Neuropeptide B/W receptor-2 (NPBWR2) is a G protein-coupled receptor which is related to the regulation of feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, neuroendocrine function, and inflammatory pain. In addition, it plays a potential role in the regulation of stress, emotion, anxiety and fear responses. Interestingly, previous genomic analyses revealed variable levels of Bos javanicus introgression into Chinese indicine cattle, including a key adaptive region encompassing the NPBWR2 gene. By integrating introgression analysis with the Bovine Genome Variation Database, a banteng introgressed missense mutation (NC_083880.1: c.14C > G,Thr5Ser) of NPBWR2 was identified. The current study explored the allele frequency of this mutation in 1648 individuals representing 63 Chinese cattle breeds/populations using polymerase chain reaction amplification and whole genome resequencing methods. Here, we explored the prevalence of this variant in native Chinese cattle to instigate the introgression influence of B. javanicus on Chinese cattle.
Astragalus stems and leaves (ASL) represent a promising feed additive to improve cattle health and production efficiency. They are rich in nutrients and active substances, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other biological functions. With the advantages of high yield and low price, ASL are excellent potential feedstuff resources that could alleviate the shortage of conventional feed and reduce feeding costs. This review highlights the botanical characteristics, phytochemical components, nutritional and pharmacological effects of ASL, as well as their applications in cattle production, which could be beneficial for animal nutrition regulation and forage development.
Xizang sheep are vital economic livestock in plateau regions. Traditional surgical castration often induces stress and infection. Although immunization presents an alternative method, the physiological mechanisms underlying its effects in Xizang sheep remain unclear. Therefore, this study integrated serum immune-antioxidant indicators with hypothalamus-pituitary transcriptomics to investigate molecular mechanisms of GnRH immunization. Results indicated that serum IgA, IgG, IgM, SOD, and GSH in the immunization (IM) group were significantly higher than in control (CON) and surgical castration (SN) groups, while IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). RNA-seq analysis revealed that hypothalamic CYTB, ATP6, COX, ABLIM1, and ABI3 were significantly upregulated in IM group, whereas SHISA7 and PTPRO were significantly downregulated, with notable enrichment in prion disease, oxidative phosphorylation, and thermogenesis pathways. Pituitary RPL15 was upregulated while RPL10A, CACNA1D, ANK1, DDX3X, and KCNMA1 were significantly downregulated, showing enrichment in myofibril, contractile fiber, sarcomere, and cytosolic ribosome pathways. Association analysis revealed significant positive correlations between IgG and pituitary ATP6, CYTB, TNNI2, as well as hypothalamic COX1, COX, and ND4. In summary, GnRH immunization outperforms surgical castration by modulating hypothalamic-pituitary genes and enhancing immunity and antioxidants in plateau Xizang sheep, achieving integrated neuroendocrine-immune regulation for healthy husbandry of plateau Xizang sheep.
Managing fat accumulation is a critical goal in the poultry industry, with the liver being the primary site for lipid metabolism in chickens. This study used non-targeted metabolomics to investigate dynamic changes in metabolite composition in chicken liver across five physiological stages. A total of 1121 metabolites were identified, with 749 and 372 detected in positive- and negative-ion modes, respectively. The regulation of hepatic lipolysis involves numerous metabolic pathways, making it a complex process. We performed trend analysis of lipid, carbohydrate and amino acid-related metabolites. Age exerted major effects on hepatic metabolism, significantly enriching pathways including alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis identified 12 lipid-metabolism-related genes, showing a tendency of continuously increase. Potential functional genes influencing lipid metabolism-related pathways were identified through a comprehensive analysis of differential lipid-related metabolites and genes, including fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2), apovitellenin 1 (APOV1), vitellogenin 1 (VTG1), membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing protein 2 (MBOAT2) and ELOVL fatty acid elongase 1 (ELOVL1). These findings could help improve understanding of hepatic metabolism during different physiological stages and identify valuable biomarkers for specific metabolite accumulation.
This study provides a detailed genomic and evolutionary analysis of the heat shock protein (HSP) gene family in the chicken (Gallus gallus), identifying 64 HSP genes. The HSP40 (DNAJ) subfamily was the largest, with 39 members, followed by HSP70, HSP90, and smaller subfamilies. Phylogenetic and structural analyses indicated intricate evolutionary dynamics, encompassing both ancient and recent duplication events. The Ka/Ks ratio suggests that purifying selection is the dominant force, although significant segmental duplications (e.g. DNAJC28/DNAJC30) exhibit evidence of positive selection. Analysis of the protein-protein interaction network identified HSPA8, HSPA9, and HSP90B1 as central hubs. Functional enrichment revealed significant clusters associated with chaperone-mediated protein folding, protein complex assembly, and a novel cluster related to toxin transport. Expression profiling by RT-qPCR revealed notable tissue-specificity, with HSP90 and HSP40 exhibiting the highest upregulation (fold change > 3) in leg muscle relative to liver, highlighting their involvement in musculoskeletal stress adaptation. The findings establish a foundational resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms of stress resilience in poultry, highlighting specific gene families and functional modules as potential targets for enhancing thermotolerance and productivity.
This study was designed to assess the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of five sheep breeds in Shanxi Province, China, and to infer the heterosis potential based on their genetic relationships using 20 genome-wide microsatellite markers. Our analysis focused on the local Guangling Large Tail Sheep (GLLTS) breed and four introduced breeds: Hu Sheep (HS), Oula Tibetan Sheep (OLTS), Texel Sheep (TS), and Small Tail Han Sheep (STHLS). The results demonstrated that all microsatellite loci exhibited high levels of polymorphism, making them suitable for evaluating genetic diversity. The genetic parameters indicating that the five populations possess substantial genetic diversity. The genetic variation index (Fst) results among the five populations showed that moderate differentiation between populations. The genetic structure analysis results and the UPGMA clustering diagram were largely consistent. TS exhibited a distant genetic relationship with the other breeds, while HS and GLLTS shared the closest genetic relationship. Based on these genetic evidences, crossing GLLTS with TS or STHLS could potentially achieve a greater degree of heterosis. These research findings provide a molecular genetic foundation for analyzing the genetic diversity of sheep in Shanxi Province and offer guidance for hybrid breeding programs aimed at optimizing breed performance and resource conservation.
Kalmyk cattle are an important meat breed in Kazakhstan, valued for their strong physique, genetic stability, and adaptability. In this study, we investigated the mRNA expression of ELOVL fatty acid elongase 6 (ELOVL6) and CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 2 (CRTC2) across multiple tissues, and further examined their genetic variations and associations with growth and carcass traits in 200 Kalmyk cattle. Expression analysis showed that CRTC2 was most highly expressed in the heart and liver, whereas ELOVL6 was predominantly expressed in the spleen and large intestine, highlighting their tissue-specific expression patterns. In addition, we identified a polymorphic SNP (g.16511290A > G) in the 3'UTR of ELOVL6, with three genotypes (AA, AG, GG) and the G allele being dominant (0.520). Polymorphism information content (PIC) analysis indicated high genetic diversity at this locus. Importantly, this SNP was significantly associated with live weight and body oblique length (p < 0.05), and individuals carrying heterozygous AG genotype showed higher body weight and length. Collectively, these findings suggest that g.16511290A > G within ELOVL6 may serve as useful molecular markers for body measurements and meat traits, providing valuable resources for marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding programs.
Mastitis, an inflammation of the bovine mammary gland, reduces dairy productivity and poses significant health risks to Ethiopian dairy cattle. This study aimed to identify genomic regions associated with milk somatic cell score (SCS) and estimate its genetic parameters. The dataset included 1647 phenotypic cows, 6964 genotyped animals, and 39,976 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS) was conducted, accounting for fixed effects of parity, genomic breed composition, altitude, and lactation stage, and random effects of herd-year-calving-season and permanent environment. Genetic variance using 20 adjacent SNPs sliding windows explaining ≥1% of the total genetic variance were used for candidate genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) identifications. The estimated heritability of SCS was 0.11 ± 0.06. Genomic regions on BTA 15, 19, and 26 were identified associated with SCS, encompassing 116 genes, including MPP7, MPP8, MMP13, BIRC2, BIRC3, BTRC, SRSF1, and MPO, which are involved in immunity, inflammation, apoptosis, antimicrobial defense, and tissue remodeling. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that the genes are involved collagen catabolic process and IL-17 signaling pathway. These findings provide insights into genomic regions that could be targeted in genomic selection to improve mastitis resistance in Ethiopian dairy cattle.
This study explored the effects of dietary supplementation with a probiotic blend of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Bacillus velezensis on the performance and health of growing rabbits. Ninety-six rabbits were allocated into three groups and fed for eight weeks on diets containing either no probiotic (control), a low-dose probiotic (1 ml/kg of each probiotic strain), or a high-dose probiotic (2 ml/kg of each probiotic strain). Probiotic inclusion, particularly at the higher level, significantly enhanced final body weight, feed conversion ratio, and overall performance. Improvements were also noted in carcass characteristics, with greater yields in both forequarters and hindquarters. Blood biochemical analysis revealed elevated antioxidant enzyme activity and immunoglobulin levels, alongside reductions in lipid fractions and better liver and kidney function indicators. Meat quality also benefited, as shown by lower pH, reduced water holding capacity and cooking loss, and more favorable color metrics. Microbial analysis of cecal and feed samples indicated a notable increase in beneficial bacteria and a decline in pathogenic species in the probiotic-treated groups. These findings suggest that combined probiotic supplementation is a promising strategy for enhancing growth performance, meat quality, and gut health in rabbit production systems to produce a good final meat product.
The gastrointestinal microbiome is pivotal to nutrient utilization and productivity in dairy cattle. This study compared the ruminal and fecal microbiomes of Holstein, Jersey, and Jeju Black cattle using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and three taxonomic classification databases to identify microbial differences across breeds. A total of 25 samples were analysed to evaluate microbial composition, diversity, functional phenotypes, and interactions. Jeju Black cattle exhibited significantly higher ruminal diversity (p < 0.001), whereas Holstein and Jersey cows had more diverse fecal microbiomes. Prevotella, Ruminococcus and Succinivibrio dominated the rumen of commercial breeds, while Methanobrevibacter and Desulfovibrio were enriched in Jeju Black cattle. Amino acid prototrophs were abundant in Holstein and Jersey feces, while sulfur-metabolizing microbial phenotypes predominated in the Jeju Black rumen, with implications for nitrogen metabolism and methane production. Microbial network analysis revealed Mogibacterium as a high-centrality genus in Holstein and Jersey cows, and Anaerovibrio in Jersey cows, potentially linked to propionate production. Jeju Black cattle displayed distinct microbial interactions involving sulphur-reducing and methanogenic bacteria. These results might be showing breed-related microbiome variability, potentially influencing feed efficiency, fermentation, and emissions. However, future work should standardize diets, feeding conditions, sampling methods, and include performance metrics to clarify breed-specificity of microbiome-function relationships.
The growth of livestock is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, with genes like Non-SMC Condensin I complex subunit G (NCAPG) playing key roles in regulating growth. Previous studies have suggested that NCAPG is associated with growth traits in species such as cattle, sheep, and chickens. In this study, we comprehensively assessed NCAPG polymorphisms and their association with body weight (BW), chest circumference (CC), body height (BH), and body length (BL) at six stages (from newborn to 30 months) in 469 Nanjiang Yellow goats, utilizing the Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). Pearson correlation analysis revealed the strongest correlation between BW and CC (R = 0.91), followed by BW and BL (R = 0.87), and BW and BH (R = 0.89). Additionally, 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the NCAPG gene were identified, which were relatively conserved across closely related species. A notable missense mutation (g.5705 A > G) in exon 6 resulted in an amino acid substitution (281 Ile > Met), which may alter the physicochemical properties and conformation of the NCAPG protein. The resulting impairment in condensin function delays chromosome segregation, prolongs metaphase in growth plate stem cells, and enhances proliferative signaling, ultimately leading to variations in body size. Correlation analysis revealed that 13 of these SNPs were concurrently associated with multiple growth traits, including BH, BL, and CC. These polymorphisms in the NCAPG gene represent potential candidates for marker-assisted selection (MAS) to improve body size in Nanjiang Yellow goats.
Genomics offers a promising solution by enabling precise cattle selection and breeding to boost productivity and sustainability. In Peru, livestock plays a crucial role in the economy and food security. Despite its importance, the sector faces significant challenges, including poor pasture quality, limited conservation practices, a shortage of trained professionals, minimal use of genomic tools, and an incomplete understanding of the genetic potential of both native and introduced breeds. Since the 1940s, Peru has advanced in genetic improvement through artificial insemination, improved semen preservation, the establishment of a National Semen Bank, and the introduction of new breeds. Key developments have included embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, and pioneering cloning efforts. Future perspectives for livestock genomics in Peru involve expanding bioinformatics capacity, improving genomic infrastructure, and integrating genomic selection into national breeding strategies. This review discusses the history, current status, challenges, and future perspectives of livestock genomics in Peru.
Fistulated animals and rumen simulation systems are essential for evaluating the effects of ingredients like probiotics, proposed as sustainable alternatives to growth-promoting antibiotics in ruminant nutrition. This study assessed the impact of microencapsulated probiotics on the structure and functionality of an initial ruminal microbial community using in vivo (IVV) and in vitro (IVT) systems. The IVT system was inoculated with rumen fluid obtained from the cattle animal used as IVV system. Over time, both systems were analysed for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, microbial composition and functionality using next-generation sequencing. Physicochemical parameters were consistent across both systems and the inoculum, with an increase in propionate concentration observed. Although the microbial composition of IVV and IVT systems was highly similar (Pearson correlation of 0.869), significant differences in B-diversity were noted (p value = 0.023). The systems also exhibited high similarity in enzymatic profiles (correlation: 0.971) and metabolic pathways (correlation: 0.938), despite differences in functional B-diversity. Both systems showed increased production of fibrolytic enzymes, enhancing feed efficiency. The use of microencapsulated probiotics induced both taxonomic and functional changes in the initial microbial community of the IVT and IVV systems, which can be linked to the zootechnical effects of using probiotics as additives in ruminal animal nutrition.
This article strove to characterize and compare biochemical, oxidative, bacteriological and immunological semen properties in Zemplin, Liptov Baldspotted and New Zealand rabbits. Besides, bacteria were characterized using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Oxidative profile of semen was assessed using chemiluminescent and colorimetric protocols. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seminal plasma biochemistry was assessed with an automated clinical chemistry analyser. The lowest sperm concentration and motility were found in the Liptov Baldspotted ejaculates which also presented with significantly (p < 0.01) elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1, free radicals (p < 0.0001) and malondialdehyde (p < 0.0001) in comparison to New Zealand rabbits. The prevailing bacterial genera in semen were Stenotrophomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Micrococcus spp. and Acinetobacter spp. Significantly increased levels of alanine transaminase and creatinine (Crea) were found in New Zealand rabbits in comparison to the Liptov Baldspotted breed (p < 0.001). Overall, Liptov Baldspotted rabbits produced semen of lower quality than Zemplin and New Zealand rabbits, suggesting that this breed may be more predisposed to a higher susceptibility to internal and external stresses which may interfere with male fertility.
Cold ambient temperatures decrease semen quality. However, the effects of dietary energy sources on semen quality under cold stress conditions remain unclear. In the present study, purebred Yorkshire boars (572 days old) were fed diets supplemented with either fat (FAT), amino acid complex (AA), or dietary fiber beet pulp (BP) during the winter. The experiment was conducted for 84 days. Results showed that BP supplementation increased semen volume, sperm count, plasma immunoglobulin M level and the relative abundance of fecal norank_f_Erysipelotrichaceae (positively correlated with sperm viability), while decreasing the levels of interleukin-1β and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (p < 0.05). AA supplementation increased sperm density, progressive motility, and sperm velocity during weeks 7-12 (p < 0.05), while no significant effect was observed during weeks 1-6. The relative abundance of fecal Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 (positively correlated with sperm velocity) also was increased in the AA group. FAT supplementation had a minor effect on sperm progressive motility and average curvilinear velocity, which may be related to the increased relative abundance of fecal T2WK15B57 (negatively correlated with semen quality). In summary, daily supplementation with BP and AA improves sperm quality under cold stress conditions, likely through improvements in inflammation, immunity and intestinal microflora.
The objective of this study was to perform genome-wide association analysis and thus search for candidate genes for milk production and composition, milk coagulation properties (MCP), and milk protein profile in dairy sheep from a New Zealand flock. After quality control, 45,801 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were included in the analysis, 147 ewes, and 470 individual records. A total of 87 SNPs and 55 candidate genes were found across Ovis aries autosomes (OAR) 2, 3, 6, 16, 18, 20, 25, and 26. Of particular importance, were the candidate genes PDZRN4 for milk yield, and BMP2K for contents of αs1- and αs2-caseins. No SNPs were found in the casein genes, LALBA or PAEP. Only one SNP was significant for MCP, and overall, the genetic architecture of MCP was similar to that of ratio of casein to calcium, pH, lactose, and the ratio of casein to protein. Further studies with larger flocks and with genomic imputation are required to validate the findings of this study before incorporating markers or genes into breeding programmes.
Sheep breeding has been a fundamental aspect of livestock farming for thousands of years, supplying humans with wool, meat, and milk. As the livestock sector adapts to contemporary needs, the increasing global demand for animal products, fueled by population growth, highlights the significance of effective breeding techniques. Growth and meat traits are a key factor in sheep breeding, directly impacting resource efficiency and breeder profitability. In this review, we have explored the advantages of molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) and its specific applications in breeding meat sheep. We summarized research on quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), as well as variations in key genes, including myostatin (MSTN), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and calpastatin (CAST), associated with growth, meat quality, and carcass traits in sheep. The advancements in molecular breeding for meat sheep, along with improvements in sheep genetics, genomic selection, and genome editing, have enhanced our understanding of DNA markers and demonstrated the genetic diversity present in meat sheep, significantly enriching sheep breeding strategies. Improvements in sample size, phenotyping efficiency, and the integration of omics studies could enhance our understanding of gene interactions, enabling MAS technology to reach its full potential.
The advancement of genetic engineering in chickens has enabled significant advancement in developmental biology, bioreactors, and disease resilience. The development of CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering technology has further expanded the potential applications of genetic engineering in poultry. In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a direct in vivo transfection method, previously demonstrated to produce transgenic chickens, in generating gene knockout (KO) chickens. Specifically, we targeted the Interferon-α/β Receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and Interleukin 1 receptor, type I (IL1R1), both critical pathways in the inflammatory and antiviral responses. We designed guide RNAs targeting the genes and validated their efficiency in vivo via microinjection into the developing embryos. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of gene deletions in chimeric roosters, which were subsequently bred to produce G1 germline heterozygote KO offspring. Homozygous KO chickens were generated and subjected to phenotypic and functional analyses. Our results demonstrated successful generation of functional knockouts of both IFNAR1 and IL1R1 using a direct in vivo transfection. Overall, this study demonstrates that direct in vivo transfection provides a robust and predictable method for generating KO chickens, facilitating further research into avian immune responses and the development of antiviral strategies.
It is essential to identify potential genes and genetic variants associated with growth traits to enhance sheep breeding. Previous studies have suggested that the Rho GTPase-activating protein 24 (ARHGAP24) gene may influence the growth of some animals. However, no association has been established between polymorphisms in the ARHGAP24 gene and sheep growth traits. In this study, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ARHGAP24 gene of Hu sheep were detected, and functional SNPs associated with Hu sheep growth traits were identified. Twenty-six SNPs were discovered in Hu sheep. Association analysis revealed NC_056059.1:g.455981A > G was significantly associated with average daily gain from six months to one year of age, while NC_056059.1:g.456083 A > G was significantly associated with average daily gain from weaning to six months of age. The relative fluorescence activity (firefly luciferase and sea kidney luciferase) of haplotype GGGG was significantly lower than that of haplotypes GGAA, AAAA and AAGG. Furthermore, ARHGAP24 mRNA expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle of six-months-old sheep was significantly lower than birth sheep. The results showed that NC_056059.1:g.455981A > G and g NC_056059.1:g.456083A > G of ARHGAP24 gene were related to some growth traits of Hu sheep, and ARHGAP24 mRNA was differentially expressed in longissimus dorsi muscle of Hu sheep at different months of age, which could be used as a candidate gene for molecular marker-assisted selection of Hu sheep.
Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a traditional medicinal plant widely cultivated across China. The combination of EU and feed significantly affects the growth performance, intestinal microbiota composition, and metabolic characteristics of weaned piglets. Forty Landrace x Yorkshire piglets were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group receiving a basal diet, three treatment groups receiving a basal diet supplemented with EU and EU with mix energy (EU+ME), and EU with high protein and energy (EU+HPE), respectively. Growth performance was monitored over a 25-day feeding period, and fecal samples were collected for subsequent metagenomic sequencing and metabolomic analysis. Piglets supplemented with EU, EU+ME, and EU+HPE exhibited significantly improved growth performance, compared to the control group. Metagenomic analysis revealed significant alterations in gut microbiota composition, with increased beneficial bacterial classes and suppression of Prevotella spp. Metabolomic profiling demonstrated distinct metabolic alterations among the treatment groups, with pathway impact analysis highlighting enhanced protein synthesis and energy metabolism. Furthermore, EU supplementation did not affect porcine epidemic diarrhea virus activity in vitro but reduced LPS-induced intestinal inflammation. These findings suggest that EU could be a promising natural additive for improving piglet health and growth, with potential implications for managing post-weaning challenges in swine production.
