This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding different levels of valine (0.1% and 0.15% treatment groups) on the edible quality, nutritional quality, amino acid profile, fatty acid composition, and flavor of Tibetan sheep foreleg muscle. Targeted metabolomics was employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of meat quality and muscle metabolites. Additionally, GC-IMS was used to examine the effects of valine on the flavor of Tibetan sheep foreleg meat. The results indicated that the addition of valine significantly improved the quality of Tibetan sheep foreleg muscle (P<0.05). Compared with the control group (0% valine supplementation), the post-slaughter pH of foreleg muscle in the treatment groups (from 45 minutes to 24 hours) declined more slowly (with the slowest decline observed in the 0.15% treatment group), and the 0.15% treatment group exhibited the best color (L*43.06,a*33.57,b*16.66); the shear force of the foreleg meat from Tibetan sheep in the 0.1% and 0.15% treatment groups was reduced by 26.57% and 35.91% respectively, with tenderness significantly improved (P<0.05). In terms of nutritional quality, the 0.15% treatment group had the highest protein content (21.5 g/100 g) in the foreleg meat, whilst the 0.1% treatment group had the highest fat content (3.15 g/100 g), which was more than double that of the control group; The levels of essential amino acids such as isoleucine and threonine in the treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The 0.1% treatment group had the highest content of 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z-Eicosapentaenoic acid, whilst the 0.15% treatment group had the highest content of 11Z,14Z-Eicosadienoic acid. The 0.1% treatment group had the highest levels of 1-octen-3-ol-M, 1-pentanol-D, 1-hexanol-D, 1-hexanol-M and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone were highest in the 0.1% treatment group. ROAV analysis identified five key flavor compounds in the 0.1% treatment group (with 1-octene-3-ol monomer detected in greater quantities). Correlation analysis indicated that polyunsaturated fatty acids in Tibetan sheep forequarter meat may be more likely to promote the formation of aldehyde and ketone flavor compounds. In summary, the addition of valine to the diet can effectively improve the meat quality and flavor of Tibetan sheep foreleg muscle.
This experiment aims to investigate the effects of heterologous fecal filtrate transplantation (FFT) on the growth performance, slaughter performance, and intestinal development of chicks. Ten high-performing (top 10%) 42-day-old yellow broiler chickens were selected as FFT donors, and 84 one-day-old Jinling black chickens were selected as FFT recipients. The recipients were randomly divided into two groups, with six replicates per group, and seven chickens per replicate. The trial period was 21 days, divided into two phases: from 1 to 7 days of age, both the CON group and the FFT group were fed the experimental diet normally; from 8 to 21 days of age, with the FFT group receiving 0.4 mL of FFT liquid daily and the CON group receiving 0.4 mL of physiological saline daily. The results showed that in terms of growth performance: from 1 to 7 days of age, there was no significant difference in growth performance between the two groups (P>0.05); From the 8 to 14 day-old, 15 to 21 day-old, and 8 to 21 day-old stages, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) of the FFT group were extremely significantly lower than those of the CON group (P<0.01).In terms of slaughter performance: The slaughter weight of the FFT group was significantly higher than that of the CON group (P<0.05), while the abdominal fat weight and abdominal fat rate were extremely significantly lower than those of the CON group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in other indicators between the two groups. In terms of immune organ indices: There was no significant difference between the CON group and the FFT group. In terms of intestinal length: The lengths of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum in the FFT group were all extremely significantly higher than those of the CON group (P<0.01). In terms of jejunal mucosal tissue morphology, the villus height and crypt depth in the FFT group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (P<0.01), and the V/C value was significantly lower than that in the CON group. In terms of cecal microbiota: The number of Escherichia coli in the ceca of the FFT group was significantly lower than that in the CON group, while the number of Lactobacillus was significantly higher than that in the CON group (P<0.05).The results indicate that heterologous FFT can improve chick growth performance, reduce the feed-to-gain ratio, improve fat deposition, and enhance feed utilization by promoting intestinal development.
This study investigated the interactive effects of Aspergillus oryzae-fermented Flammulina velutipes residue (AOF) and concentrate-to-forage ratios on in vitro rumen fermentation in dairy goats. A 3×2 factorial design included three concentrate-to-forage ratios (70:30, C1; 50:50, C2; 30:70, C3) and two AOF levels (0, T0; 0.5%, T1) using a 72h in vitro fermentation. Significant interactions (P<0.05) between the two factors were observed for pH, ammonia nitrogen, microbial protein (MCP), butyric acid, acetic acid, and the acetic-to-propionic acid (AA/PA) ratio. Compared with C2T0, C2T1 showed increased gas production and organic matter degradation (P<0.01), but decreased AA/PA ratio and MCP (P<0.05). Notably, AOF caused the greatest MCP decrease in C1 (P<0.01), with negligible effects in C3 (P>0.05). In conclusion, C2T1 was the optimal diet, which altered fermentation patterns and improved degradation. However, due to MCP inhibition, its practical application requires further validation.
The experiment aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of Portulaca oleracea polysaccharide (POL-P) in preventing and treating enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. The active components of POL-P and their corresponding targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), PubChem database, and SwissTargetPrediction database. ETEC disease targets were screened using the GeneCards database and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database, and intersection targets were identified by constructing a Venn diagram. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database to screen core targets. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID database, and molecular docking validation was conducted using AutoDock Vina. The results showed that the active components of POL-P included galactose (Gal), arabinose (Ara), rhamnose (Rha), glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), galacturonic acid (GalA), and glucuronic acid (GlcA), with a total of 15 key targets related to ETEC being screened. 10 core targets, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor κB subunit 1 (NFKB1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), were identified through PPI network analysis. GO functional annotation involved 83 biological process terms, 21 cellular component terms, and 18 molecular function terms. KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 86 signaling pathways, primarily including the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, T-helper cell 17 (Th17) cell differentiation, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that the active components could spontaneously bind to the core target proteins, with binding energies ranging from -8.4 to -3.4 kcal/mol. The study indicates that POL-P exerts its preventive and therapeutic effects against ETEC infection by acting on targets such as TLR4, NFKB1, and MAPK1, and synergistically regulating multiple pathways including inflammatory responses and immune modulation.
Saline-alkaline waters are long-term low-yield or abandoned water resources worldwide. Due to their high salinity, high alkalinity, and complex ionic composition, most saline-alkali waters have not been effectively developed. Promoting the development of saline-alkali water fisheries and implementing an integrated fisheries-agriculture industrial strategy represent important pathways to meet the practical needs of saline-alkali land improvement in various regions. However, the unique physicochemical properties of saline-alkali water can adversely affect the growth, reproductive performance, and muscle quality of fish. Under moderate saline-alkali conditions, fish can achieve adaptation and survival through physiological mechanisms such as osmoregulation, specific ammonia nitrogen excretion, and acid-base regulation. Once the saline-alkali concentration exceeds the tolerance threshold, it can cause severe adverse effects on fish. In recent years, nutritional regulation has become an important research direction for alleviating saline-alkali stress damage in fish. This article systematically reviews the effects of saline-alkali stress on fish and the physiological adaptation mechanisms of fish, with a focus on the positive roles of nutritional regulation strategies in mitigating saline-alkali stress, aiming to provide a reference for the breeding of salt-tolerant aquaculture species and the development of specialized feeds for saline-alkali waters.
The experiment aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of ethyl acetate extracts from rhubarb and Scutellaria baicalensis under ruminal conditions, and to analyze their effects on ruminal microbial composition. Adult Hu sheep were used as rumen fluid donors. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella were inoculated into in vitro rumen fluid, followed by the addition of different concentrations of rhubarb and Scutellaria baicalensis ethyl acetate extracts. After 48 hours of fermentation, the pathogen colony counts and ruminal microbial composition were determined. The results showed that in rumen fluid inoculated with Escherichia coli, compared with the control group, the addition of 0.8 g/L rhubarb ethyl acetate extract and 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 g/L Scutellaria baicalensis ethyl acetate extract significantly increased colony counts (P<0.05). In rumen fluid inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, the addition of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g/L rhubarb ethyl acetate extract significantly increased colony counts (P<0.05), while the addition of 1.00 g/L and 1.50 g/L Scutellaria baicalensis ethyl acetate extract significantly reduced colony counts (P<0.05). In rumen fluid inoculated with Salmonella, different concentrations of rhubarb ethyl acetate extract (0.8, 1.6, 2.4 g/L) and Scutellaria baicalensis ethyl acetate extract (2.0, 3.0, 4.0 g/L) both significantly increased colony counts (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, in rumen fluid inoculated with Escherichia coli, the two herbal extracts significantly reduced the relative abundances of Comamonas and Arcobacter (P<0.05). In rumen fluid inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, they significantly reduced the relative abundances of Methylomicrobium, Methanobrevibacter, and Treponema (P<0.05). In rumen fluid inoculated with Salmonella, they significantly reduced the relative abundances of Rikenella, Arcobacter, and Treponema (P<0.05). The study shows that the rhubarb ethyl acetate extract exhibits no antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, or Staphylococcus aureus, whereas 1.00 to 1.50 g/L of the Scutellaria baicalensis ethyl acetate extract can significantly inhibit Staphylococcus aureus.
The experiment aimed to clarify the saline-alkali tolerance of three Sorghum grass seeds. Using SK-01, TG-12, and NM-03 as materials, the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) stress treatments on seed germination potential, germination rate, and germination index were measured. The membership function method was used to comprehensively evaluate their saline-alkali tolerance. The results showed that with increasing saline-alkali tolerance intensity, the germination potential, germination rate, vigor index, germination index, radicle length, and plumule length of all varieties generally decreased, while the relative salt (alkaline) damage rate increased. The tolerance of different Sorghum forage grass to NaCl ranked as SK-01 > TG-12 > NM-03, while their tolerance to NaHCO3 ranked as TG-12 > NM-03 > SK-01. The study shows that there are significant differences in the salt-tolerance of different Sorghum forage grass. Among them, SK-01 has a stronger tolerance to NaCl stress, while TG-12 has a stronger tolerance to NaHCO3 stress. Both of these can be excellent forage grass for cultivation in saline-alkali land.
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of lactic acid bacteria fermented feed on the growth performance, intestinal microbiota, serum biochemical indices, and immune function of weaned piglets. A total of 72 healthy weaned Bama Xiang piglets with an initial body weight of (5.33±0.45) kg (half male and half female) were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates per group and four piglets per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, experimental group 1 was fed the diet fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum alone, and experimental group 2 was fed the diet fermented with a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici. The pre-test period lasted for seven days, and the formal test period lasted for 35 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the final body weight and average daily gain (ADG) in experimental groups 1 and 2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) and diarrhea rate were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) concentrations in experimental groups 1 and 2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the total cholesterol (TC) and urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group and experimental group 1, the serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations in experimental group 2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the interleukin-6 (IL-6) content was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Intestinal microbiota diversity analysis showed that the Shannon index in experimental group 2 was significantly increased (P<0.05). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in experimental group 2 was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly decreased (P<0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium in experimental group 2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the relative abundances of Escherichia and Salmonella were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study shows that feeding lactic acid bacteria bio-fermented feed can improve the growth performance of weaned Bama Xiang piglets, enhance immune responses, improve serum biochemical indices, and optimize intestinal microbiota structure, with the combined fermentation of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici showing superior effects.
The experiment aimed to evaluate the growth performance and quality traits of forage triticale varieties in the Tangshan region, and to screen suitable varieties for multiple cropping in winter-fallow peanut fields. The plant height, yield, mineral content, and nutritional components of the 13 varieties were measured, and their production performance and feeding value were comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that Shida No.1 had the highest plant height, reaching 185.81 cm. Jisi No.4 exhibited the highest fresh forage yield and hay yield, at 63.27 t/hm2 and 14.76 t/hm2, respectively. Mule 3000 had the highest dry-to-fresh ratio and dry matter (DM) content, at 25.33% and 21.52%, respectively. Jisi No.6 had the highest crude protein (CP) content at 13.13% and the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content at 67.04%. Gannong No.2 had the lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) content at 40.14%, and had the highest total digestible nutrients (TDN) and milk production per ton of forage, at 57.81% and 1 222.34 kg/t, respectively. Mule 3001 had the highest crude ash (Ash) content at 9.61%. Jisi No.5 had the highest water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) concentrations, at 10.32% and 12.80%, respectively. Jisi No.6 had the highest relative feed value (RFV) at 80.64, while Gannong No.2 had the highest relative forage quality (RFQ) at 104.29. The study shows that Jisi No.6, Gannong No.2, Jisi No.5, and Jisi No.2 exhibit good overall performance and strong adaptability, making them suitable for popularization in winter-fallow peanut fields in the Tangshan region.
This experiment aimed to screen excellent Cyperus esculentus germplasm resources. Nine Cyperus esculentus varieties namely Dachangli, Xiaochangli, BY001, BY002, BY006, EY004, EY005, EY008, EY009 were selected as experimental materials. The agronomic traits and yield traits of these Cyperus esculentus germplasms were measured, and all varieties were comprehensively evaluated using correlation analysis, variation analysis, and principal component analysis. The results showed that among the nine Cyperus esculentus varieties, BY002 had the highest plant height (130.67 cm), which was significantly higher than that of Dachangli, Xiaochangli, BY001, BY006, EY004, and EY005 (P<0.05). Xiaochangli had the shortest leaf length (74.93 cm), while EY009 had the longest leaf length (98.85 cm), significantly longer than Xiaochangli, BY001, BY002, BY006, and EY005 (P<0.05). Leaf width ranged from 5.82 to 8.41 mm, with Xiaochangli having a significantly lower leaf width than other varieties (P<0.05). Dachangli exhibited the greatest stem thickness (7.02 mm), significantly thicker than all other varieties except BY001 (P<0.05). Dachangli had the highest dry tuber yield and fresh tuber yield; its fresh tuber yield was significantly higher than that of all other varieties (P<0.05), and its dry tuber yield was significantly higher than that of all other varieties except BY001 (P<0.05). EY005 had the highest dry grass yield and fresh grass yield, significantly higher than all other varieties (P<0.05). BY002 had the highest tuber dry-fresh ratio (59.64%), while Dachangli had the lowest (45.03%). The grass dry-fresh ratio ranged from 18.69% to 20.91%, with the ratio for EY009 being significantly higher than that for Dachangli and BY006 (P<0.05). Principal component analysis yielded a comprehensive ranking of the nine Cyperus esculentus varieties as follows Dachangli > EY008 > EY005 > EY009 > EY004 > BY001 > BY002 > BY006 > Xiaochangli. The study shows that the screened high-quality Cyperus esculentus germplasm is Dachangli. Subsequently, the nutritional components of this variety can be analyzed to provide a reference for the production of Cyperus esculentus germplasm.
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of yeast culture (YC) supplementation in cold season on the growth performance, serum indices, nutrient apparent digestibility, and rumen fermentation parameters of yaks in Xizang region. A total of 30 healthy yaks with a body weight of (283.20±18.45) kg were randomly divided into two groups, with three replicates per group and five yaks per replicate. The control group (group CON) was fed a basal diet, while the group YC was fed the basal diet supplemented with 50 g/(head·d) YC. The pre-test period was 10 days, and the formal test period was 90 days. The results showed that compared with the group CON, the total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in the group YC were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum total protein (TP) content in the group YC was significantly increased on days 45 and 90 (P<0.05), while the urea nitrogen (BUN) content was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the group YC was significantly decreased on days 45 and 90 (P<0.05), and the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was extremely increased (P<0.01). The apparent digestibilities of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the group YC were significantly increased (P<0.05). The rumen ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content in the group YC was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the microbial protein (MCP) content was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study shows that YC supplementation in cold season can promote the growth of yaks, improve nutrient apparent digestibility, and enhance antioxidant function.
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of liquid feeding with fermented sauce-flavored distillers' grains and grain distillers' syrup on the intestinal health, nutrient apparent digestibility, and serum biochemical indices of finishing pigs. A total of 80 'Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire' finishing pigs were randomly divided into two groups, with four replicates per group and 10 pigs per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet throughout the experiment. In the experimental group, 6% fermented sauce-flavored distillers' grains + 6% grain distillers' syrup were used to replace the equivalent amount of the basal diet in the early stage, and 9% fermented sauce-flavored distillers' grains + 8% grain distillers' syrup were used to replace the equivalent amount of the basal diet in the later stage. The pre-test period lasted for seven days, and the formal test period lasted for 77 days, including the early stage (days 1 to 49) and the later stage (days 50 to 77). The results showed that there were no significant differences in villus height, crypt depth, or villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in any intestinal segments between the experimental group and the control group (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the activities of trypsin, amylase, and lipase in the duodenum, as well as amylase activity in the jejunum of the experimental group were extremely decreased (P<0.01), while lipase activity in the jejunum and stomach was significantly increased (P<0.05), and lipase activity in the ileum was extremely increased (P<0.01). In both the early and later stages, the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the experimental group was extremely increased (P<0.01). In the early stage, the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) content in the experimental group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while glucose (GLU) content and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G) were extremely increased (P<0.01). In the later stage, the serum total protein (TP) content in the experimental group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations were extremely decreased (P<0.01). The study shows that liquid feeding with the gradual replacement of fermented sauce-flavored distillers' grains and grain distillers' syrup in the basal diet of finishing pigs can improve feed utilization efficiency without causing adverse effects on the intestine, liver, or kidneys. However, attention should be paid to the regulation of protein anabolism during the later finishing stage.
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on the growth performance, diarrhea rate, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal permeability in Simmental beef calves. A total of 40 beef calves with an initial body weight of (46.50±2.50) kg and age of (5±1) days were randomly divided into four groups, with 10 replicates per group, and one calf per replicate. The control group was fed a starter diet, while the experimental groups were fed the starter diet supplemented with 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% MLE, respectively. The pre-trial period lasted for six days, and the formal trial period lasted for 56 days. The results showed that the average daily gain in the 0.4% and 0.8% MLE supplementation groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the feed-to-gain ratio was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The diarrhea rate and fecal scores in the 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% MLE supplementation groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and crude protein (CP) in the 0.4% and 0.8% MLE supplementation groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum total protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) concentrations in the 0.4% and 0.8% MLE supplementation groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), while the urea nitrogen (BUN) content, total cholesterol (TC) content and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The serum D-lactate and endotoxin concentrations in the 0.4% and 0.8% MLE supplementation groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The study shows that supplementing an appropriate amount of MLE in the diet can improve growth performance, reduce diarrhea rate, enhance nutrient apparent digestibility, and improve serum biochemical indices and intestinal health in calves, with the optimal supplementation level being 0.4% MLE.
Vine tea flavonoids are the general term for flavonoids in vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), and dihydromyricetin (DHM) is the active ingredient with high content and in-depth research. Vine tea flavonoids exhibit multiple biological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and glucolipid metabolism-regulating activities. In livestock and poultry farming, vine tea flavonoids can improve growth performance, enhance intestinal mucosal barrier function, increase nutrient utilization efficiency, boost immunity, and improve product quality. Notably, they exhibit significant effects in alleviating diarrhea in weaned piglets, improving meat quality in broilers, and modulating rumen fermentation in ruminants, demonstrating broad application prospects as a green plant-derived alternative to antibiotic feed additives. This article reviews the physicochemical properties, biological functions, molecular signaling pathways involved in regulating animal health, and the application progress of vine tea flavonoids in livestock and poultry production, aiming to provide a reference for the precise application of vine tea flavonoids in large-scale livestock and poultry farming.
The experiment aimed to evaluate the nutritional levels and processing quality of commercial complete pelleted feeds for meat ducks, and to analyze their compliance with current standards. Two starter feeds (S1 and S2) and five grower feeds (A to E) were selected for determination of conventional nutritional components and pellet physical characteristics. The results showed that the moisture, crude protein, and crude fiber concentrations of all tested feeds met the relevant standard requirements. However, the crude fat content in starter feeds was insufficient, calcium content exceeded the standard, and the total phosphorus content of S2 was below the requirement. The phosphorus content of grower feeds A and E fell below the lower limit of the standard. Except for E, whose mean hardness met the standard, the pellet hardness of the other six feeds was generally low. Moreover, the coefficient of variation for hardness of E reached 71.46%, indicating poor stability of the pelleting process. The particle diameter of S1 was extremely higher than that of S2 (P<0.01), while its ratio of length to diameter was extremely lower than that of S2 (P<0.01). The ratio of length to diameter of C were significantly higher than those of B and E (P<0.05). The study shows that among the seven feeds evaluated, only B, C, and D met all standard requirements for conventional nutritional indices, while most feeds exhibited insufficient pellet hardness. It is recommended that feed manufacturers further optimize conditioning and pelleting process parameters while precisely regulating calcium-phosphorus balance and energy density, so as to improve the stability and uniformity of pellet physical quality.
The experiment aimed to clarify the production adaptability and silage utilization potential of rapeseed stubble multiple-cropping maize in the Qingyang region. Using Zhongnongda 691, Qiangshuo 98, and Xianfeng 1136 as materials, the agronomic traits, nutritional quality, and silage productivity were compared between spring-sowing and rapeseed stubble multiple-cropping modes, and correlation analysis among indicators was conducted. The results showed that the emergence rates of all three varieties exceeded 90.00% under both cropping modes. Under the multiple-cropping condition, all three varieties could develop to the grain dough stage, meeting the harvesting requirements for whole-plant silage. In terms of agronomic traits, the ear weight of Qiangshuo 98 was significantly higher than that of Zhongnongda 691 and Xianfeng 1136 under both cropping modes (P<0.05). The fresh weight per plant of Qiangshuo 98 and Zhongnongda 691 was significantly higher than that of Xianfeng 1136 (P<0.05), and the green leaf number of Zhongnongda 691 was significantly higher than that of Xianfeng 1136 (P<0.05). In terms of nutritional quality, Xianfeng 1136 had the highest dry matter content under both cropping modes. The starch content of Xianfeng 1136 was significantly higher than that of Zhongnongda 691 (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the contents of acidic detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, crude fat, and crude ash among the three varieties (P>0.05). The fresh forage yields of Qiangshuo 98 under spring-sowing and rapeseed stubble multiple-cropping modes were 108.02 t/hm2 and 121.99 t/hm2, the dry matter yields were 39.15 t/hm2 and 37.61 t/hm2, and the starch yields were 11.97 t/hm2 and 8.02 t/hm2, respectively, all of which were the highest among the three varieties. Correlation analysis showed that fresh weight per plant was positively correlated with plant height, ear height, green leaf number, and leaf width, while dry matter was positively correlated with starch. The study shows that rapeseed stubble multiple-cropping maize has good silage utilization potential in the Qingyang region, among which Qiangshuo 98 exhibits superior productivity and can be recommended as a preferred variety for local multiple-cropping silage maize.
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different crude protein levels in diets on the growth performance, blood indices, antioxidant capacity, and fecal traits of weaned kittens. A total of 36 kittens were randomly divided into three groups (half male and half female), with three replicates per group and four kittens per replicate. Groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ were fed isocaloric diets with crude protein levels of 35%, 40%, and 45%, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 42 days. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly higher than that of group Ⅰ (P<0.05), and the fecal score of groups Ⅰ and Ⅲ was extremely higher than that of group Ⅱ (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily water intake (ADWI) among the groups (P>0.05). The blood neutrophil count (NE) and platelet count (PLT) in group Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in group Ⅰ (P<0.05), the serum globulin (GLB) content was significantly higher than that in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ (P<0.05), and the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher than that in group Ⅰ (P<0.05). The study shows that a diet with a crude protein level of 40% is more effective in promoting the growth, maintaining immune metabolism and intestinal homeostasis of weaned kittens.
Against the strategic goals of comprehensively advancing rural revitalization and accelerating the construction of an agricultural powerhouse, promoting common prosperity for all people has become the starting point and ultimate goal of agricultural and rural modernization. As a critical link connecting upstream raw material supply with downstream livestock farming, the feed industry serves as an important entry point for building a shared interest community across the entire agricultural industry chain and promoting integrated urban-rural development. By integrating planting industry resources upstream and empowering livestock industry upgrading downstream, the feed industry has developed innovative models for linking and supporting farmers, including technology-driven empowerment, benefit-sharing alliances, resource recycling collaboration, and industrial-financial integration. These models have effectively broadened income channels for farmers, enhanced the synergistic efficiency of rural industrial chains, and driven the improvement of farmers' modern productivity through technology spillover effects. To further unleash industrial dividends and solve the current contradiction of poor connection between small farmers and the large market, efforts should be made to promote the revitalization of the feed industry from four aspects: Cultivating green new quality productive forces, promoting diversified industrial integration, strengthening green financial support, and improving benefit-sharing mechanisms, thereby achieving the synergistic advancement of sustainable industrial development and rural revitalization.
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on the production performance, egg quality, and antioxidant capacity of green-shell laying hens. A total of 360 healthy 30-week-old green-shell laying hens with similar production performance were randomly divided into four groups, with three replicates per group, and 30 hens per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 50 (group LG), 100 (group MG), and 150 mg/kg (group HG) astaxanthin, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 70 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the laying rate in groups MG and HG was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the feed-to-egg ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The eggshell strength and yolk color in the groups MG and HG were significantly improved (P<0.05). The albumen height in all experimental groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the eggshell yellowness (b*) value in the group HG was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum total protein (TP) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in the groups MG and HG were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the total cholesterol (TC) content was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in all experimental groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the groups MG and HG was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and SOD activity in the albumen of the groups MG and HG were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the MDA content was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The yolk T-AOC in all experimental groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), the SOD activity in the groups MG and HG was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the MDA content in the group HG was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study shows that dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg astaxanthin in green-shell laying hens can significantly improve production performance and egg quality, as well as enhance the antioxidant capacity of both the hens and their eggs. Considering the improvement effects and economic cost, the optimal dietary astaxanthin supplementation level for green-shell laying hens is 100 mg/kg.
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of a compound preparation of plant extracts and organic trace elements on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens. A total of 400 healthy 385-day-old Hyline grey laying hens were randomly divided into two groups, with five replicates per group and 40 hens per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the compound preparation group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.2% compound preparation. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum and the isthmus of the oviduct in the compound preparation group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the glutathione (GSH) content in the uterus and the isthmus of the oviduct was significantly increased (P<0.05). The glandular structures in the uterus and the isthmus of the oviduct were more compact, and pathological damage was alleviated. The relative expression levels of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 1 (KCNA1), plasma membrane calcium-transporting ATPase 1 (PMCA1), plasma membrane calcium-transporting ATPase 2 (PMCA2), carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2), thrombospondin 2 (THBS2), cadherin 6 (CDH6), and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the compound preparation group were significantly upregulated (P<0.05). The study shows that dietary supplementation with the compound preparation can improve the laying rate and eggshell quality of eliminated laying hens by enhancing antioxidant capacity, improving reproductive organ structure, and upregulating eggshell formation-related gene expression.
