The bovine tongue is a complex and very important muscular and gustatory organ, yet a comprehensive understanding of its gustatory apparatus across diverse genetic resources remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a multidimensional analysis of the lingual morphology and taste bud (TB) distribution in 40 specimens from 12 representative bovine breeds and species across China, encompassing Bos taurus taurus (Taurine cattle), Bos taurus indicus (Zebu cattle), Bubalus bubalis (water buffalo), and Bos grunniens (domestic yak). Morphometric measurements and histological quantifications were integrated to evaluate the influence of species, sex, age, and geographical factors. Given the relatively limited sample size per breed, these findings are presented as exploratory research. Our results revealed that yak and water buffalo showed the most distinct morphological patterns of mechanical papillae compared to the other populations. Taurine and Zebu cattle displayed more similar lingual morphology traits. Although high phenotypic correlations were observed between lingual morphometric parameters and quantitative papillae indicators, factors such as age, altitude, and feeding methods showed minimal influence on lingual phenotypic variation within this cohort (p > 0.05). Furthermore, we constructed a topological atlas of TB distribution, revealing that TB distribution patterns are decoupled from macro-anatomical dimensions, highlighting the complexity of the bovine gustatory system. These findings provide a quantitative baseline for ruminant comparative anatomy and offer structural insights into the evolutionary adaptation and nutrient regulation mechanisms of diverse bovine species in varying environments.

Diannan small-ear pig (DSP) ham is known for exceptional flavor. However, the composition of flavor components and the mechanisms underlying flavor development remain unclear. In this study, we employed lipidomics, flavoromics, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry technologies to investigate the composition and formation mechanism of DSP ham flavor compounds. On a 10-point scale, the results demonstrated that DSP ham had good flavor qualities with sensory scores of 8.6 ± 0.52 for flavor, 7.9 ± 0.57 for taste, 8.2 ± 0.79 for texture, 8.8 ± 0.42 for color, and 8.3 ± 0.48 for acceptability. A total of 1534 lipids, 80 volatile flavor compounds, and 25 free amino acids were identified in the ham, including 14 characteristic lipids and 28 characteristic flavor compounds. Triglycerides (TG) and diacylglycerol (DG), two important lipids, are broken down into free fatty acids, which are essential building blocks for flavor formation. Non-volatile sweet amino acid L-alanine and bitter amino acid L-lysine are combined with volatile components, including 1-octene-3-ol, hexanal, benzaldehyde, and octanal, to enhance the development of DSP ham flavor. Correlation analysis indicated that key lipids, including TG, DG, and phosphatidylcholines (PC), facilitate the formation of volatile compounds in DSP ham via the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway. This study provides a theoretical reference for further research and product development of high-quality DSP ham.

The present study involved crossing Alpine goats with Yunshang black bucks from Yunnan Province to produce Alpine-Yunshang dual-purpose F1 (AYF1) goats. The AYF1 goats were compared with Saanen and Toggenburg goats by evaluating milk yield, composition, and molecular markers in order to identify metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology. A total of 18 goats were selected, with 6 goats from each breed forming 3 groups. Daily milk yield was recorded, and milk composition was analyzed on days 60 and 120 of lactation. The results showed that on day 60, Saanen and AYF1 goats had significantly higher protein and fat contents than Toggenburg goats. On day 120, AYF1 goats had higher fat content, while Saanen goats had higher protein content compared to Toggenburg goats. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in milk yield among the breeds during the first, second, and fourth months; however, the Saanen breed yielded more milk during the third month compared to the other breeds (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis revealed a total of 1,108 distinct metabolites in the positive ion mode and 360 in the negative ion mode. The majority of these metabolites were found at higher levels in Saanen goats compared to other breeds. The relative abundance of 2-phenylacetamide, 5-aminolevulinic acid, and ureidopropionic acid was significantly higher in Saanen goats compared to AYF1 goats (p < 0.05). In the initial screening, 55 common and 17 useful differential metabolites were identified. A total of 17 metabolites, including 12 metabolic pathways and 7 functional classifications, were investigated using the KEGG platform. Metabolomics analysis showed that Saanen dairy goats produced higher levels of L-fucose, 4-acetamidobutanoic acid, L-tyrosine, and D-galactose, suggesting their involvement in milk production. In contrast, AYF1 goats had higher levels of sucrose, L-proline, ectoine, and biotin, suggesting their possible role in the metabolism of milk constituents. These findings offer insights into breed-specific milk metabolite profiles, highlighting the potential of AYF1 goats as a beneficial dual-purpose genotype for enhanced dairy and metabolic performance.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different mixing ratios of banana stems and corn meal on silage quality and to identify the optimal combination. Banana stems were chopped to 4 to 5 cm, sun-dried to an appropriate moisture level, and then subjected to silage processing according to the following four combinations: Group A (100% banana stems + straw fermentation bacterial agent), group B (90% banana stems + 10% corn meal + straw fermentation bacterial agent), group C (70% banana stems + 30% corn meal + straw fermentation bacterial agent), and group D (70% banana stems + 30% corn meal). After 52 days of ensiling, sensory evaluation, pH measurement, nutritional composition, and energy value analysis were conducted on the silage from each group. The results showed that the sensory evaluation grades of groups B and C were excellent. Compared to group A, the pH value of groups B, C, and D was significantly lower (P<0.05). The dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) concentrations of group C were significantly higher than those of groups B and D (P<0.05). The crude fat (EE) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of groups B, C, and D were significantly higher than those of group A (P<0.05). The crude ash (Ash) content of group C was significantly lower than that of the other groups (P<0.05). The calcium (Ca) content of groups A and D was significantly higher than those of groups B and C (P<0.05). The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent insoluble crude protein (ADICP) concentrations of group C were significantly lower than those of the other groups (P<0.05). The acid detergent fiber (ADF) content of groups A and B was significantly higher than those of groups C and D (P<0.05). The acid detergent lignin (ADL) and acid-insoluble ash (AIA) concentrations of groups B, C, and D were significantly lower than those of group A (P<0.05). Overall, after ensiling, the concentrations of EE, CP, Ca, P, neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP), and ADICP increased, while the concentrations of DM, NDF, and ADF decreased. Energy value comparisons showed that group C had the highest values for digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy for maintenance (NEm), and net energy for gain (NEg), while group A had the lowest values. The study indicates that when banana stems are mixed with corn meal in a 7∶3 ratio and supplemented with straw fermentation bacterial agent, the silage quality is better.

Hemoglobin metabolism disorder can result in systemic iron overload, leading to pigmentation in multiple organs. Although these disorders are often of genetic origin, the specific genes and mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Lanping black bone sheep (LP–BBS), a unique population from the high altitudes along the Hengduan Mountains in Yunnan province, exhibits hyperpigmentation in multiple tissues. Investigating the genetic and environmental factors underlying this phenotype provides a natural model to better understand hemoglobin metabolism disorder. LP-BBS were found to exhibit increased red blood cell counts, elevated hemoglobin levels, and systemic iron overload, evidenced by hyperpigmentation in various tissues. Histological and molecular analyses revealed that hyperpigmentation is driven by ferriheme overload, an inheritable quantitative trait influenced by both genetic variation and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies identified FRRS1L as a candidate gene, with significant mutations in its 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) reducing FRRS1L expression. Functional assays demonstrated that insufficient FRRS1L expression promotes ferriheme accumulation in reticuloendothelial cells and macrophages, as confirmed in vitro using FRRS1L knockdown models. Ferriheme overload was associated with oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, causing pathological damage to critical organs such as the kidney, liver, and uterus. This study identifies FRRS1L as a key contributor to ferriheme overload through aberrant hemoglobin metabolism in LP–BBS. These findings offer new insights into the genetic basis and pathological mechanisms of iron overload disorders, providing a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Moreover, LP–BBS serves as a valuable natural model for studying hematogenous pigment disorders and their interplay with environmental factors.

Characterizing the cell type-specific transcriptome is crucial for understanding the cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying adaptive evolution and complex phenotypes. Here, single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing (sc/snRNA-seq) is used to construct a cell transcriptomic atlas of 397,011 cells, representing 57 cell types, from 12 tissues in river and swamp buffalo, which exhibit significant divergence in milk production. Differential expression analyses identify metabolic and secretory tissues (i.e., liver, mammary gland, and pituitary) and cell types (e.g., hepatocytes, luminal cells, somatotropes, and lactotropes) that mediate the divergence of milk production. Lactotrope-specific downregulation of TRHDE in river buffalo is associated with high milk production. Integrative analyses of sc/snRNA-seq data with genomic data in buffalo and cattle reveal key cell types (e.g., luminal cells and excitatory neurons) and genes (e.g., RPL13 and LALBA) associated with milk production. Ultimately, the Buffalo Cell Atlas (http://bovomicshub.com) will serve as a valuable resource for advancing buffalo genetics and genomics research, enabling cross-species comparative transcriptome studies and providing deeper insights into the regulation of milk synthesis and secretion.

BACKGROUND:Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data contain a large proportion of genetic information for farm animals, while machine learning algorithms offer a powerful approach for discovering population-informative genetic markers for population assignment. These methods can enhance population classification, supporting genetic resource conservation and optimizing breeding strategies. METHODS:WGS data from 187 individuals representing eight water buffalo breeds (four river type breeds, i.e., Mediterranean, Murrah, Nili Ravi, and Binglangjiang, and four swamp type breeds, i.e., Diandongnan, Dehong, Guizhoubai, and Shanghai) were analyzed. Multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selection methods including the population genetic differentiation index (FST), the machine learning-based Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR) and Relief-F algorithm were investigated to pinpoint the highly informative SNPs for population assignment. Four machine learning classifiers-Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Naive Bayes (NB), and Random Forest (RF)-were applied for population assignment of the eight water buffalo breeds. Nine different SNP set sizes (100, 250, 500, 800, 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, 10000) were examined. The impact of SNP selection methods, classifiers and SNP set size on assignment accuracy was evaluated. RESULTS:Population genetic analysis revealed hierarchical structures among the eight water buffalo breeds, with two divergent groups (swamp type buffaloes and river type buffaloes) and relatively closely related breeds within each group. Among the classifiers, SVM and NB outperformed RF and KNN in terms of assignment accuracy. Accuracy improved with an increasing number of SNPs, reaching over 85% for all classifiers with 10,000 SNPs. The mRMR method provided the highest accuracy, achieving 97.6% with 2000 SNPs when paired with the SVM classifier, followed by Relief-F (94%) and FST (90.4%). A panel of 768 mRMR-selected SNPs achieved 98.8% assignment accuracy using SVM classifiers, indicating it is a robust tool for reliable population assignment. CONCLUSION:By integrating machine learning-based feature selection with machine learning classifier, this study provides an effective framework for mining highly informative genetic markers for population assignment from whole-genome sequencing data.

The rumen microbiome represents a cornerstone of ruminant digestive physiology, orchestrating the anaerobic fermentation of plant biomass into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—critical metabolites underpinning host energy metabolism, immune function, and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review evaluates the transformative role of pan-genomics in deciphering the genetic and metabolic networks governing SCFA production in the rumen ecosystem. By integrating multi-omics datasets, pan-genomic approaches unveil unprecedented layers of microbial diversity, enabling precise identification of core functional genes and their dynamic contributions to carbohydrate degradation and SCFA biosynthesis. Notable advancements include the following: mechanistic insights into microbial community assembly and metabolic pathway regulation, highlighting strain-specific adaptations to dietary shifts; precision interventions for optimizing feed efficiency, such as rationally designing microbial consortia and screening novel feed additives through pan-genome association studies; and sustainability breakthroughs, demonstrating how targeted modulation of rumen fermentation can simultaneously enhance production efficiency and mitigate methane emissions. This synthesis underscores the potential of pan-genomics to revolutionize ruminant nutrition, offering a blueprint for developing next-generation strategies that reconcile agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. The translational applications discussed herein position pan-genomics as a critical tool for advancing animal science and fostering a resilient livestock industry.

The tree shrew ( Tupaia belangeri ) is an increasingly valuable model animal for research purposes. However, the lactation biology of the tree shrew remains underexplored, hindering progress in their nutritional management during laboratory domestication. Milk samples from tree shrews in captivity at postnatal days 0, 2, 8, 14, 20, 26, and 32 were analyzed, through microanalysis for macronutrient determination and gas chromatography for fatty acid composition. At the midlactation stage, tree shrew milk averaged 44.75% dry matter, 26.35% fat, 11.93% protein, 1.63% sugars, 1.34% ash, and 1323.99 kJ/100 g energy. As lactation progressed, significant increases were observed in dry matter, sugar, and ash content. The fatty acid profile was predominated by C16:0, C14:0, C18:2n6, and C18:1n9. Levels of most saturated fatty acids increased steadily during lactation, while the majority of unsaturated fatty acids exhibited an opposite pattern. In brief, our results suggest that the macronutrient composition and fatty acid profile are influenced by the lactation stage. These findings may aid in formulating milk products that closely approximate the maternal milk of tree shrews, thereby enhancing breeding and domestication efforts for research purposes.

The rumen microbiome plays a central role in ruminant nutrition and health. To investigate the effects of different feeding regimens on it, this study employed multi-omics analysis to reveal how natural grazing versus intensive feeding alters the rumen microbiota and metabolites in Shorthorn cattle. A total of 18 male shorthorn cattle of about 17 months of age and similar body weight were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: natural grazing bull group (DJCF), intensive feeding bull group (DJCY) and intensive feeding steer group (DJC). The experiment period was 361 days. After the fattening trial, rumen fluid was collected at slaughter. Microbiota and metabolites were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS, and correlations were assessed. The results indicate that different feeding regimens were strongly associated with shifts in rumen microbial diversity and community composition. The ACE and Shannon indices of DJCF group were significantly higher than those of DJCY and DJC group (p < 0.05). Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla, with relative abundances of 57.62% (DJCF), 54.11% (DJCY), 48.84% (DJC) and 34.07, 38.31, 43.08%, respectively, showing no significant differences (p > 0.05). At the genus level, Prevotella and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were dominant. The abundance of Prevotella was highest in DJCY (22.52%), significantly differing from DJC (12.43%; p < 0.05), while Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group abundances were 12.56% (DJCF), 9.92% (DJCY), and 11.89% (DJC). In the fungal community, Neocallimastigomycota and Ascomycota were the dominant phyla, and there were no significant differences among the three groups. At the genus level, Caecomyces, the highest in the DJC group, with a significant difference from the DJCF group (p < 0.05). Orpinomyces, the highest in the DJCF group, with significant differences from the DJCY and DJC groups (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in rumen metabolites between different groups, and a variety of different metabolites were identified, involving sucrose and starch metabolism, purine metabolism and other pathways (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between rumen microbes and metabolites (p < 0.05). Thus, an intensive feeding system altered the rumen microbiome, resulting in improvements of Shorthorn cattle growth. Nevertheless, the specific causal relationships and underlying regulatory mechanisms governing the interplay between rumen microbiota and metabolic processes remain to be further elucidated through in-depth investigations.

The rumen is the core area for the digestion and absorption of nutrients in ruminants, rich in various microbial communities including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protozoa. Protozoa are anaerobic eukaryotes that colonize the rumen, and their quantity and community structure are influenced by factors such as the host's genetic background, feed structure, geographic location, and management mode. Protozoa play a crucial role in rumen cellulose degradation, protein metabolism, and rumen fermentation regulation. The article summarizes the diversity, influencing factors, and the roles of rumen protozoa in energy digestion, absorption, and metabolism in ruminants, providing a reference for a deeper understanding of the ecological functions and metabolic mechanisms of rumen protozoa, optimizing ruminant nutrition, and improving ruminant production performance.

The rumen microbiome serves as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) with significant implications for public health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different feeding systems on the rumen resistome in yaks. Yaks that grazed naturally on pasture were used as controls, while the experimental yaks were housed in a high-density pen environment and fed a specially designed diet to optimally meet their nutritional requirements, with increased interactions with farm workers. Metagenomic analysis was performed to assess changes in the rumen microbiome and resistome. Dietary factors influencing changes in the rumen microbiome and resistome were identified. A greater variety of microbiomes associated with carbohydrate digestion was found in yaks under a house-feeding system, such as Stomatobaculum longum and Succiniclasticum ruminis. Although grazing yaks exhibited various dominant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) at the class level, house-fed yaks were mainly enriched with tetracycline-resistant genes. A random forest model identified specific ARG signatures for each group, such as Sent_cmlA and Sliv_cmlR (Phenicol) and vanHD (Glycopeptide) prevalent in grazing yaks, while tet44, tetW, tetW/N/W, and tet40 were abundant in house-fed yaks. ARG interactions varied by feeding system, with signature ARGs in each group showing distinct correlations. Nevertheless, strong correlations among ARGs existed regardless of the treatments, such as the positive correlation between tetW and tetW/N/W in both groups. The rumen microbiome was strongly associated with the resistome, especially regarding abundant microbiomes and ARGs. Proteobacteria carrying ARGs were observed in grazing yaks, while Firmicutes served as hosts for ARGs in yaks under a housed feeding system. The specific bacteria contributing to the distinct ARGs in each group were identified. For instance, members of Firmicutes (Clostridium tepidiprofundi) carried their ARG signatures, such as tet44. These findings emphasized that diet, along with environmental factors and farmworker interactions, contributed to changes in the rumen resistome of yaks. This study is the first to discuss how multiple factors within a feeding regime influence the gut resistome, highlighting the drawbacks of intensive feedings with respect to the gut resistome.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different production systems, including low-altitude indoor feeding, high-altitude indoor feeding, and high-altitude grazing, on the slaughter performance and meat quality of gayals.MethodsWe slaughtered 15 male gayals (five from each of three feedlots) that were randomly selected, with similar body weights within each feedlot. The gayals were raised under different production systems: indoor feeding at 1,325 m (TC, Tengchong feedlot; n = 5), indoor feeding at 2,240 m (FHS, Fenghuangshan feedlot; n = 5), and grazing at an altitude of 2,600 m (JMD, Jiumudang alpine pasture; n = 5). Gayals were slaughtered to evaluate slaughter performance, and the left longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were collected for meat quality analyses (pH45min, L45min*, a45min*, b45min*, muscle fiber diameter, water loss rate, shear force), chemical composition (moisture, crude protein, ether extract, cholesterol), amino acid composition, and fatty acid profile.ResultsThe results indicated that compared with the other two groups, the TC group exhibited significantly greater slaughter performance, including dressing percentage, lean meat percentage, and meat: bone ratio (p < 0.05). The TC group also showed higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; especially C16:1 and C18:1 c9), essential amino acids (EAA), n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio, and thrombogenic index (TI), but lower cholesterol content (p < 0.05). In contrast, compared with the TC group, the JMD group had higher contents of PUFAs (including C18:3n3, C20:5n3, C22:5n3, and C22:6n3), a lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, and a lower TI, with the TI decreased by 29.35% in LD muscle (p < 0.05). Additionally, the JMD group had higher contents of sweet amino acids in the LD muscle and umami amino acids in the BF muscle (p < 0.05). The slaughter performance and meat quality of the FHS group were intermediate between the TC and JMD groups, with closer alignment to the JMD group.ConclusionLow-altitude indoor-fed gayals demonstrated superior slaughter performance and higher beef yield, whereas high-altitude grazed gayals produced beef with a more favorable fatty acid profile and enhanced flavor-related amino acids, despite exhibiting lower productivity. High-altitude indoor-fed gayals exhibited slaughter performance and meat quality indicators that were intermediate between the two systems.

Yaks are one of the important livestock on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, providing abundant dairy and meat products for the local people. The formation of these dairy and meat products mainly relies on the microbiota in their gastrointestinal tract, which digests and metabolizes plant feed. The yak’s gastrointestinal microbiota is closely related to the health and production performance of the host, but the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced effects in intensively farmed yaks remain to be elucidated. In this study, 40 chyme samples were collected from the four stomach chambers of 10 intensively farmed yaks, and the bacterial diversity and bile acid changes in the rumen (SFRM), reticulum (SFRC), omasum (SFOM), and abomasum (SFAM) were systematically analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and bile acid metabolism. Our results showed that the gastrointestinal microbiota mainly distributes in the four-chambered stomach, with the highest microbial diversity in the reticulum. There is a highly negative correlation among the microbiota in the four chambers. The dominant bacterial phyla, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, were identified, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group being the dominant genus, which potentially helps maintain short-chain fatty acid levels in the stomach. In contrast, the microbiome within the four stomach chambers synergistically and selectively altered the content and diversity of bile acid metabolites in response to intensive feeding. The results of this study provide new insights into the microbiota and bile acid metabolism functions in the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum of yaks. This can help uncover the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in yak growth and metabolic regulation, while also providing references for improving the production efficiency and health of ruminants.

The environment is one of the most important factors influencing the variation and diversity of the host gut microbiome in plateau areas. It is well-established that dietary variations substantially alter the rumen microbiota. However, there is limited research on the response of the rumen microbiota of grazing yaks to changes in seasonal diet composition under high-altitude environments. This study investigates the seasonal variations in rumen fermentation parameters, bacterial, and fungal communities in yaks, with a focus on the cold and warm seasons. Quantitative data revealed that in the cold season, yaks had an increased acetic acid proportion (p < 0.05) and acetic acid/propionic acid ratio (p < 0.05) compared to the warm season. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were 64.67% and 25.82% in the cold season, respectively, and 66.77% and 26.87% in the warm season. The fungal community showed a higher abundance of Ascomycetes (58.72% to 76.91%) and Neocallimastigomycota in the cold season. These findings highlight the adaptation mechanisms of yaks to seasonal dietary changes and their implications for optimizing yak husbandry practices.

IntroductionAmidst the challenging environmental conditions characterized by low oxygen levels and cold temperatures on the plateau, alterations in nutrient supply emerge as pivotal factors influencing the survival and reproduction of yaks. Intensive feeding stands out as a substantial mechanism for nutrient provision, initiating discernible changes in the host’s rumen flora. Within the extreme natural conditions prevailing in the plateau area of northwest Yunnan, China, there exists a con-strained comprehension of the variations in rumen microflora, fermentation parameters, and growth responses exhibited by yaks subjected to intensive feeding.MethodsThis study employs 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing methods to scrutinize the rumen flora of yaks engaged in both natural grazing (G) and intensive feeding (F) on the plateau.ResultsThe outcomes unveil that, during the severe winter season, yaks adeptly modulate the abundance and diversity of rumen flora in response to dietary modifications under intensive feeding, aiming to optimize the efficient utilization of dietary fiber and energy. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) illustrates a substantial alteration in the rumen microbial community of naturally grazing yaks when exposed to intensive feeding. The natural grazing group manifests a higher prevalence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while the intensive feeding group exhibits heightened levels of Prevotella in the rumen. The Rikenellaceae _ RC9 _ gut_ group, associated with mycobacteria, prevails more abundantly in the natural grazing setting. PICRUSt2 analysis indicates that intensive feeding induces bacterial gene overexpression linked to protein metabolism. Rumen fungi showcase heightened diversity under intensification. Intensive feeding results in an augmented abundance of non-fiber-degrading bacteria and semi-fiber-degrading bacteria, accompanied by elevated concentrations of Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA).DiscussionThese findings yield novel insights into the shifts in the rumen microflora of yaks acclimated to intensive feeding in high-altitude environments, provide an important reference for the nutritional regulation of supplemental feeding of natural grazing yaks in the cold season, ultimately contributing to their enhanced growth.

Abstract Dairy buffaloes are typically fed a high-forage, low-quality diet with high fiber. These conditions result in an inherent energy and protein inefficiency. In order to make full and rational use of feed resources and improve the production level and breeding efficiency of dairy buffaloes, the effects of various roughages on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, and microorganisms in dairy buffaloes were studied in this experiment. Three ternary hybrid buffaloes, with an average body weight of 365 ± 22.1 kg, were selected and fitted with permanent rumen fistulas. They were fed six different diets, each consisting of 1 kg concentrate supplement and one of six types of roughage, including alfalfa hay (A diet), oat hay (O diet), whole corn silage (W diet), king grass (K diet), sugarcane shoot silage (S diet), and rice straw hay (R diet) according to an incomplete Latin square design of 3 × 6, respectively. The pre-feeding period of each period was 12 d. From day 13 to 15 was the official experimental period. During the prefeeding period, free feed intake for each roughage was determined, and during the experiment, the roughage was fed at 90% of the voluntary feed intake. Digestion and metabolism tests were carried out using the total manure collection method to determine the feed intake and fecal output of each buffalo, and to collect feed and fecal samples for chemical analysis. On day 15, rumen fluid samples were collected two hours after morning feeding to determine rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial 16 S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed. The results showed that DM and OM digestibility were greatest for the W diet and lowest for the S diet. The rumen pH of the O diet was significantly greater than that of the W diet. The concentration of rumen fluid NH3-N (mg/dL) increased with increased CP content. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids (mmol/L) in the rumen decreased with increased NDF content but increased with increased NFC content. The relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Spirochaetes were 57.03-74.84%, 14.29-21.86%, and 0.44-1.43% in the different quality roughage groups. Bacteroidetes were mainly Prevotellaceae1 and Rikenellaceae RC_gut_group with relative abundances of 30.17-45.75% and 3.23-7.82%. The relative abundance of Patescibacteria and Spirochaetes decreased with increasing roughage quality. These results provide a theoretical and practical basis for evaluating the nutritional value of dairy buffalo feed, utilizing feed resources, matching rations, feeding scientifically, and protecting animal health.

Cyclospora spp. is a food-borne intestinal protozoan, which is widely distributed in the world and poses the risk of zoonosis. In order to reveal the prevalence of Cyclospora spp. in Holstein cattle in partial areas of the Yunnan Province, 524 fresh fecal samples of Holstein cattle were collected from Dali, Kunming, Chuxiong, and Qujing in Yunnan Province. A nested PCR amplification of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene of Cyclospora spp. was carried out, and the products of the nested PCR were further analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using Bsp E Ⅰ. The results of the present study showed that 13 samples were positive for Cyclospora spp., and the total infection rate of Cyclospora sp. was 2.48%. The infection of Cyclospora spp. was detected in Dali, Qujing, and Chuxiong. Chuxiong showed the highest infection rate (5.71%), and infection rate in Dali and Qujing was 2.19% and 3.16%, respectively. Interestingly, the infection of Cyclospora spp. was not detected in Kunming. The infection of Cyclospora spp. showed no significant differences among different regions (p > 0.05). Cyclospora sp. infection was detected in all ages and sexes, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that five Cyclospora spp. samples were closely related to the Cyclospora spp. of humans, and the others were closely related to the Cyclospora spp. of bovines. The results of the present study suggested that there was an infection of Cyclospora spp. in Holstein cattle in the Yunnan Province, and the Cyclospora spp. showed a risk of zoonosis. Thus, the prevention and control of Cyclospora spp. should be strengthened in the Yunnan Province, China. The results of this investigation provide data references for the further research of Cyclosporiasis in Holstein cattle in the Yunnan Province.

为探讨德系西门塔尔牛冻精改良荷斯坦奶牛的后代西荷杂公牛(西门塔尔×荷斯坦)育肥后的生长和屠宰性能、肉质性状的差异,为该品种改良荷斯坦奶牛杂交模式提供基础,本试验分别选取 9 头 22 月龄的西荷杂公牛和荷斯坦奶牛公牛,在相同日粮水平和相同饲养管理条件下饲养 166 d后屠宰,分别测定 2 组公牛的生长性能、屠宰性能及肉质性状.结果表明:西荷杂公牛在空体重、胴体重、净肉重、肉骨比、屠宰率和净肉率上较荷斯坦牛有较大幅度提高,尤其是西荷杂交公牛的特级肉块、高档肉块、优质肉块和一般肉块重高于荷斯坦公牛(P＜0.05),但 2 种牛的一般肉块总重占总肉重的比例差异不显著;在肉质性状方面西荷杂交公牛的背最长肌和股二头肌的蛋白质含量和肌纤维密度高于荷斯坦公牛(P＜0.05),肌纤维剪切力低于荷斯坦公牛(P＜0.05).西荷杂交公牛在胴体性状方面杂交优势明显,在净肉重、屠宰率、净肉率上较荷斯坦牛有较大幅度提高,尤其是肌肉的蛋白质含量增加较为突出,此外,西荷杂交公牛背最长肌和股二头肌肉质较嫩.