The current study aims to assess the effects of coated sodium butyrate (CSB) on the weaning transition of White King pigeons. A total of 336 1-month-old White King pigeons were assigned randomly to four groups, including the Control group fed basal health sandand without CSB and test groups fed the basal health sand with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% CSB, respectively. The results showed that, compared with the Control group, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significantly increased in the 0.1% and 0.2% CSB groups (p < 0.05). The 0.1% CSB group exhibited a higher immune organ index (IOI) than the Control group (p < 0.05). The total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) levels in the 0.1% CSB and 0.4% CSB groups significantly increased compared with the Control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the 0.2% CSB group exhibited lower serum ALB, TP, and total cholesterol (TC) levels; TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were reduced compared with the other groups (p < 0.05), and the 0.4% CSB group showed significantly increased serum TNF-α, IL-6, and D-lactic acid levels (p < 0.05). The ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) of the jejunum (p < 0.05) was significantly increased in the 0.2% CSB group. In addition, the CD and VH/CD of the ileum were significantly increased in the 0.1% CSB group (p < 0.05). Firmicutes was the predominant phylum across all treatment groups, while Bacteroidota showed a more sensitive response to CSB supplementation. The 0.1% CSB group showed a significant enrichment of Oscillospiraceae and Muribaculaceae, fiber-fermenting, SCFA-producing taxa, Enterobacterales and Klebsiella, suggesting CSB-mediated alterations in luminal oxygen tension that favor the coexistence of facultative and obligate anaerobic taxa. Collectively, these data revealed that CSB supplementation efficiently improves growth performance and intestinal health of weaning pigeons by ameliorating the intestinal environment.

This study was conducted to generate a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of a female White King pigeon using a combination of Illumina short pair-end reads; HiFi reads and Hi-C technologies. Using the reference genome,Over 22,685,232 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 2,466,122 insertion-deletions (InDels) were identified. The genome sequence with a total length of 1.09 Gb was located on 29 chromosomes, accounting for 98.59%, while the number of corresponding sequences was 1,270, accounting for 61.53%. Among the sequences located on chromosomes, the length of the sequences that can determine the order and direction was 1.06 Gb, accounting for 96.8% of the total length of the sequences located on chromosomes. Sixty-four pigeons from six breeds of Chinese mainstream market were investigated and approximately 94.67% high-quality sequences(Q30 > 90%), with a mapping rate over 99.12% for each individual were observed, with a genome coverage of 99.12%. further contributing to the public database. This dataset provides valuable resources for studying genetic diversity and adaptation for the cultivation of new pigeon breeds.

Global consumption of poultry meat, particularly chicken, continues to rise. However, there remains a limited understanding regarding alterations in muscle metabolites during animal breeding processes. Here, we demonstrate metabolic differences between selectively bred offspring roosters and their three parental lines. The offspring exhibited superior meat quality, as evidenced by significantly elevated absolute levels of inosine monophosphate (IMP) and decreased cooking loss. Complementary LC-MS and GC-MS analyses revealed dynamic changes in the chicken skeletal muscle metabolome, identifying amino acids and their derivatives as the primary discriminatory metabolites exhibiting elevated abundance in the offspring. Furthermore, gut microbiota was found to correlate with fluctuations in muscle metabolite levels, particularly phenylalanine and IMP. This study provides novel insights for quality control and traceability of animal-derived foods, advocating a whole-industry-chain perspective to scientifically enhance meat quality and flavor attributes.

Cage rearing of laying ducks offers advantages for intensive production, but the early period after cage transfer can elicit marked stress responses. This study investigated intestinal morphology, antioxidant status, DNA oxidative damage, autophagy-related changes, and apoptosis during the first 10 days after cage transfer in Shaoxing laying ducks. A total of 120 100-day-old female Shaoxing ducks were assigned to floor-rearing (FR) or cage-rearing (CR) treatments. In vivo, CR produced time- and tissue-dependent intestinal changes. On day 5, villus height and crypt depth were reduced in the duodenum, villus height and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio were reduced in the jejunum, and crypt depth was increased in the ileum (P < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities were altered at selected time points, intestinal MDA was increased on day 5, and serum 8-OHdG was increased on day 5 (P < 0.05). Jejunal ROS accumulation, autophagosome formation, and an increased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio were observed in CR ducks. TUNEL staining showed increased apoptosis, and PARP-1 protein abundance was significantly increased on day 5 (P < 0.05), whereas Caspase-3 showed an upward trend without statistical significance. Transcriptomic analysis identified differential expression of genes including CAT, BNIP3, PPARA, TLR4, and NFKB1 and enrichment of pathways including AGE-RAGE and Toll-like receptor signaling. In vitro, H₂O₂ exposure reproduced selected oxidative-stress-, autophagy-related-, and apoptosis-associated changes. Together, these findings show that early cage transfer is associated with intestinal oxidative injury accompanied by autophagy-related and apoptosis-associated changes in laying ducks.

The study evaluated the effects of dietary compound enzyme preparations (CEPs) supplementation on antioxidant capacity, immune response, and intestinal health of pigeons. A total of 288 White King parent pigeons were randomly assigned to four treatments, with six replications of 12 pigeons each. The control (CK) group received a basal diet, whereas the CEP groups were fed a basal diet with 0.25 g/kg (low compound enzyme preparation group, LCEP), 0.5 g/kg (middle compound enzyme preparation group, MCEP), and 1.0 g/kg (high compound enzyme preparation group, HCEP) CEPs. Results showed that supplementation with 0.25 g/kg of CEPs significantly increased duodenal crypt depth (CD), as well as jejunal villus height (VH) and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VCR) (p < 0.05). It also increased the immunoglobulins of serum, such as IgA, IgG, and IgM, as well as enhanced antioxidant capacity by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of serum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that CEPs altered ileum content microbiota composition, increasing the relative abundance of p_Bacteroidota and g_Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). In addition, untargeted metabolomics analysis identified 92 upregulated and 95 downregulated metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis of these differential metabolites revealed that CEP supplementation altered the metabolomic profile of the ileum contents, with differential metabolites mainly enriched in alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. These results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with CEPs at different doses improved antioxidant capacity to varying degrees and maintained intestinal immune balance by modulating microbiota, which provides a theoretical basis for the rational application of compound enzyme preparations in breeding pigeon feed. Moreover, this study provides mechanistic evidence that CEPs can improve intestinal health, immunity, and antioxidant capacity. It also fills a key knowledge gap in pigeon nutrition by linking enzyme use with gut microbiota and metabolic regulation.

Goose eggs are valued for their rich nutrition and unique flavor, yet breed-specific differences in egg quality remain unclear. This study found that meat-type Zhedong White goose eggs (ZDG) had higher weight, yolk ratio, and yolk color, with rounder shape and potentially stronger eggshells, while dual-purpose Huoyan goose eggs (HYG) showed relatively lower values in these traits but a higher yolk index. Proteomics revealed higher activity in the vitamin digestion and absorption pathway in ZDG, and metabolomics indicated enhanced metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and α-linolenic acid. Integrated analysis with lipidomics showed that ZDG exhibited higher activity in vitamin digestion and absorption and neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction pathways, along with elevated TG, DG, SM, and PC levels, improving flavor and texture. These findings highlight breed-specific differences in egg quality, nutrition, and flavor, providing a theoretical basis for the nutritional improvement and targeted breeding of functional goose eggs.

The Tibetan chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), a native breed inhabiting the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has developed remarkable tolerance to chronic hypoxia. However, the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying its high-altitude adaptation remain unclear. In this study, we integrated genome, transcriptome, and DNA methylome data from Tibetan chickens (TC) and three low-altitude breeds. Principal component analysis revealed clear genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional divergence between TC and lowland chickens. Cardiac enzyme assays showed significantly higher activities of LDH, SDH, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in TC (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced oxidative metabolism and antioxidant defense under hypoxia. Transcriptomic analysis identified 2,532 common differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs), with upregulated genes enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and hypoxia response pathways. Integration with methylome data demonstrated a significant negative correlation between promoter methylation and gene expression. Among 144 genes showing promoter hypomethylation coupled with transcriptional activation, five key genes—PDK4, BNIP3L, ATG3, SLC7A5, and OMA1—were identified as central regulators of hypoxia adaptation, participating in metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial homeostasis, and autophagy. Our findings reveal that promoter hypomethylation acts as a major epigenetic mechanism mediating transcriptional activation of hypoxia-responsive genes in Tibetan chickens. The coordinated regulation of energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and mitochondrial quality control contributes to their physiological resilience in high-altitude environments. This study provides novel insights into the molecular and epigenetic basis of high-altitude adaptation in avian species and offers valuable references for hypoxia-resistance breeding in poultry.

Chicken is an important source of protein worldwide, and its quality is influenced by breed, age, and rearing methods. However, how these factors interact at the metabolic level is not fully understood. This study examined Yandang partridge chickens, a native Chinese breed, and commercial Arbor Acres (AA) broilers under caged and free-range systems, slaughtered at 49 days (during growth) or 65 days (during fat deposition). Using multi-omics approaches (metabolomics and transcriptomics), breast muscle (BM) and leg muscle (LM) were analyzed. BM showed higher levels of flavor-related compounds such as glutamine, serine, and malic acid, while LM contained more NAD+ and lipids. Free-range rearing increased precursors of flavor, including glutamine and malvidin-3-glucoside, by activating glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism pathways. In Yandang chickens, leg muscle exhibited greater concentrations of flavor metabolites like serine and proline, along with elevated expression of lipid-related genes such as APOA1, compared to AA broilers. With age, BM accumulated oleic acid, while LM showed increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like docosapentaenoic acid. PPAR signaling was identified as a key pathway integrating metabolic responses with rearing conditions. These results improve our understanding of meat quality development and can inform breeding and management practices.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) quality is a major focus of wheat breeding that is influenced by multiple factors. The Huang-Huai wheat region is one of the main wheat-producing areas in China, and it has favorable conditions for cultivating wheat cultivars with strong-gluten and medium-strong-gluten. In this study, a systematic assessment of seven crucial quality traits and two important genetic loci (Glu-1 and Sec-1) in 436 wheat cultivars in the Huang-Huai wheat region of China by principal component analysis (PCA) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) methods identified the stability time (ST), stretch area (SA), and maximum resistance (MAXR) as three key factors which significantly influence wheat quality. Glu-1 and Sec-1 primarily impacted these three traits and subsequently influenced wheat quality. Compared to Glu-A1 and Glu-B1, Glu-D1 has a more significant impact on the comprehensive evaluation value D, principal components PC1-PC3, and the main traits ST, SA and MAXR of PC1. Wheat cultivars carrying the high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) Dx5+Dy10 exhibited notable improvements in the ST, SA, and MAXR traits compared with those carrying HMW-GS Dx2+Dy12, suggesting that Dx5+Dy10 may enhance wheat quality by improving those traits. By combining the results of the D value, genotype by yield & times;trait (GYT) index, and HMW-GS score, 20 high-quality and high yielding wheat cultivars were identified, which can be used as elite parents for wheat quality breeding.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-protein (LP) diet with double-low rapeseed meal (DLR) partially replacing soybean meal (SBM) on the growth performance, meat quality, and nitrogen excretion of Cherry Valley ducks. In a randomized complete block design, a total of 504 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks with consistent health, weight, and genetic background (body weight = 51.80 ± 1.49 g) were randomly assigned to seven groups (six replicates/group, 12 ducks/replicate). The dietary crude protein (CP) level was reduced in 0.5 percentage point increments, with the amino acid and energy balance maintained. The dietary CP levels were 20.01% (CON), 19.51%, 19.01%, 18.51%, 18.01%, 17.51%, and 17.01% (LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4, LP5, and LP6, respectively) for 1-14 d of age, 17.50% (CON), 17.00%, 16.50%, 16.00%, 15.50%, 15.00%, and 14.50% (LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4, LP5, and LP6, respectively) for 15-42 d of age. The results showed that dietary treatment significantly affected feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05), but no linear or quadratic trends were observed (P > 0.05); blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content in the grower phase changed significantly (P < 0.05); abdominal fat yield (AFY) increased linearly (P = 0.002); meat color parameters (lightness [L*], redness [a*], and yellowness [b*]) were significantly altered, showing both linear and quadratic trends (P < 0.05); and among meat quality traits, only shear force was significantly affected, also displaying linear and quadratic trends (P < 0.05). The LP diet improved the structure of the intestinal microbiota and significantly reduced nitrogen excretion (P < 0.05). In conclusion, reducing the dietary CP level by 2 percentage points was the optimal strategy, as it maintained growth performance while reducing nitrogen pollution, provided theoretical basis and practical guidance for the design of LP diet in the poultry industry, and contributed to the goal of cost reduction and efficiency improvement in China’s livestock and poultry production.

Tumbler pigeons (Columba livia) were shaped by long-term artificial selection, and their superior flight performance is closely linked to neural regulatory mechanisms. However, the molecular bases of neural regulation—particularly at the hypothalamic transcriptomic level—remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we conducted neurochemical and whole-transcriptome comparisons of the hypothalamus (HYP) in tumbler pigeons (FF) and meat-type White King pigeons (BY), analyzing neurotransmitters and the transcriptome, including mRNA, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA). Neurotransmitter quantitation revealed that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in FF HYP were significantly higher than those in BY. Transcriptome analysis identified 514 differentially expressed mRNAs, 317 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 49 differentially expressed miRNAs and 304 differentially expressed circRNAs. Functional enrichment showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly overrepresented in metabolic pathways, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and TGF-β signaling. Differential expression changes in PDK4, PCK1, and POMC reveal complex molecular mechanisms during flight in tumbler pigeons, characterized by increased energy dependence on fatty acids, inhibition of gluconeogenesis, and enhanced stress response. In this study, we systematically elucidated the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the pigeon hypothalamus (HYP) controlling energy metabolism, neural excitability, and stress response through neurochemical and transcriptomic analyses. It provides a theoretical basis for the neurogenetic basis of behavioral adaptation in birds and for the conservation and selective breeding of local pigeon genetic resources.

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for biological growth and development. Excessive intake of Cu exists harmful effects on organisms. However, whether excessive Cu intake induces kidney function damage by gut microbiota regulation remains unclear. Ducks are important species of waterfowl that are often exposed to Cu contamination in water sources. In this study, we aim to elucidate the effects of Cu exposure on renal inflammation through the gut-kidney axis in ducks. The ducks were gavaged with different doses of CuSO4 (0, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 4 weeks. Results indicate that Cu exposure causes pathological damage to the kidney, with a significant increase in the levels of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β in both serum and renal tissue. 16S rDNA analysis revealed that the relative abundances of Candidatus_Saccharimonas and Bacteroides were significantly reduced in the Cu-induced group. Transcriptomic analysis of kidney tissue reveals that following Cu exposure, 30 genes show significant differential expression. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were most involved in Interleukin-1 Receptor Activity, Taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, Nitrogen metabolism, and Proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation. Metabolomic analysis revealed that 28 metabolites are present in both kidney tissue and cecal contents. Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation among 5 common metabolites: Aminoglutethimide, Boscalid, Dantrolene, Cer[ns] d34:1, and Stearidonic acid. In the cecum, these five metabolites are closely associated with 26 intestinal microorganisms, including Bacteroides, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Colidextribacter. In the kidney, apart from Stearidonic acid, the other four metabolites are closely correlated with genes such as FOS, and IL1RL1. Overall, our study indicates that excessive Cu induces significant kidney inflammation, the metabolites alteration and gut microbiota disorders. These findings shed light on the underlying mechanisms of Cu-induced kidney damage via the indirect pathway of the gut-kidney axis.

While cage rearing systems enhance the productivity of laying ducks, the initial transition period can induce significant stress, leading to hepatic inflammation and oxidative damage. Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 (Rg3), a bioactive saponin derived from ginseng, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Rg3 on cage stress-induced liver injury in laying ducks. 14-week-old ducks were randomly assigned to four groups: a floor-reared control (CON); a cage-stressed group (ST); and two cage-stressed groups supplemented with low (25 mg/kg; ST/Rg3-L) or high (50 mg/kg; ST/Rg3-H) dose of Rg3. After the experiment, blood and liver samples were collected for analysis. Results indicated that Rg3 ameliorated liver injury in a dose-dependent manner, evidenced by reduced plasma AST levels and hepatocyte vacuolization. Hepatic transcriptome profiling revealed that differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy. High-dose Rg3 significantly decreased Fe2+, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, while increasing the concentration of SOD, T-AOC, GSH-Px, and IL-10 in both liver and plasma. Electron microscopy revealed that high-dose Rg3 alleviated mitochondrial damage and promoted mitophagy. Mechanistically, high-dose Rg3 appeared to inhibit ferroptosis by upregulating the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 and downregulating ACSL4. Furthermore, high-dose Rg3 downregulated mTOR and SQSTM1/p62 expression and upregulated LC3B expression. In conclusion, Rg3 protects laying ducks against cage stress-induced hepatic injury by enhancing antioxidant capacity, suppressing inflammation, and activating protective autophagy.

Shaoxing ducks are a dual-purpose breed renowned for their delectable meat quality high egg-laying performance, and robust adaptability, leading to a growing market presence. Despite their economic significance, the genetic mechanisms influencing carcass growth in Shaoxing ducks remain largely unexplored. This study utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and haplotype-sharing analysis to identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with body size and carcass yield traits in this breed. Our investigation identified 50 genes associated with 18 body size and carcass yield traits. Notably, the RSPO3 and SPATA13 genes exhibited significant correlations with breast muscle weight (BMW) and leg muscle weight (LMW) traits. Additionally, COL6A3 was significantly associated with eviscerated weight% (EWP) and half-eviscerated weight% (HEWP) traits. Genes such as FGF9, LATS2, and PFKP, known for their roles in muscle development and energy metabolism, may also influence LMW traits. Through linkage disequilibrium and haplotype-sharing analyses, we identified a haplotype on chromosome 3 significantly linked to LMW. These genes and the identified haplotype hold promise as candidate markers for molecular breeding programs aimed at improving carcass traits in Shaoxing ducks. Furthermore, we utilized a bootstrap test to validate the reliability of GWAS results derived from small experimental samples, enhancing the robustness of our findings. The methodology and code for this bootstrap test are accessible at https://github.com/xuwenwu248/bootstrap.sh/commit/07db59d129c24c384ba2c43f9bb3f8d62fce845b .

Oxylipins are tightly linked to ovarian function. However, the roles and mechanisms of oxylipins in ovarian aging of laying ducks remain poorly understood. In this study, 72-week-old laying Jinyun ducks were categorized into high-laying (HL) and low-laying (LL) groups. Plasma and ovarian tissues were analyzed for antioxidant indices, transcriptomic, and targeted lipidomic. Results demonstrated that, compared to the LL group, the HL group ducks exhibited lower levels of MDA in both plasma and ovarian tissues, while exhibiting higher levels of SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC. Differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in fatty acid oxidation and inflammation-related pathways, with FOXM1 identified as a pivotal gene involved in delaying ovarian aging. Furthermore, oxylipin profiles in plasma and ovary exhibit marked distinctions between the HL and LL group ducks. Notably, 5-hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid (5-HEPE) was substantially upregulated in both plasma and ovaries of the HL group ducks. Meanwhile, 5-HEPE significantly enhanced FOXM1 expression and mitigated oxidative stress in granulosa cells. Collectively, this study provides the first comprehensive analysis of oxylipin changes in the ovaries and plasma of ducks with differing laying performances at the late-laying stage. These findings offer novel insights into the prevention and alleviation of ovarian oxidative stress in ducks during this period.

Duck egg production sharply decreases during the late-laying period, which likely stems from an ovarian mechanism. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian regression during the late-laying period remain unclear. In this study, egg-laying (LLP) and ceased-laying (CLP) ducks at 72 weeks of age were selected to explore the potential mechanism of ovarian regression. Proteomic analysis demonstrated the importance of mitochondrial function in ovarian regression. Notably, metabolomic analysis showed that CLP ducks disturbed TCA cycle, as exhibited by the lower fumarate content. The ovarian expression of protein markers for mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α and TFAM) and function (SIRT1 and SIRT3) were suppressed in CLP ducks. CLP ducks had significantly increased MDA levels and reduced SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and T-AOC activities, inducing excessive oxidative stress. Interestingly, ACSL4, a key regulator of ferroptosis, was associated with the mitochondrial envelope and membrane function during ovarian regression. CLP ducks showed significantly reduced GSH levels and increased Fe2+ content, as well as decreased the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4 and SLC7A11) and antioxidant-related proteins (COX2, CAT, SOD1, and SOD2). Collectively, our findings suggest that ovarian regression-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis in ducks that have ceased laying.

Against the backdrop of the global comprehensive ban on antibiotics, finding antibiotic alternatives to address the intestinal health issues of laying hens during the late laying phase has become an urgent priority. In this study, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were used as additives, and a metabolomic approach was employed to investigate the effects of AMPs targeting Gram-positive bacteria (AMP1), AMPs targeting Gram-negative bacteria (AMP2), and their complex (AMP3), on the intestinal metabolome of Xinyang Black-feathered laying hens in the late laying phase. First, we found through in vitro experiments that the selected AMPs exhibited significant antibacterial effects. Subsequently, these AMPs were added to the feed for in vivo validation in laying hens, and differential metabolites were screened using a threshold of corrected P-value ≤ 0.05. The results showed that AMPs targeting Gram-negative bacteria exerted favorable effects on the cecal intestinal microbiota of Xinyang Black-feathered laying hens in the late laying phase. Compared with the CG, the AMP1, AMP2, and AMP3 groups had 79, 433, and 64 differential metabolites, respectively. The AMP1 and AMP2 groups were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways such as glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. The AMP2 group was significantly enriched in the nucleotide metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism pathways. Metabolites in these pathways may be involved in the host's antioxidant capacity and immune regulation processes when responding to antimicrobial substances. It is concluded that AMPs targeting Gram-negative bacteria exert a favorable effect on the intestinal microbiota of Xinyang Black-feathered Laying Hens in the late laying phase. This study holds significant importance for safeguarding the health of laying hens and stabilizing their production performance, and provides new insights for the subsequent development of the layer poultry industry.

This study employed a multi-omics approach to examine the impact of feed fermentation on the lipid profile and volatile flavor of duck eggs. Sensory evaluation and GC × GC-TOFMS analyses demonstrated that microbial fermentation in feed significantly reduced the off-odor of duck eggs. Among the thirty-nine differential volatile compounds identified, six—namely 3-methylbutanal, 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, acetophenone, 2-heptanone, and 2-pentylfuran—were likely responsible for the alteration in yolk aroma. Lipidomics and metabolomics identified twenty-five key differential lipids (p < 0.05, VIP > 1.85) and a modified metabolic pathway associated with linoleic acid (LA), involving four metabolites. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between LA-containing lipids (e.g., DG (18: 2/18:2)), LA metabolites, and differential volatiles (e.g., 3-methylbutanal) (p < 0.05). These results provide insights into the mechanisms underlying off-odor reduction and offer a potential strategy for enhancing the flavor profile of duck eggs.

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread environmental pollutants that can enter the human body through the food chain, potentially leading to lung damage. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this damage remain unclear. Ducks, a commonly consumed poultry species in China, are particularly susceptible to MPs exposure due to their farming environment. In this study, Shaoxing ducklings were administered two distinct concentrations of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) (1 mg/L and 100 mg/L) via oral route, alongside a control group, over a period of four weeks to establish an in vivo model for evaluating the effects of microplastic exposure in ducks. Simultaneously, rat type II alveolar epithelial (RLE-6TN) cells were exposed to different concentrations of PS-MPs (0, 10, 100, and 500 µg/mL) for 48 h, thereby constructing an in vitro exposure model. Our results showed that PS-MPs caused pathological damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and activation of the LPS/TLR4 inflammatory pathway in the lung. Further analysis revealed that PS-MPs disrupted the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and inhibited oxidative phosphorylation. Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that PS-MPs induced mitochondrial dysfunction and consequent excessive mitophagy. This study investigates the mechanisms by which PS-MPs contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy, potentially exacerbating lung inflammation, offering valuable insights for mitigating the toxic effects of PS-MPs on human and animal health.