechanisms used by BSFL when converting livestock and poultry manure into these valuable products.The effects of BSFL conversion technology on reducing the hazards of such materials and their associated pathogens are reviewed,and the economics of livestock and poultry manure conversion by BSF larvae is discussed.
文摘To assess the status of environmental beating capacity of livestock and poultry manure in Nanjing City, the environmental pollution warning value and environmental bearing potential of livestock and poultry manure in various districts of Nanjing were calculated according to livestock and poultry manure discharge coefticiem and manure content. The results showed that based on planting-breeding pattern, the livestock and poultry manure load in Nanjing City was 14.08 t/hm2 pig manure equivalent; the warning values of environmental bearing capacity of livestock and poultry breeding calculated by nitrogen and phosphor- us were 0.23 and 0.26, respectively, which were within the scope of environmental hearing capacity, with no threat to the environment. Under the premise of reasonable planing of livestock and poultry breeding and comprehensive utilization of manure, the environmental beating potential of livestock and poultry breed- ing in Nanjing City were 5. 667 3 million （nitrogen） and 11. 109 1 million （phosphorus） pigs equivalent, and there were nearly one third of bearing space more than the existing total breeding quantity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32302864 and 31572533)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation,China(ZR2021QC185)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences,China(CXGC2023F11)。
文摘The blood-brain barrier(BBB)keeps poisons and infections out of the brain.Some viruses can pass through this barrier and replicate in the central nervous system(CNS).Velogenic Newcastle disease virus(VNDV)is a neurotropic virus that causes avian nonsuppurative encephalitis.VNDV often develops into a chronic infection that seriously affects poultry health in partially immune birds.The routes by which the virus enters the chicken brain are poorly understood.In this study,we discovered that VNDV increased BBB permeability in vivo and in vitro by breaking the tight junction protein zona occludens-1(ZO-1)continuity of chicken brain microvascular endothelial cells(chBMECs).By investigating the susceptibility of chBMECs to NDV infection,we found that VNDV but not lentogenic NDV was detected in the basolateral compartment in transwell assays after apical infection,suggesting that efficient replication and transcellular transport of the virus across the BBB in vitro.Furthermore,viral replication and BBB permeability were reduced during the early stage of infection by using the dynamin inhibitor dynasore.Our data demonstrate that VNDV invades the chicken brain by infecting and damaging the tight junction of chBMECs directly to increase BBB permeability.VNDV could infect chBMECs via endocytosis.As a result,our findings provide compelling evidence for VNDV entrance into the brain via the BBB,paving the way for the development of medications for NDV prevention and therapy.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2103003)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972604)+1 种基金Jinan Introductory Innovation Team Project(No.202228037)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M730998).
文摘Background AflatoxinB1(AFB_(1))is a prevalent contaminant in agricultural products,presenting significant risks to animal health.CotA laccase from Bacillus licheniformis has shown significant efficacy in degrading mycotoxins in vitro test.The efficacy of Bacillus CotA laccase in animals,however,remains to be confirmed.A 2×2 factorial design was used to investigate the effects of Bacillus CotA laccase level(0 or 1 U/kg),AFB_(1) challenge(challenged or unchal-lenged)and their interactions on ducks.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus CotA laccase in alleviatingAFB_(1) toxicosis of ducks.Results Bacillus CotA laccase alleviatedAFB_(1)-induced declines in growth performance of ducks accompanied by improved average daily gain(ADG)and lower feed/gain ratio(F/G).Bacillus CotA laccase amelioratedAFB_(1)-induced gut barrier dysfunctions and inflammation testified by increasing the jejunal villi height/crypt depth ratio(VH/CD)and the mRNA expression of tight junction protein 1(TJP1)and zonula occluden-1(ZO-1)as well as decreasing the expression of inflammation-related genes in the jejunum of ducks.Amino acid metabolome showed that Bacillus CotA laccase amelioratedAFB_(1)-induced amino acid metabolism disorders evidenced by increasing the level of glu-tamic acid in serum and upregulating the expression of amino acid transport related genes in jejunum of ducks.Bacil-lus CotA laccase amelioratedAFB_(1)-induced liver injury testified by suppressing oxidative stress,inhibiting apoptosis,and downregulating the expression of hepatic metabolic enzyme related genes of ducks.Moreover,Bacillus CotA laccase degradedAFB_(1) in digestive tract of ducks,resulting in the reduced absorption level ofAFB_(1) across intestinal epithelium testified by the decreased level ofAFB_(1)-DNA adduct in the liver,and the reduced content ofAFB_(1) residues in liver and feces of ducks.Conclusions Bacillus CotA laccase effectively improved the growth performance,intestinal health,amino acid metabolism and hepatic aflatoxin metabolism of ducks fedAFB_(1) diets,highlighting its potential as an efficient and safe feed enzyme forAFB_(1) degradation in animal production.
基金supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jiangxi Province,China (JXARS-09)Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province,China (2020B1212060060)。
文摘Pigeons and certain other avian species produce a milklike secretion in their crop sacs to nourish offspring,yet the detailed processes involved are not fully elucidated.This study investigated the crop sacs of 225-day-old unpaired non-lactating male pigeons(MN)and males initiating lactation on the first day after incubation(ML).Using RNA sequencing,ribosomeprofiling,andsingle-cell transcriptome sequencing(scRNA-seq),we identified a significant up-regulation of genes associated with ribosome assembly and protein synthesis in ML compared to MN.Results from scRNA-seq analysis identified 12distinct cell types and 22 clusters,with secretory epithelial cells(SECs)exhibiting marked expression of plasma cell markers,including IGLL1 and MZB1.RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization(RNA FISH)and IgY quantification confirmed the critical role of SECs in producing endogenous IgY during lactation.We propose that fibroblast-derived BAFF signals activate SECs,mimicking B cell transformation and enhancing protein production through the unfolded protein response(UPR).These findings shed light on the cellular dynamics of pigeon milk production and contribute to a broader understanding of avian biology.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31101783 and 31472164)the Special Fund for Independent Innovation of Agricultural Science and Technology in Jiangsu Province of China(No.CX(13)3070)
文摘Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. Green-shell laying hens were randomly assigned to a free range group and two caged groups, one with low-density and the other with high-density housing. Each group was further divided into control（C） and taurine treatment（T） groups. All hens were fed the same basic diet except that the T groups＇ diet was supplemented with 0.1% taurine. The experiment lasted 15 d. Survival rates, laying rates, daily feed consumption, and daily weight gain were recorded. Histological changes, inflammatory mediator levels, and oxidation and anti-oxidation levels were determined. The results show that dietary taurine supplementation and reduced housing density significantly attenuated pathophysiological changes in the oviduct. Nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） DNA binding activity increased significantly in the high-density housing group compared with the two other housing groups and was reduced by taurine supplementation. Tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） m RNA expression in the high-density and low-density C and T groups increased significantly. In the free range and low-density groups, dietary taurine significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α m RNA. Supplementation with taurine decreased interferon-γ（IFN-γ） m RNA expression significantly in the low-density groups. Interleukin 4（IL-4） m RNA expression was significantly higher in caged hens. IL-10 m RNA expression was higher in the high-density C group than in the free range and low-density C groups. Supplementation with taurine decreased IL-10 m RNA expression significantly in the high-density group and increased superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity in the free range hens. We conclude that taurine has important protective effects against oviduct damage. Reducing housing density also results in less oxidative stress, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and lower levels of inflammatory mediators in the oviduct. Therefore, both dietary taurine and reduced housing density can ameliorate oviduct injury, enhance oviduct health, and promote egg production in laying hens.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31301967)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,China(BK20161322)+4 种基金the projects of Key Laboratory for Poultry Genetics and Breeding of Jiangsu Province(JQLAB-ZZ-201703)the Major Breeding Programs in Jiangsu Province,China(PZCZ201728)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-41)the Independent Scientific Foundation of Public Welfare Scientific Institutes in Jiangsu Province,China(BM2018026)the Open Projects of Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding,Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China(CGB-201704)。
文摘Previous studies on mammals showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α(PGC-1α)played a prominent role in regulating muscle fiber type transition and composition.However,the role of PGC-1αin chicken muscle has seldom been explored.To investigate the effect of PGC-1αon chicken skeletal muscles in this study,the PGC-1αgene was overexpressed or silenced in chicken primary myoblasts by using lentivirus,and then the effects of the PGC-1αgene overexpression and knockdown on the mRNA expression profile of genes related to myofiber type specificity were examined during fiber formation.The results showed that overexpression of PGC-1αfrom proliferation to differentiation was accompanied by the up-regulated expression of Pax7,MyoD,and CnAα,which was significantly(P<0.01)increased after one day of transfection(1 I).The enhancement of MyoG,MEF2 c,and MyHC SM expression lagged,which was improved significantly(P<0.01)after four days of transfection(1 I3 D).Overexpression of PGC-1αdecreased(P<0.01)the MyHC FWM expression after four days of transfection(1 I3 D),and it had no significant impact(P>0.05)on the expression of CnB1,NFATc3,and MyHC FRM during myofiber formation.The effective silence(P<0.01)of PGC-1αby lentivirus mediating short hairpin RNA(shRNA)was detected after four days of transfection(1 I3 D)in cultures,and the lack of its function in chicken primary myoblasts significantly(P<0.01)down-regulated the expression of Pax7,MyoD,CnAα,MyoG,MEF2 c,and MyHC SM,significantly(P<0.01)up-regulated the expression of MyHC FWM,and had no significant impact(P>0.05)on the expression of CnB1,NFATc3,and MyHC FRM.These results indicated that the role of PGC-1αin regulating the fiber type specificity of chicken skeletal muscles might be similar to that in mammals,which interplayed with key genes related to myocyte differentiation and calcineurin signaling pathway.
基金supported by the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System (CARS-41)the earmarked fund for Jiangsu Agricultural Industry Technology System, China (JATS[2021]396)+6 种基金the Special Fund for Major Breeding Programs in Jiangsu Province (PZCZ201728)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20161322, BK20211121, and BK20210955)the Projects of Key Laboratory for Poultry Genetics and Breeding of Jiangsu Province (JQLAB-ZZ-201703)the Open Project Program of Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, China (JILAR-KF202020)the Yangzhou Science and Technology Support Program for Modem Agriculture (YZ2021029)the Jiangsu Provincal Agricultural Independent Innovation Fund Project (CX(21)2011-1)the Independent Scientific Foundation of Public Welfare Scientific Institutes of Jiangsu Province (BM2018026)。
文摘The mechanisms that regulate the specificity and maintenance of chicken muscle fiber types remain largely unknown. In mammals, CSRP3 has been shown to play a vital role in the maintenance of typical muscle structure and function. This study investigated the role that CSRP3 plays in chicken skeletal muscle. First, the antibody against chicken CSRP3 protein was prepared, and the expression levels of the mRNA and protein of the CSRP3 gene in four chicken skeletal muscles with different myofiber compositions were compared. Then the effects of CSRP3 silencing on the expression profile of chicken myoblast transcriptomes were analyzed. The results showed that the expression levels of the mRNA and protein of the CSRP3 gene were both associated with the composition of fiber types in chicken skeletal muscles. A total of 650 genes with at least 1.5-fold differences(Q<0.05) were identified, of which 255 genes were upregulated and 395 genes were downregulated by CSRP3 silencing. Functional enrichment showed that several pathways, including adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, adipocytokine signaling pathway and apelin signaling pathway, were significantly(P<0.05) enriched both in differentially expressed genes and all expressed genes. The co-expressed gene network suggested that CSRP3 silencing caused a compensatory upregulation(Q<0.05) of genes related to the assembly of myofibrils, muscle differentiation, and contraction. Meanwhile, two fast myosin heavy chain genes(MyH1B and MyH1E)were upregulated(Q<0.05) upon CSRP3 silencing. These results suggested that CSRP3 plays a crucial role in chicken myofiber composition, and affects the distribution of chicken myofiber types, probably by regulating the expression of MyH1B and MyH1E.
基金the earmarked fund for Jiangsu Agricultural Industry Technology System(JATS[2021]403)Su Xi Broiler Industry Cluster Project(2022)。
文摘Background:Research on nutrition in early-life commonly focuses on the maturation of the intestine because the intestinal system is crucial for ensuring continued growth.To explore the importance of early nutrition regulation in animals,soy protein concentrate(SPC)was added to the early diet of broilers to investigate its effects on amino acid digestibility,intestinal development,especially intestinal microorganisms,and broiler metabolites.A total of 192 oneday-old Arbor Acres(AA)male broilers were randomly assigned to two experimental treatments with 8 replicates of 12 birds.The control group was fed a basal diet(control),and the treatment group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 12%SPC(SPC12)during the first 10 d(starter phase).From d 11 to 21(grower phase)and d 22 to 42(finisher phase),a basal diet was fed to both treatment groups.Results:SPC reduced the pH value and acid-binding capacity of the starter diet(P<0.05,d 10);SPC in the early diet enhanced the gizzard weight(P<0.05,d 10 and d 42)and the ileum weight(P<0.05,d 10)and decreased the weight and length of the jejunum(P<0.05,d 10)and the relative length of the duodenum and jejunum(P<0.05,d 10).At the same time,SPC enhanced villus height(P<0.05,d 10)and muscle thickness in the jejunum and ileum(P<0.05,d 10)and increased the number of goblet cells in the duodenum(P<0.05,d 10).Meanwhile,SPC increased the Chao1 index and the ACE index(P<0.05,d 10)and altered the composition of caecal microflora at d 10.SPC also increased the relative abundance of Alistipes,Anaerotruncus,Erysipelatoclostridium,Intestinimonas and Flavonifractor bacteria(P<0.05,d 10).At the same time,the concentrations of caecal butyric acid and total short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)were also increased in the SPC12 group(P<0.05,d 10).Conclusions:In summary,the results showed that supplementing the starter diet of broilers with SPC has a significant effect on the early development of the intestine and the microflora.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31672512)Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest(201003011)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(KYZ201212)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘Background: Vitellogenin(VTG) is a precursor of egg yolk proteins synthesized within the liver of oviparous vertebrates. Betaine is an important methyl donor that is reported to improve egg production of laying hens with an unclear mechanism. In the present study, we fed betaine-supplemented diet(0.5%) to laying hens for 4 wk and investigated its effect on VTGII expression in the liver.Results: Betaine did not affect chicken weight, but significantly(P < 0.05) increased egg laying rate accompanied with a significant(P < 0.05) increase in hepatic concentration and plasma level of VTGI. Plasma estrogen level did not change,but the hepatic expression of estrogen receptor α(ERα) mR NA was significantly(P < 0.05) up-regulated. Betaine did not affect the protein content of ERα, but significantly(P < 0.05) increased hepatic expression of glucocorticoid receptor(GR)at both mR NA and protein levels. Also, ERα/GR interaction tended to be enhanced in the liver nuclear lysates of betainesupplemented hens as determined by co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, dietary betaine supplementation significantly increased(P < 0.05) the hepatic expression of methyl-transfer enzymes, such as BHMT, GNMT, and DNMT1,which was associated with higher SAM/SAH ratio and hypomethylation of GR promoter regions.Conclusions: Betaine activates hepatic VTGII expression in association with modified DNA methylation of GR gene promoter, GR expression and ERα/GR interaction. Activation of hepatic VTGII expression may contribute, at least partly, to improved egg production in betaine-supplemented hens.
基金funded by the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-41)the Agricultural Breed Project of Shandong Province,China(2019LZGC019 and 2020LZGC013)+1 种基金the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation,China(ZR2020MC169)the Agricultural Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences,China(CXGC2022C04 and CXGC2022E11).
文摘Many different chicken breeds are found around the world,their features vary among them,and they are valuable resources.Currently,there is a huge lack of knowledge of the genetic determinants responsible for phenotypic and biochemical properties of these breeds of chickens.Understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms that explain across-breed variation can help breeders develop improved chicken breeds.The whole-genomes of 140 chickens from 7 Shandong native breeds and 20 introduced recessive white chickens from China were re-sequenced.Comparative population genomics based on autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)revealed geographically based clusters among the chickens.Through genome-wide scans for selective sweeps,we identified thyroid stimulating hormone receptor(TSHR,reproductive traits,circadian rhythm),erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 like 1(EPB41L1,body size),and alkylglycerol monooxygenase(AGMO,aggressive behavior),as major candidate breed-specific determining genes in chickens.In addition,we used a machine learning classification model to predict chicken breeds based on the SNPs significantly associated with recourse characteristics,and the prediction accuracy was 92%,which can effectively achieve the breed identification of Laiwu Black chickens.We provide the first comprehensive genomic data of the Shandong indigenous chickens.Our analyses revealed phylogeographic patterns among the Shandong indigenous chickens and candidate genes that potentially contribute to breed-specific traits of the chickens.In addition,we developed a machine learning-based prediction model using SNP data to identify chicken breeds.The genetic basis of indigenous chicken breeds revealed in this study is useful to better understand the mechanisms underlying the resource characteristics of chicken.
基金supported by China Agriculture Research System(No.CARS-40-S25)National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFD1601905)+1 种基金the Industrial Innovation Talent Project of the“Xing Dian Talent Support Program”of Yunnan Province in 2022(XDYC-CYCX-2022–0029)the Young Talent Project of the“Xing Dian Talent Support Program”of Yunnan Province in 2023。
文摘Background The energy/protein imbalance in a low-protein diet induces lipid metabolism disorders in late-phase laying hens.Reducing energy levels in the low-protein diet to adjust the energy-to-protein ratio may improve fat deposition,but this also decreases the laying performance of hens.This study investigated the mechanism by which different energy levels in the low-protein diet influences liver lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens through the enterohepatic axis to guide feed optimization and nutrition strategies.A total of 288 laying hens were randomly allocated to the normal-energy and normal-protein diet group(positive control:CK)or 1 of 3 groups:lowenergy and low-protein diet(LL),normal-energy and low-protein diet(NL),and high-energy and low-protein diet(HL)groups.The energy-to-protein ratios of the CK,LL,NL,and HL diets were 0.67,0.74,0.77,and 0.80,respectively.Results Compared with the CK group,egg quality deteriorated with increasing energy intake in late-phase laying hens fed low-protein diet.Hens fed LL,NL,and HL diets had significantly higher triglyceride,total cholesterol,acetylCo A carboxylase,and fatty acid synthase levels,but significantly lower hepatic lipase levels compared with the CK group.Liver transcriptome sequencing revealed that genes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation(ACOX1,HADHA,EHHADH,and ACAA1)were downregulated,whereas genes related to fatty acid synthesis(SCD,FASN,and ACACA)were upregulated in LL group compared with the CK group.Comparison of the cecal microbiome showed that in hens fed an LL diet,Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were enriched,whereas riboflavin metabolism was suppressed.Cecal metabolites that were most significantly affected by the LL diet included several vitamins,such as riboflavin(vitamin B2),pantethine(vitamin B5 derivative),pyridoxine(vitamin B6),and 4-pyridoxic acid.Conclusion A lipid metabolism disorder due to deficiencies of vitamin B2 and pantethine originating from the metabolism of the cecal microbiome may be the underlying reason for fat accumulation in the liver of late-phase laying hens fed an LL diet.Based on the present study,we propose that targeting vitamin B2 and pantethine(vitamin B5 derivative)might be an effective strategy for improving lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens fed a low-protein diet.
文摘An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary pyridoxine on the gene expression of appetite-regulating peptides in the hypothalamus and gastrointestinal tract of rabbits. Thirty-two rabbits were randomly divided into 2 treatments for 8 weeks (16 replicates/group and 1 rabbit/replicate). The treatments were fed a basal diet (control, measured pyridoxine content is 4.51 mg/kg) and the basal diet with a pyridoxine supplementation at 10 mg/kg (pyridoxine, measured pyridoxine content is 14.64 mg/kg). The results showed that dietary pyridoxine did not significantly alter the mRNA levels of neuropeptide Y, agouti related peptide, pro-opiomelanocortin and cocaine, amphetamine regulated transcript, peptide YY and cholecystokinin in arcuate nucleus, peptide YY in jejunum and ileum, and cholecystokinin in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P > 0.05). Compared with the control, the mRNA levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone and melanocortin 4 receptor in paraventricular nuclei and peptide YY in duodenum were significantly decreased after pyridoxine treatment (P 0.05). In conclusion, the appetite genes of melanocortin 4 receptor and corticotropin-releasing hormone in paraventricular nuclei and peptide YY in duodenum are involved in the pyridoxine-caused hyperphagia.
文摘The data of an experimental study of the influence of feeding and the conditional stimulus on digestive function in birds is presented. It is stated that feed consumption is a powerful stimulator of pancreatic secretion in broiler chicks. The secretory response of the pancreas was the highest in the morning when secretion of pancreatic juice was 1.8 times higher, amylase activity 3.2 times, proteases activity 3.3 times, lipase activity 2.1 times higher than before feeding (basal levels). The regulation of pancreatic activity is known to be complex-reflex with conditioned-reflex component being very important since it provides 25% higher juice secretion and 42% - 74% higher enzyme secretion compared to the basal levels during few minutes after the conditional signal.
基金financially supported by the Australian Poultry Cooperative Research Centre
文摘Background： The broiler industry has undergone intense genetic selection over the past 50 yr. resulting in improvements for growth and feed efficiency, however, significant variation remains for performance and growth traits. Production improvements have been coupled with unfavourable metabolic consequences, including immunological trade-offs for growth, and excess fat deposition. To determine whether interactions between fatty acid（FA） metabolism and innate immunity may be associated with performance variations commonly seen within commercial broiler flocks, total carcass lipid %, carcass and blood FA composition, as wel as genes involved with FA metabolism, immunity and cel ular stress were investigated in male birds of a broiler strain, layer strain and F1 layer × broiler cross at d 14 post hatch. Heterophil：lymphocyte ratios, relative organ weights and bodyweight data were also compared.Results： Broiler bodyweight（n = 12） was four times that of layers（n = 12） by d 14 and had significantly higher carcass fat percentage compared to the cross（n = 6; P = 0.002） and layers（P = 0.017） which were not significantly different from each other（P = 0.523）. The carcass and whole blood FA analysis revealed differences in the FA composition between the three groups indicating altered FA metabolism, despite al being raised on the same diet. Genes associated with FA synthesis andβ-oxidation were upregulated in the broilers compared to the layers indicating a net overal increase in FA metabolism,which may be driven by the larger relative liver size as a percentage of bodyweight in the broilers. Genes involved in innate immunity such as TLR2 and TLR4, as wel as organel e stress indicators ERN1 and XBP1 were found to be nonsignificant, with the exception of high expression levels of XBP1 in layers compared to the cross and broilers. Additional y there was no difference in heterophil： lymphocytes between any of the birds.Conclusions： The results provide evidence that genetic selection may be associated with altered metabolic processes between broilers, layers and their F1 cross. Whilst there is no evidence of interactions between FA metabolism, innate immunity or cel ular stress, further investigations at later time points as growth and fat deposition increase would provide useful information as to the effects of divergent selection on key metabolic and immunological processes.
基金Supported by Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Special Fund(nycytx-41-2B)Social Development Project of Yangzhou(yz2010080)
文摘[Objective]In order to research on effect of different content of cottonseed meals on production performance and egg quality of Hisex laying hens. [Methods]120 Hisex laying hens of 37 weeks old are chosen,randomly divided into four groups and three repetitions are set in each group,there are 10 hens in each repetition. Group I is the control group,II,III and IV are experimental groups. Cottonseed meal contents are respectively 5%,10% and 15%,with test cycle of 10 weeks,effects of different cottonseed meal dosages on Hisex laying hens production performance and egg quality are observed. [Results]When the diet is added with 5% to 15% of cottonseed meal,the average laying rate,average egg weight and feed-gain ratio all show downward trends when compared with that of the control group,but with no significant difference（ P 〉 0. 05）; eggshell strength,eggshell thickness,Haugh unit,egg shape index all show no significant difference（ P 〉0. 05）,with the increasement of cottonseed meal,the color of egg yolk got brighter,egg yolk color of 15% added group increased by 12%,show a significant difference with that of control group（ P 〈0. 05）. [Conclusion]When the feed was added with 15% cottonseed meals,it has an unconspicuous effect on laying performance and egg quality of Hisex laying hens,but whether it had an effect on animal health and food safety or not,a further systematic research is needed.
文摘In the present feeding trial,responses of laying hens that were kept at high ambient temperature and Fed with various dietary ratios of linoleic acid(LNA)toα-linolenic acid(ALA)and vitamin A levels on production performance and egg quality traits were evaluated.A total of 360 Leghorn laying hens at 40th week of age(average initial body weight;1.79±0.23 kg)were fed with various combinations of canola oil and linseed oil containing diets to achieve LNA to ALA dietary ratios of 20:1,10:1,4:1,2:1,1:1 and 1:2,each supplemented with 3000 or 10000 IU of vitamin A/kg of diet.The experiment was designed as a 6×2 factorial Completely Randomized Design that continued for 12 weeks.Feed intake,body weight gain,egg production and egg quality traits were recorded during the trial.Decreasing dietary LNA to ALA ratio or increasing poly unsaturated fatty acids(PUFA)in the diet decreased(P<0.05)body weight gain and yolk percentage in laying hens.Feed intake,hen-day and hen-housed egg production,feed conversion ratio(FCR)per dozen of eggs and shell quality remained unaffected(P>0.05)by dietary treatments.Feed conversion ratio per kg eggs,egg weight and egg-shell thickness showed a curvilinear(P<0.05)response to decreasing dietary LNA to ALA ratio.Although the dietary ratio of LNA to ALA of 4:1 or less could produce eggs by the hens with desirable quantities of n-6 and n-3 PUFA–that are characteristics of functional diets–the performance of laying hens in terms of body weight gain and egg-yolk percentage was slightly compromised.Therefore,a 4:1 or 2:1 LNA to ALA combination can make a borderline between the production traits and the feed economics.
基金supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072708)the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFE0128000)the Major Scientific Research Projects of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ZDRW202005).
文摘Enhancing host immunity is an effective way to reduce morbidity in chickens.Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio(H/L)is associated with host disease resistance in birds.Chickens with different H/L levels show different disease resistances.However,the utility of the H/L as an indicator of immune function needs to be further analyzed.In this study,a H/L directional breeding chicken line(Jingxing yellow chicken)was constructed,which has been bred for 12 generations.We compared the function of heterophils,and combined statistical analysis to explore the candidate genes and pathways related to H/L.The oxidative burst function of the heterophils isolated from the H/L selection line(G12)was increased(P=0.044)compared to the non-selection line(NS).The 22.44 Mb genomic regions which annotated 300 protein-coding genes were selected in the genome of G9(n=92)compared to NS(n=92)based on a genome-wide selective sweep.Several selective regions were identified containing genes like interferon induced with helicase C domain 1(IFIH1)and moesin(MSN)associated with the intracellular receptor signaling pathway,C–C motif chemokine receptor 6(CCR6),dipeptidyl peptidase 4(DPP4)and hemolytic complement(HC)associated with the negative regulation of leukocyte chemotaxis and tight junction protein 1(TJP1)associated with actin cytoskeleton organization.In addition,45 genome-wide significant indels containing 29 protein-coding genes were also identified as associated with the H/L based on genome-wide association study(GWAS).The expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 5(PTPN5)(r=0.75,P=0.033)and oxysterol binding protein like 5(OSBPL5)(r=0.89,P=0.0027)were positively correlated with H/L.Compared to the high H/L group,the expressions of PTPN5 and OSBPL5 were decreased(P<0.05)in the low H/L group of Beijing you chicken.The A/A allelic frequency of indel 5_13108985(P=3.85E–06)within OSBPL5 gradually increased from the NS to G5 and G9,and the individuals with A/A exhibited lower H/L than individuals with heterozygote A/ATCT(P=4.28E–04)and homozygous ATCT/ATCT(P=3.40E–05).Above results indicated oxidative burst function of heterophils were enhanced,and 22.44 Mb genomic regions were selected with the directional selection of H/L.In addition,PTPN5 and OSBPL5 genes were identified as H/L-related candidate genes.These findings revealed the complex genetic mechanism of H/L related to immunity and will allow selection for improving chicken immunity based on the H/L.
基金funding from several sources,including the Chongqing Scientific Research Institution Performance Incentive Project(grant number cstc2022jxjl80007)the Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System(grant number CARS-42-51)+5 种基金the Chongqing Scientific Research Institution Performance Incentive Project(grant number 22527 J)the Key R&D Project in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry of Rongchang(grant number No.22534C-22)Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing Project,grant number CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX0434Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Project,grant number 2022NSFSC0605Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Project,grant number 2021YFS0379the Chongqing Technology Innovation and Application Development Project(grant number No.cstc2021ycjh-bgzxm0248)。
文摘Background Domestic goose breeds are descended from either the Swan goose(Anser cygnoides)or the Greylag goose(Anser anser),exhibiting variations in body size,reproductive performance,egg production,feather color,and other phenotypic traits.Constructing a pan-genome facilitates a thorough identification of genetic variations,thereby deepening our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diversity and phenotypic variability.Results To comprehensively facilitate population genomic and pan-genomic analyses in geese,we embarked on the task of 659 geese whole genome resequencing data and compiling a database of 155 RNA-seq samples.By constructing the pan-genome for geese,we generated non-reference contigs totaling 612 Mb,unveiling a collection of 2,813 novel genes and pinpointing 15,567 core genes,1,324 softcore genes,2,734 shell genes,and 878 cloud genes in goose genomes.Furthermore,we detected an 81.97 Mb genomic region showing signs of genome selection,encompassing the TGFBR2 gene correlated with variations in body weight among geese.Genome-wide association studies utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and presence-absence variation revealed significant genomic associations with various goose meat quality,reproductive,and body composition traits.For instance,a gene encoding the SVEP1 protein was linked to carcass oblique length,and a distinct gene-CDS haplotype of the SVEP1 gene exhibited an association with carcass oblique length.Notably,the pan-genome analysis revealed enrichment of variable genes in the“hair follicle maturation”Gene Ontology term,potentially linked to the selection of feather-related traits in geese.A gene presence-absence variation analysis suggested a reduced frequency of genes associated with“regulation of heart contraction”in domesticated geese compared to their wild counterparts.Our study provided novel insights into gene expression features and functions by integrating gene expression patterns across multiple organs and tissues in geese and analyzing population variation.Conclusion This accomplishment originates from the discernment of a multitude of selection signals and candidate genes associated with a wide array of traits,thereby markedly enhancing our understanding of the processes underlying domestication and breeding in geese.Moreover,assembling the pan-genome for geese has yielded a comprehensive apprehension of the goose genome,establishing it as an indispensable asset poised to offer innovative viewpoints and make substantial contributions to future geese breeding initiatives.
