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(1) Background: Matou goats, native to Hunan and Hubei provinces in China, are renowned for their exceptional meat and skin quality. However, a comprehensive whole-genome-based exploration of the genetic architecture of this breed is scant in the literature. (2) Methods: To address this substantial gap, we used whole-genome sequences of 20 Matou goats and compared them with published genomic data of 133 goats of different breeds across China. This comprehensive investigation sought to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and the presence of genomic selection signals. (3) Results: The whole genome of Matou goat populations yielded a substantial catalog of over 19 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), primarily distributed within intergenic and intron regions. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed distinct clades corresponding to each goat population within the dataset. Notably, this analysis positioned Matou goats in a closer genetic affinity with Guizhou White goats, compared to other recognized goat breeds. This observation was corroborated by principal component analysis (PCA) and admixture analysis. Remarkably, Matou goats exhibited diminished genetic diversity and a notable degree of inbreeding, signifying a reduced effective population size. Moreover, the study employed five selective sweep detection methods (including PI, CLR, PI-Ratio, Fst, and XP-EHH) to screen top signal genes associated with critical biological functions, encompassing cardiomyocytes, immunity, coat color, and meat quality. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, this study significantly advances our understanding of the current genetic landscape and evolutionary dynamics of Matou goats. These findings underscore the importance of concerted efforts in resource conservation and genetic enhancement for this invaluable breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to determine the silage quality of mixed rice straw silage inoculated with different concentration of Aspergillus niger. For this purpose, four experimental treatments were carried out that were based on different concentrations of Aspergillus niger per kilogram of mixed silage (80% straw + 18 wheat bran + 2% sucrose). In treatment 1, 50 mL of Aspergillus niger + 150 mL of sterile water was inoculated on mix rice straw silage (50 MRS), in treatment two, 100 mL of Aspergillus niger + 100 mL of sterile water was inoculated on mix rice straw silage (100 MRS), in treatment three, 150 mL of Aspergillus niger + 50 mL of sterile water was added on mix rice straw silage (150 MRS), while in treatment four, 200 ml of Aspergillus niger inoculant was added on mix rice straw silage (200 MRS). In control group only 200 ml of sterile water was added on mix rice straw silage (0 MRS). In all experimental treatments, the concentration of Aspergillus niger was 5.68 × 106 CFU ·mL-1. After 30 days of ensiling, all the ensiled bags of silage were opened for chemical analysis. The results showed that experimental treatments significantly increased water-soluble carbohydrate contents, dry matter, lactic acid and acetic acid (P<0.05), and reduced the pH and NH3-N/TN contents of mixed silage(P<0.05). The concentration of 100 MRS, 150 MRS, and 200 MRS significantly reduced neutral detergent fiber, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin content of mixed silage (P<0.05). Enzyme activity results explored that carboxymethylcellulase, manganese peroxidase, laccase and xylanase enzyme activity decreased as the time of fermentation time increased. Based on the current study, it could be recommended that 100 MRS could be used to ensile rice straw because it is as efficient as other experimental treatment and it could decrease the cost of ensiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic understanding of molecular features of ovaries and comparison of biological events in ovaries of different beef cattle breeds with indigenous potential has been indicated to improve beef production. The objective of the study was to explore the basic molecular features of Xiangxi cattle ovary and to identify the biological processes generating the differences between the ovaries of Xiangxi and Angus cattle. For this purpose, RNA-seq technology was used to analyze transcriptome data between the ovaries of Xiangxi and Angus cattle. A total of 64.87 Gb clean data were obtained that contained 6.10 Gb clean data of each sample. A total of 109 differentially expressed genes were obtained from comparison of transcriptome analysis between Xiangxi and Angus cattle. Among the 109 differentially expressed genes, 60 genes were upregulated in Angus, whereas 59 genes were upregulated in Xiangxi cattle. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway Analysis indicated that many of these genes encode the proteins involved in signal transduction and ovarian development. In this study, the mRNA expression of ASIP, IGLL1, FOSB and IL17RD in ovary of Angus cattle was found to be upregulated. While, the mRNA expression of GSTA3, TICAM1, CCDC6 and TSPAN18 was upregulated in Xiangxi cattle. These observations could provide basic information to improve understanding of fertilization, ovarian development and immune cell functions in the Xiangxi cattle and other closely related cattle breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mulberry (Morus alba) leaf (ML) is a high-quality feed source for ruminants, while it is unclear whether it can enhance the growth performance and meat quality of Xiangdong black goats., Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of ML supplementation (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) on the growth performance, serum variables, and the profiles of amino acids and fatty acids in the muscle of Xiangdong black goats., Results: Results showed that the final body weight, initial and final dry matter intake, and average daily gain increased linearly and quadratically with the increasing ML content (P < 0.05). The serum concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased linearly, while immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased quadratically with the increasing ML content (P < 0.05). Conversely, the saturated fatty acids (SFA) content in meat decreased linearly with the increasing ML content (P < 0.05). Compared to goats without ML supplementation, goats fed with 15% ML showed significant increases in serum concentrations of T-AOC, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and IgG (P < 0.05). Furthermore, goats fed with 20% ML displayed significant decreases in SFA (C18:0) content, compared to goats without ML supplementation (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: These results suggest that ML supplementation promotes the growth performance of goats. A diet containing 15% ML showed better effects in promoting antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities, while a diet with 20% ML was more effective in enhancing meat flavor in Xiangdong black goats.