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Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: Low-pressure systems frequently occur during the summer in coastal areas and can be detrimental to commercial poultry houses. The effects of air temperature and humidity vary across different periods. Throughout the generation of low-pressure systems, landfall, and disappearance, air temperature and humidity changes can interfere with the housing environment. However, farmers often overlook the impact of low-pressure systems on large-scale poultry houses, which may impair the production of laying hens. This study investigated the effects of the different low-pressure systems on the housing environment and egg production in large-scale poultry houses in China. The results indicated that a single low-pressure system reduced the laying performance, whereas a sustained low-pressure system mitigated the impact on egg production. This study aimed to determine the effect of low-pressure systems on the environment and the laying performance of large-scale poultry houses during the summer and to provide a basis for farmers to adjust their environmental control strategies under extreme weather conditions. Low-pressure systems (LPSs) are among the most critical weather systems, producing excessive precipitation that causes air temperatures to drop and rise considerably. Acute temperature changes directly affect poultry feed intake (FI) and laying performance. To explore the effects of LPSs on hens, the parameters of air temperature, relative humidity, egg production, and feed utilization efficiency were evaluated during different LPSs in three houses. Results indicated that about 2.8 ± 0.7 d, 2.4 ± 0.5 d, and 2.4 ± 0.5 d before the LPS landfall in houses 1, 2, and 3, respectively, the indoor air temperature started to decrease, with the average decreases being 1.7 °C ± 0.4 °C, 2.4 °C ± 0.6 °C, and 1.8 °C ± 0.4 °C, respectively. Significant differences were observed between different LPSs for reducing indoor air temperature (p < 0.05) in the three houses. In house 1, the egg production rates (EPRs) were decreased by 6.6% and 1.1% when LPSs 1 and 2 landed. The average egg weight (AEW) and FI during the LPS landfall were significantly higher than those before the LPS landfall (p < 0.01). Under successive LPSs landfall in the three houses, the EPRs initially reduced by 3.9%, 4.0%, and 0.5%, respectively, but the second LPS event increased the EPRs by 1.8%, 5.3%, and 1.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the LPS landfall increased the feed conversion ratio (FCRe) in the three houses, all above 2.00. In conclusion, LPSs can reduce heat stress, lower the EPRs, and lead to higher FI, FCRe, and AEW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of yeast culture (YC) on dairy goat milk yield and potential effects of rumen microbial population changes on rumen fermentation are poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of YC on milk yield and rumen fermentation in dairy goats and explore the potential microbial mechanisms. Forty Laoshan dairy goats with a weight of 51.23 ± 2.23 kg and daily milk yield of 1.41 ± 0.26 kg were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (no YC), YC1 (10 g/day per goat), YC2 (25 g/day per goat), and YC3 (40 g/day per goat). The pre-feeding period was 15 days, and the official period was 60 days. Laoshan dairy goats were milked twice daily, and the individual milk yield was recorded. On the last day of the official period, rumen fluid was collected to measure rumen fermentation, perform quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and detect metabolites. Compared to the control group, the YC group had greater milk yield; higher acetic acid, butyric acid, and total volatile fatty acid contents; and lower ammonia-N (NH3-N) content in the rumen (p < 0.05). YC increased the abundance of Clostridia_UCG-014 and Paraprevotella (p < 0.05). Differential metabolites L-leucine and aspartic acid were screened. This study revealed the microbial mechanisms linking the relative abundance of Paraprevotella and Clostridia_UCG-014 to L-leucine and aspartic acid utilization. These results describe the potential benefits of supplementing 10 g/day per goat YC in the diets of Laoshan dairy goats for improving the rumen environment and milk yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the influence of the combined breeding mode on the goose breeding industry, the production performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of Sanhua geese were measured by the comparative experiment of cornfield stocking and house feeding, which provided technical basis for the upgrading and transformation of goose industry. A total of 320 geese aged 50 days, half male and half female, were randomly divided into 1 experimental group and 1 control group with 8 replicates in each group and 20 geese in each replicate. The experiment period was 21 days. The geese were fed basic diet in the house and no herbicide was used in the corn field. The results showed that the survival rate, average daily feed consumption and feed to gain ratio of experimental group and control group were significantly different (P<0.01). There were significant differences in slaughter rate, full evisceration rate and half evisceration rate between experimental group and control group (P<0.01). The shear force index of experimental group was significantly different from that of control group (P<0.01). There were significant differences in leg muscle percentage, abdominal fat percentage, drip loss, redness (a*) and yellow (b*) between experimental group and control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in other indexes (P>0.05). The results showed that the combined breeding mode had certain advantages in improving the survival rate, slaughtering performance and meat quality, and could significantly reduce the feeding cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the effects of adding slow-release urea to the diet of fattening yaks on their production performance, slaughter performance, and blood biochemical indexes. Twenty-four healthy male Maiwa yaks with similar body weight [(277.9±10.4) kg] were selected and divided into three treatment groups: the control group: fed with the original total mixed ration from the farm (ME 11.03 MJ/kg, CP 10%); 0.5% group: using corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to replace part of roughage in the diet, and to decrease the level of roughage, and adding 0.5% slow-release urea (ME 11.35 MJ/kg, CP 12.77%); 1.0% group: using corn DDGS to replace soybean meal and rapeseed meal in the diet, and adding 1.0% slow-release urea (ME 11.42 MJ/kg, CP 12.77%). Yaks were given a 10 d adaptation period and then followed by the 60 d formal feeding experiment. On the 60th day, before the morning feeding, serum samples were collected for biochemical indexes determination. The results showed that: ① the average daily weight gain of the 0.5% group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). ② The alanine aminotransferase activity in both the 0.5% and 1.0% groups were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the 1.0% group was higher than the 0.5% group (P< 0.05). The aspartate aminotransferase activity in the 1.0% group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The blood ammonia concentration in 1.0% group was higher than that in control group (P< 0.05), and the plasma urea nitrogen in 1.0% group was higher than that in 0.5% and control group (P< 0.05). ③The slaughter rate and net meat rate of the 0.5% group were 1.1 and 1.4 percentage higher than that of the control group respectively. ④The economic benefits of the 0.5% and 1.0% group were improved by 24.03% and 29.96% respectively compared to the control group. The combined use of 1.0% slow-release urea and corn DDGS can completely replace soybean meal and rapeseed meal in the ration of fattening yaks and increase economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to investigate the effects of plant essential oils from different sources on the growth performance of piglets, and to provide scientific basis for the application of plant essential oils in piglet feeding and feed production. In experiment 1, 384 PIC weaned piglets with body weight (7.90±0.46) kg were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 24 piglets each. The control group was fed commercial diet without antibiotic and plant essential oil, and the experimental group was fed essential oil R, essential oil A and essential oil B, respectively. The feeding trial lasted 32 days. In Experiment 2, 320 PIC nursery piglets with body weight (10.92±0.53) kg were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups with 4 replicates of 20 piglets each. The control group was fed commercial diet without antibiotic and plant essential oil, and the experimental group was fed a certain amount of essential oil R, essential oil A and essential oil B, respectively. The feeding trial lasted 23 days. The results of experiment 1 showed that compared with the control group, essential oils R and B could significantly reduce the F/G of weaned piglets (P<0.05), and the F/G of essential oil R was the lowest. In addition, only essential oil R can significantly reduce the diarrhea rate of weaned piglets (P<0.01). The results of experiment 2 showed that the F/G of nursery piglets with essential oil R was significantly lower than that of the control group and other experimental groups (P<0.05). During the experiment, there was no significant difference in diarrhea rate among all treatment groups (P>0.05). In addition, several essential oils had no significant effect on the hair condition and skin color of piglets (P>0.05). In conclusion, adding R essential oil to the diet can significantly improve the production performance of weaned and nursery piglets, and the effect is better than that of A essential oil products and B essential oil products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fermented jujube powder (FJP) promotes a balance between the intestinal microflora and immune factors in animals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FJP on the production performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and antioxidant properties of bulls. Methods: Forty Simmental bulls were randomly divided into four groups based on body weight and fed a basal diet with [5, 7.5, or 10% dry matter (DM)] or without FJP. The experimental period was 20 d for adaptation and 60 d for the feeding trial. Results: Dietary FJP supplementation did not affect DM intake (P > 0.05) but increased the average daily gain quadratically (P = 0.049) and decreased the feed conversion ratio linearly (P = 0.042). FJP quadratically enhanced DM and crude protein digestibility (P = 0.026 and P = 0.041, respectively) and linearly enhanced acid detergent fiber digestibility (P = 0.048). It also increased the total volatile fatty acid concentration quadratically (P = 0.037), acetate molar percentage, and acetate-to-propionate ratio linearly (P = 0.002 and 0.001), and reduced the ammonia nitrogen concentration linearly (P = 0.003). Additionally, xylanase and protease activities and Ruminococcus flavefaciens abundance increased linearly (P = 0.006, 0.018, and 0.009, respectively), and total bacteria, Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminobacter amylophilus abundance increased quadratically (P = 0.047, 0.011, and 0.021, respectively). FJP linearly increased serum total protein concentration and antioxidant capacity (P = 0.003 and 0.018, respectively) and decreased malonaldehyde content (P = 0.006). Discussion: FJP supplementation (7.5%) enhanced production performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation, and serum antioxidant capacity in bulls. The improved nutrient digestion may be due to an increase in ruminal microorganisms and total volatile fatty acids from the FJP. High blood antioxidant levels indicate that FJP may preserve proteins, thereby boosting the production performance of bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As effective growth-promoters and immune-modulators, yeast fermented products have shown positive effects in ruminants. To explore the mechanisms of yeast culture promoting growth and regulating immunity, this study investigated the effects of yeast culture, and β-glucan as one of its main active ingredients, on the growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity and hormonal profile in Mongolian ram lambs. Methods: One hundred and five Mongolian ram lambs were randomly assigned to 3 groups, with 35 replicates in each group. The dietary treatments were: total mixed ration (TMR) as the control group, TMR supplemented with 50-70 g/kg yeast culture (YC) or 75 mg/kg β-glucan. The test period was 137 days. All the sheep were weighed and 6 serum samples were collected in each group on days 0, 30, 60, 90 and 130, respectively. Results: The results showed that both YC and β-glucan could promote the growth performance with increased average daily gain and decreased feed to weight gain ratio. Moreover, these two feed additives facilitated the immune function by selectively increasing the serum levels of lysozyme, IgG, IgM, INF-γ, TNF-α and some interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8); ameliorated the antioxidant capacity with higher total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase; altered the metabolism-associated hormone levels with higher growth hormone and thyroid hormone T3 but lower cortisol and insulin. Discussion: In conclusion, both YC and β-glucan could improve the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity, and regulate the serum levels of metabolism-associated hormones, thus exerting effects of promoting growth and improving immune function. Therefore, YC could be considered as a suitable potential alternative strategy to antibiotics and be used as an animal feed additive. This article provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of such yeast fermented preparations in mutton sheep husbandry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of green tea powder on production performance, serum antioxidant indexes and cecal microflora structure of laying hens. A total of 240 24-weekold Jingfen No.6 commercial laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups with 5 replicates per group and 12 hens per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the three experimental groups were fed a basal diet containing 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% green tea powder, respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that, the laying rate of 0.50% and 0.75% green tea powder groups were slightly higher than that of the control group (P>0.05), but significantly higher than that of 1.00% green tea powder group (P< 0.05), and the laying rate of 1.00% green tea powder group was slightly lower than that of the control group (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the addition of 1.00% green tea powder significantly reduced serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P<0.05), 0.75% and 1.00% green tea powder significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity (P<0.05), 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% green tea powder significantly reduced serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P<0.05). Adding 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% green tea powder had no significant effect on Chao1 index, Richness index, Shannon index and ACE index of laying hens (P>0.05). The addition of green tea powder had no significant effect on the structure of cecal microbial flora (P>0.05). In summary, dietary green tea powder inclusion could improve the production performance and serum antioxidant indexes, and affected the diversity and structural composition of cecal microbiota in laying hens, the proper supplemental level in diet of green tea powder was 0.50% to 0.75% in the current study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Skeletal muscle growth and development are closely related to the growth performance of livestock and poultry, and miRNAs are involved in skeletal muscle growth and development by negatively regulating target genes. In this study, the Gannan yak and the Tianzhu white yak which have large differences in production performance were used as research subjects. The difference of muscle fibers was analyzed by fiber staining. A total of 254 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were screened by transcriptome sequencing. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes were significantly enriched in muscle growth-related terms and pathways. By constructing a DE miRNA- DE mRNA interaction network, 18 key miRNAs related to muscle growth and development such as miR-3968-z, miR-2478-z, novel-m0143-3p, novel-m0024-3p, novel-m0128-5p, and novel-m0026-3p were screened. These results help us to explore the key influencing factors of skeletal muscle development in different breeds of yaks, and lay a foundation for further research on the molecular regulatory mechanisms of muscle growth and development. The Gannan yak, a superior livestock breed found on the Tibetan Plateau, exhibits significantly enhanced body size, weight, and growth performance in comparison to the Tianzhu white yak. MiRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating muscle growth by negatively modulating target genes. In this study, we found the average diameter, area, and length of myofibers in Gannan yaks were significantly higher than those of Tianzhu white yaks. Further, we focused on analyzing the longissimus dorsi muscle from both Gannan yaks and Tianzhu white yaks through transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed (DE)miRNAs that influence skeletal muscle development. A total of 254 DE miRNAs were identified, of which 126 miRNAs were up-regulated and 128 miRNAs were down-regulated. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of these DE miRNAs were significantly enriched in signaling pathways associated with muscle growth and development. By constructing a DE miRNA- DE mRNA interaction network, we screened 18 key miRNAs, and notably, four of the candidates (novel-m0143-3p, novel-m0024-3p, novel-m0128-5p, and novel-m0026-3p) targeted six genes associated with muscle growth and development (DDIT4, ADAMTS1, CRY2, AKIRIN2, SIX1, and FOXO1). These findings may provide theoretical references for further studies on the role of miRNAs in muscle growth and development in Gannan yaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Northwest A & F University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: Recently, the escalating prices of feedstuff resources have posed significant challenges to animal husbandry, necessitating the creation of innovative approaches to mitigate its effects. GAA (also known as N-amidinoglycine) serves as the sole precursor for creatine synthesis. GAA could enhance growth performance and regulate fat deposition to improve meat quality. Current studies on GAA mainly center on pigs and chickens, with limited reports on its effects on sheep. In our study, we used weaned Hu sheep as subjects. We aimed to explore the impact of dietary GAA supplementation on production performance, serum biochemistry, meat quality and rumen fermentation. This study provides a theoretical foundation for utilizing GAA in sheep meat production. Our findings indicate that GAA enhances growth performance, rumen fermentation and fat accumulation. In addition, GAA might enhance the quality of sheep meat, which presents a promising prospect for meat sheep breeding. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) can effectively improve the metabolism of energy and proteins by stimulating creatine biosynthesis. We present a study exploring the impact of GAA on production performance, serum biochemistry, meat quality and rumen fermentation in Hu sheep. A total of 144 weaned male Hu sheep (body weight 16.91 ± 3.1 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups with three replicates of twelve sheep in each group. The diets were supplemented with 0 (CON), 500 (GAA−1), 750 (GAA−2) and 1000 mg/kg (GAA−3) of GAA (weight of feed), respectively. After a comprehensive 90-day experimental period, we discovered that the supplementation of GAA had a remarkable impact on various muscle parameters. Specifically, it significantly enhanced the average daily growth (ADG) of the animals and improved the shear force and fiber diameter of the muscle, while also reducing the drip loss and muscle fiber density. Furthermore, the addition of GAA to the feed notably elevated the serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL−C), total protein (TP) and globulin (GLB), as well as the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH−Px). Concurrently, there was a decrease in the levels of triglycerides (TG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum. In addition, GAA decreased the pH and the acetate-to-propionate ratio and increased the total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3−N) levels of rumen fluid. Additionally, GAA upregulated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene expression in the Hu sheep's muscles. In conclusion, our findings suggest that GAA supplementation not only enhances muscle quality but also positively affects serum biochemistry and ruminal metabolism, making it a potential candidate for improving the overall health and performance of Hu sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of high moisture ear corn (HMEC) on production performance, milk fatty acid composition, serum antioxidant status, and immunity in primiparous dairy cows. Methods: A total of 45 healthy primiparous Holstein cows (36.50±4.30 kg of milk/d, 201±9.00 lactating days in milk) were sorted into 3 groups: control group (CG, n = 15); 50% HMEC (replacing 50% steam-flaked corn with HMEC, n = 15); and 100% HMEC (replacing steam-flaked corn with HMEC, n = 15) on an equal dry matter (DM) basis. The study consisted of adaptation period of 14 days, followed by a formal period of 60 days. Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk and blood samples were collected on 1, 30, and 60 d of the experimental period. Results: The 50% HMEC group and 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) milk yield and DM intake in dairy cows compared to the control group (CG). The 100% HMEC group showed an increase (p<0.05) in 4% fat-corrected milk (4% FCM). Both the 50% HMEC group and 100% HMEC group exhibited significant decreases (p<0.05) in the content of C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0 fatty acids, along with a significant increase (p<0.05) in cis-9C18:1 content. The saturated fatty acid content was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the 50% HMEC and 100% HMEC groups than that of CG. Conversely, the monounsaturated fatty acid content was higher (p<0.05) in the 50% HMEC and 100% HMEC groups than that in CG. Notably, the 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) the serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase content, while also decreasing the serum malondialdehyde content (p<0.05). Moreover, the 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) the content of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM. Conclusion: High moisture ear corn could improve production performance and milk fatty acid levels and enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity in dairy cows. These results lay the foundation for the wider application of HMEC in ruminant animal diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the livestock industry, the number of livestock and poultry in China is increasing gradually, leading to a shortage of animal feed resources. To address this issue, the development of unconventional feed as a substitute for feed has become key to the development of livestock production. China is a big country of liquor brewing, which produces a large amount of liquor residue every year. Dry white liquor distiller's grains, one of the waste products, has a high digestibility and is rich in soluble sugars, proteins, and other substances. These nutrients can improve the palatability of feed, promote the secretion of digestive fluids, and are easily absorbed by the animal body, thereby aiding in the growth and development of the animal. Dry white liquor distiller's grains can regulate the structure of the intestinal flora and alter the internal environment of the rumen in ruminant animals. Due to its widespread availability and low cost, it can replace some feed ingredients, which is beneficial for reducing the cost of breeding. Based on the analysis of the nutritional value of dry white liquor distiller's grains, the feed processing technology, feeding methods, application in ruminant production and the limiting factors of feed utilization of dry white liquor distiller's grains, were further reviewed in this paper, in order to provide reference for the application of white liquor distiller's grains in feed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted at Grdarasha field in Salahaddin University –Erbil during the period from 23 November 2021 to 5 January 2022, to determine the effect of using different calcium sources in a broiler diet on growth performance, blood parameters, bone characteristics, and immunity organs. Three hundred (300) chicks have randomly distributed into three (3) treatments following a completely randomized design (CRD). Five replications for each treatment, each replicate contains 20 birds. The dietary treatments include T1: control (0% eggshell), T2 and T3 increasing levels of eggshell powder as a replacement to limestone at 50% and 100%, respectively. The results showed no significant (P> 0.05) differences in broiler live body weight, body weight gain (BWQ), feed intake, feed conversation ratio, and mortality % among different weeks of experiments and different treatments used. The results of blood parameters did not note any significant variations among different treatment groups (P > 0.05) in TG, HDL, LDL and P, however, the significant differences (P < 0.01)was found in the Cholesterol, VLDL, and Calcium . Bone ash mainly consists of calcium and phosphorous, and their level of them differ significantly (P < 0.01) among the different treatments. Also, the results of the effect of dietary treatments on the broilers' bone properties indicated that no significant differences in bone length (cm), diaphysis diameter (mm), Lateral wall thickness (mm), Medial wall thickness (mm), Medullary canal diameter (mm), Tibiotarsal index. However, the significance was found in bone weight and bone-breaking strength which is considered to affect bone fractures in poultry. Nevertheless, the results showed no significant differences in immunity organs, including spleen % and bursa %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of micelle silymarin (MS) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, and blood biochemical parameters in laying hens. A total of 384 (Hy‐Line brown, 28‐week‐old) laying hens were randomly distributed into one of four dietary treatment groups (eight replication per treatment; 12 hens per replicate) for a 12‐week long feeding trial. Hens were fed a basal diet with the addition of 0%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06% of MS respectively. The results expressed that egg production percentage and egg weight were linearly (p < 0.05) enhanced at Weeks 0–6, 7–12, and 0–12, when 0%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06% of MS were added to laying hen diets. The feed conversion ratio and feed intake improved (p < 0.05) linearly at Weeks 0–6, 7–12, and 0–12 with increasing levels of MS supplementation in laying hens. The eggshell thickness and eggshell strength were linearly (p < 0.05) improved at weeks 4, 8, and 12 with an MS‐supplemented diet. Additionally, eggshell colour, Haugh unit, and albumin height had no significant (p > 0.05) difference throughout the experimental period with different levels of MS‐supplemented diet. The yolk colour of eggs showed significant (p < 0.05) differences at weeks 8 and 12 with levels of the MS‐supplemented diet. However, at the end of the trial, the blood profile indicated that cholesterol levels decreased (p < 0.05) linearly, and triglyceride levels showed a tendency to decrease (p < 0.10) with MS supplementation. In conclusion, increasing the level of MS addition in the laying hen diet improved the egg production percentage and egg quality, reducing cholesterol levels in Hy‐Line brown hens. However, this study indicates that MS can be added to the diet of laying hens up to 0.06% for improved egg production and egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary Ca/P level on the growth perfor‐ mance and blood indexes of Hu sheep. The single factor design was used, and 48 Hu sheep with similar age and body weight were selected. According to the dietary Ca/P level, it was divided into three treat‐ ments with 4 replicates in each treatment and 3 Hu sheep weaned male lambs in each replicate. They were fed diets of Ca/P level at 2.13, 1.63 and 1.28, respectively, with the concentrate∶ roughage ratio of 33∶ 67. The results showed that: ① dietary Ca/P level had no significant ef‐ fect on feed intake and feed to meat ratio of weaned Hu lambs (P>0.05); the daily gain of low Ca/P level group was significantly higher than that of high Ca/P level group and medium Ca/P level group (P<0.05). ② Serum calcium content increased significantly with dietary phosphorus level (P<0.01); the urea nitrogen of low Ca/P level group was significantly higher than that of high Ca/P level group (P< 0.05); dietary Ca/P level level had no significant effect on serum total protein, albumin, alkaline phospha‐ tase and inorganic phosphorus (P>0.05). Under the experimental conditions, considering the production performance and blood indexes, the suitable dietary Ca/P level of Hu sheep weaned male lambs was 1.28 to 1.63. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The serious shortage of protein feed resources and greenhouse gases emissions from livestock production system have become two major bottlenecks restricting the high-quality and sustainable devel‐ opment of animal husbandry in China. Low-protein diet technology is based on the precise nutrient re‐ quirement of animals to achieve stable or improved production performance by lowering the feed cost. Methane is an inevitable product of ruminant physiological metabolism, representing not only an impor‐ tant energy loss, but also a critical source of greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, the research on the effect of low-protein diet on production performance, enteric methane emissions of ruminants have increasingly become an important area. Therefore, this paper briefly summarized the definition and characteristics of low-protein diet used for ruminants in recent years, and reviewed the impact of low-protein diet on growth performance, milk pro‐ duction, and enteric methane emissions, and explored the possible mechanism of action behind the low-protein diet to provide theoretical reference for the research and application of this technology in ruminant production regimes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the hybrid effect between Tibetan chickens and Avian, 1-day-old healthy Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens and the pure breeding of Tibetan chickens were selected in the experiment, 100 feathers each. In the same feeding environment, the same nutritional standard was provided, and the growth and development, body size index, slaughter performance and meat quality were studied, and the crossbreeding effect of Avian and Tibetan chicken was comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that the growth rate of Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens was slightly faster than that of Tibetan chick‐ ens on the whole (except 70 days of age), and the body weight at 30 and 60 days of age was significantly higher than that of Tibetan chickens (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the other days of age. The breast width of 60-day-old Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens was significantly higher than that of Ti‐ betan chickens (P<0.05), and the tibia length and oblique body length of 90-day-old Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens were significantly higher than that of Tibetan chickens (P<0.05). The thigh muscle percentage and liver weight percentage of hens in Ai-Tibetan group were significantly higher than those in other groups, but the other indexes were not significantly different. Muscle color a* of Tibetan chickens was significantly higher than that of Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens (P<0.05), and the drip loss rate of Ti‐ betan group was much lower than that in AiTibetan hybrid chickens, and there was a signifi‐ cant difference (P<0.05). The cooking loss of the Tibetan chickens was also lower than that of AiTibetan hybrid chickens. The meat quality of Ti‐ betan chickens was better than that of Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens. Comprehensive analysis showed that the growth rate, slaughter performance and meat quality of the hybrid offspring of Tibetan chickens and Avian had no outstanding advantages in the envi‐ ronment of high altitude, and the hybridization effect was not obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Northwest A & F University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary saccharin sodium supplementation on production performance, serum biochemical indicators, and rumen fermentation of dairy goats in summer. Twelve Guanzhong dairy goats with similar body weight, days in milk, and milk yield were randomly divided into two dietary treatments: (1) CON: basal diet; (2) SS: basal diet + 150 mg/kg saccharin sodium on the basis of dry matter. The experiment lasted 35 d, including 7 d for adaptation and 28 d for dietary treatments, sampling and data collection. Each dairy goat was housed individually in a clean separate pen with ad libitum access to diet and water. The goats fed SS diet had increased dry matter intake (DMI; P = 0.037), 4% fat corrected milk yield (P = 0.049), energy corrected milk yield (P = 0.037), milk protein yield (P = 0.031), and total solids yield (P = 0.036). Serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.047) and concentrations of 70-kDa heat shock protein (P = 0.090), malondialdehyde (P = 0.092), and total protein (P = 0.057) were lower in goats fed SS diet than those fed CON diet. Supplementation of saccharin sodium tended to increase activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum (P = 0.079). The concentrations of rumen total volatile fatty acid (P = 0.042) and butyrate (P = 0.038) were increased by saccharin sodium supplementation. Dietary supplementation of saccharin sodium increased the relative abundance of Lachnobacterium (P = 0.022), Pseudoramibacter (P = 0.022), Shuttleworthia (P = 0.025), and Syntrophococcus (P = 0.037), but reduced the relative abundance of Prevotella_1 (P = 0.037) and Lachnospiraceae_UCG_008 (P = 0.037) in rumen. Saccharin sodium was observed in feces and urine of goats fed diet supplemented with saccharin sodium, but saccharin sodium was undetectable in the milk of goats receiving SS diet. In conclusion, administration of saccharin sodium was effective in increasing fat and energy corrected milk yield by increasing DMI and improving rumen fermentation and antioxidant capacity of dairy goats in summer. In addition, saccharin sodium residue was undetectable in the milk.

Different dietary patterns affect the gut microbial compositions and diversity. Consistently, microbiome alterations are linked to digestion, immunity, and productivity. Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (SQ) is a perennial bamboo species rich in proteins and fiber. Previous studies have confirmed the health benefits of SQ; however, the effects of SQ supplementation on gut microbiome and production performance are unclear. Herein, Landrace pigs were supplemented with SQ extract (SQE) and gut microbial compositions as opposed to the control group were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, the influences of SQE supplementation on average daily gain (ADG) and backfat thickness (BF) were assessed after slaughter. In the SQE group, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla increased significantly, whereas Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes phyla markedly decreased (p < 0.05). The expression level of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera increased, whereas that of Treponema, Prevotella, and Turicibacter decreased (p < 0.05). The microbial richness was similar between groups; however, microbial diversity decreased in the SQE supplementation group. Additionally, the SQE supplementation in pigs resulted in a slight increase in ADG. In contrast, BF in the SQE group decreased notably (p < 0.05). These results underscore the significant influence of SQE supplementation on the gut microbiota and demonstrate the potential of SQ as a valuable feed resource for enhancing animal productivity.

The effects of Aronia melanocarpa (AM) dietary supplementation on production performance, meat and egg quality, yolk volatile substances and antioxidant capacity of laying hens. A total of 480 Roman brown laying hens aged 25 wks were randomly divided into control, LAM, MAM and HAM groups and fed 0%, 1%, 4% and 7% AM, respectively. The results showed that AM dietary supplementation significantly increased the eggshell strength, significantly reduced 24 h dripping loss of breast and thigh muscles, and increased pH and 48 h dripping loss of breast and thigh muscles. Cooking loss was significantly lower only in the HAM group for breast muscle. The MAM group was able to significantly increase albumen height and Haugh units. Esters gradually decreased with the increase in AM content, and the addition of AM led to a decrease in alcoholic compounds but increased the contents of alkenes, alkanes, ketones, and acids. The dietary AM supplementation significantly reduces the MDA content of serum, liver, ovary, chest muscle, thigh muscle and yolk and increases the activities of GSH-Px, T-SOD and T-AOC. In summary, dietary AM supplementation could improve antioxidant capacity and expression of related genes, thereby improving meat and egg quality.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf (ML) supplementation on the productivity, blood metabolism, rumen fermentation characteristics and rumen microbial population in lactating dairy cows. Twelve healthy multiparous Holstein dairy cows (initial characteristics: body weight = 442.83 ± 86.87 kg; milk yield = 12.55 ± 1.91 kg/d; days in milk = 150.0 ± 47.0 d) were randomly allocated to two treatment groups of six cows each. The cows were fed two different diets: a control diet (basal diet without ML; CTRL group) and a ML-supplemented diet (basal diet + 300 g ML; ML group). The trial lasted for a total of 28 d after an adjustment period of 14 d. The total rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) levels (p = .063) and the propionate level (p

The effects of Aronia melanocarpa (AM) dietary supplementation on production performance, meat and egg quality, yolk volatile substances and antioxidant capacity of laying hens. A total of 480 Roman brown laying hens aged 25 wks were randomly divided into control, LAM, MAM and HAM groups and fed 0%, 1%, 4% and 7% AM, respectively. The results showed that AM dietary supplementation significantly increased the eggshell strength, significantly reduced 24 h dripping loss of breast and thigh muscles, and increased pH and 48 h dripping loss of breast and thigh muscles. Cooking loss was significantly lower only in the HAM group for breast muscle. The MAM group was able to significantly increase albumen height and Haugh units. Esters gradually decreased with the increase in AM content, and the addition of AM led to a decrease in alcoholic compounds but increased the contents of alkenes, alkanes, ketones, and acids. The dietary AM supplementation significantly reduces the MDA content of serum, liver, ovary, chest muscle, thigh muscle and yolk and increases the activities of GSH-Px, T-SOD and T-AOC. In summary, dietary AM supplementation could improve antioxidant capacity and expression of related genes, thereby improving meat and egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary mulberry leaves on the growth, production performance, gut microbiota, and immunological parameters of poultry and livestock. Methods The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were systematically analyzed to identify pertinent studies up to December 2022. The effects of mulberry leaf diet was assessed using the weighted mean difference, and the 95% confidence interval was calculated using a random-effects model. Results In total, 18 studies that sampled 2,335 poultry and livestock were selected for analysis. Mulberry leaves improved the average daily gain and reduced the feed/meat ratio in finishing pigs, and the average daily gain and average daily feed intake in chicken. In production performance, mulberry leaves lowered the half carcass weight, slaughter rate, and loin eye area in pigs, and the slaughter rate in chickens. Regarding meat quality in pigs, mulberry leaves reduced the cooked meat percentage, shear force, crude protein, and crude ash, and increased the 24 h pH and water content. In chickens, it increased the drip loss, shear force, 45 min and 24 h pH, crude protein, and crude ash. Mulberry leaves also affect the abundances of gut microbiota, including Bacteroides, Prevotella, Megamonas, Escherichia-Shigella, Butyricicoccus, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli in poultry and livestock. Mulberry leaves at different doses were associated with changes in antioxidant capacity in chickens, and immune organ indexes in pigs. With respect to egg quality, mulberry leaves at different doses improved the shell strength, yolk color, eggshell thickness, and eggshell weight. However, moderate doses diminished the egg yolk ratio and the egg yolk moisture content. Conclusion In general, dietary mulberry leaves improved the growth, production performance, and immunological parameters in poultry and livestock, although the effects varied at different doses.

The food and beverage industry is a major contributor to the Indonesian economy, and the Covid-19 epidemic heavily influenced its supply chain sustainability. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of innovation and demand optimization on partnerships in production and production performance in the food and beverage manufacturing industry in Indonesia. This research is a quantitative study using PLS-SEM. Data collection in this study was carried out by distributing questionnaires with a sample of 54 respondents of owners and managers working in the medium-large food and beverage manufacturing companies in Indonesia. The findings indicate that innovation and demand optimization can encourage companies to do partnerships in production. Innovation and demand optimization also shown to improve company’s production performance. However, there is no significant effect between partnerships in production and production performance. This is because partnerships often experience a dilemma due to the influence on company performance which may either be favorable or unfavorable to the production performance. The research findings extend literature of supply chain management in the context of internal perspectives of the companies. The context of the research is limited to small numbers of medium-large companies in Indonesia, thus, call for further examination with a larger sample size and in different contexts for further finding generalization. This research provides broader view on the internal perspectives of company’s supply chain management through the perspective of Resource Based View, as well as providing several suggestions for managers of medium-large food and beverage manufacturing companies in developing countries. Abstrak dalam Bahasa Indonesia. Industri makanan dan minuman merupakan kontributor utama perekonomian Indonesia, dan pandemi Covid-19 sangat mempengaruhi keberlanjutan rantai pasokannya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji pengaruh inovasi dan optimalisasi permintaan terhadap kemitraan produksi dan kinerja produksi pada industri manufaktur makanan dan minuman di Indonesia. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan PLS-SEM. Pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menyebarkan kuesioner dengan sampel sebanyak 54 responden pemilik dan manajer yang bekerja pada perusahaan manufaktur makanan dan minuman menengah-besar di Indonesia. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa inovasi dan optimalisasi permintaan dapat mendorong perusahaan untuk melakukan kemitraan dalam produksi. Inovasi dan optimalisasi permintaan juga terbukti meningkatkan kinerja produksi perusahaan. Namun, kemitraan produksi tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja produksi. Hal ini disebabkan karena kemitraan produksi seringkali mengalami dilema apakah bisa menguntungkan atau merugikan terhadap kinerja produksi. Temuan penelitian ini memperluas literatur manajemen rantai pasokan dalam konteks perspektif internal perusahaan. Konteks penelitian ini terbatas pada sejumlah kecil perusahaan menengah-besar di Indonesia, sehingga memerlukan penelitian lebih lanjut dengan jumlah sampel yang lebih besar dan dalam konteks yang berbeda untuk meningkatkan generalisasi temuan penelitian. Penelitian ini memberikan pandangan yang lebih luas mengenai perspektif internal manajemen rantai pasok perusahaan melalui perspektif Resource Based View, serta memberikan beberapa saran bagi para manajer perusahaan manufaktur makanan dan minuman menengah-besar di negara berkembang

Artemisinin is a novel sesquiterpene lactone with a peroxide group, isolated from the leaves of Artemisia annua, and it is the most active component responsible for the pharmacological functions of the plant. When used as an additive in the feed industry. Artemisinin has roles such as promoting growth, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, anti-coccidiosis, protecting intestinal health, and alleviating heat stress. The article reviews the physicochemical properties, biological functions, mechanisms of action, and application methods and dosages of artemisinin in broiler farming, providing a reference for the further application of artemisinin as a new type of feed additive in the production of broilers, thereby promoting the green and healthy development of broiler farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Artemisia argyi powder on the production performance, egg quality, antioxidant function, and fecal scores of laying hens. A total of 1 008 Hyline brown laying hens at 35 weeks of age with similar laying rates were randomly divided into three groups, with eight replicates in each group and 42 hens in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups were supplemented with 1% and 2% Artemisia argyi powder in the basal diet, respectively. The pretrial period lasted for seven days, and the formal experimental period lasted for 56 days. The results showed that there were no significant differences in laying rate, egg breakage rate, egg weight, average daily feed intake, and feed to egg ratio among the groups (P>0.05). The eggshell thickness in the 1% and 2% Artemisia argyi powder groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the albumen height and Haugh units in the 2% Artemisia argyi powder group were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.05). Dietary 1% and 2% Artemisia argyi powder decreased serum MDA content, increased GSH content and CAT activity of laying hens (P>0.05), had no significant effects on fecal score of laying hens (P>0.05). The study indicates that the addition of 2% Artemisia argyi powder to the diet of laying hens can improve egg quality, enhance antioxidant function to a certain extent, and has no adverse effects on laying rate and feces scoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aims to study the distribution of avian leukosis virus (ALVE) in Bashang Longtail chickens and its impact on their production performance. The molecular evolutionary genetics analysis (MEGA) software was used to construct a phylogenetic tree of avian leukosis virus (ALV) using the Neighbor-Joining method, and the Maximum Likelihood method was employed to calculate genetic distances between sequences. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to detect the integration of ALVE in Bashang Longtail chickens, and a two-way ANOVA was conducted to analyze the relationship between the integration of ALVE-6 and ALVE-B5 with egg production and body weight in Bashang Longtail chickens. A paired Chi-square test was used to analyze the association between the integration of ALVE-6 and the positivity of ALV-p27 antigen. The results showed that 24 leukosis viruses were differentiated into three major branches: ALVE, Exogenous Avian Leukosis Virus (ALVK), ALVE and ALVK recombination (ALVK+E/K), ALVA and ALVE and ALVA recombination (ALVA+E/A). The env gene of the viral genome had the highest differentiation coefficient of 0.641, while the 3' UTR had the lowest differentiation coefficient of 0.050, indicating relative conservation. Four types of ALVE were integrated into the genomes of Bashang Longtail Chickens, with the highest integration rate for ALVE-6 at 87.63%. Compared to ALVE-6 negative chickens, the body weight of ALVE-6 positive Bashang Longtail chickens increased significantly (P<0.05). The PCR detection results for ALVE-6 integration were independent of the ELISA detection results for ALVp27 antigen. The study indicates that Bashang Longtail chickens have a high rate of ALVE-6 integration, which enhances their production performance, and that the integration of ALVE-6 does not affect the detection results of ALV-p27 antigen. The findings provide support for the application of ALVE in the breeding of Bashang Longtail chickens with excellent production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of yeast nucleotides on the production performance, milk quality, serum indexes, and economic benefits of dairy cows. Forty healthy Holstein cows with similar body weight, parity, and milk yield were selected and randomly divided into four groups with ten replicates in each group and one cow in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental group 1, group 2, and group 3 were supplemented with 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% yeast nucleotides in the basal diet, respectively. The pretrial period was 10 days, and the formal experimental period was 60 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, the average daily feed intake of cows in experimental group 3 significantly increased (P<0.05). The average daily milk yield of cows in experimental group 2 and group 3 significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed-to-milk ratio of cows in experimental group 2 significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the milk fat percentage of fresh milk from cows in experimental group 2 significantly increased (P<0.05), the total somatic cell count in the milk of all experimental groups significantly decreased (P<0.05). The incidence of mastitis in dairy cows in the experimental group was 0, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) content of cows in experimental group 2 and group 3 was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The gross profit of experiment group 2 was 12.07% higher than that of control group, and the economic benefit was obviously improved. The study indicates that feeding yeast nucleotides can improve the production performance and milk quality of dairy cows, improve serum indexes, and enhance economic benefits, with a recommended addition of 0.4% of yeast nucleotides of feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to explore the effect of cross between Dashishan district cattle and different foreign excellent beef cattle breeds, so as to improve the production performance and beef quality of Dashishan district cattle. Limousin, Charolais, and Angus frozen semen were used to improve Dashishan district cow, and the reproductive performance of cows, fattening performance of calves and beef quality were measured. The results showed that the conception rate, calving rate, calving number, and calf survival number in Limousin group were significantly higher than those in Angus group and Charolais group (P<0.05), while the abortion rate was significantly lower than that in other hybrid groups (P<0.05). The birth weight, body weight at the end of each stage, weight gain at each stage, average daily gain from six months of age to slaughter, average daily gain at the whole stage, total feed intake, and average daily feed intake of F1 generation of the three hybrid groups were extremely higher than those of Dashishan group (P<0.01). The slaughter weight of Limousin group at 24 months was significantly higher than that of other hybrid groups (P<0.05). The live weight, carcass weight, and net meat weight before slaughter of the three hybrid groups were extremely higher than those of Dashishan group (P<0.01), among which Limousin group was the highest. The slaughter rate and net meat rate of Limousin group were significantly higher than those of Angus group and Dashishan group (P<0.05), and the carcass meat yield was slightly higher than that of other experimental groups (P>0.05). Crude fat content and marbling in Angus group were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.05). Sixteen amino acids and fifteen fatty acids were detected in each group. In the non-essential amino acids (NEAA), the contents of aspartate and serine in Dashishan group were significantly lower than those in other groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the contentrations of essential amino acids (EAA), various fatty acids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in each group (P>0.05). The study indicates that Limousin group is superior to the other two hybrid combinations in reproductive performance, growth and finishing performance, and slaughtering performance, and Angus group is better in beef quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta-analysis is used to analyze the effects of sesame meal replacing soybean meal diet on growth performance and meat quality of mutton sheep, so as to provide basis for the feasibility of sesame meal as feed protein source for mutton sheep. Relevant literatures were collected in Chinese and English databases by keywords combination. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight literatures were included, including 138 lambs fed with sesame meal instead of soybean meal in the experimental group and 66 lambs fed with soybean meal in the control group. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were used as growth performance parameters. A total of 204 lambs were collected with pH, shear force and water holding capacity at 24 h after slaughter as the main parameters of mutton quality. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan software. According to the forest map, the heterogeneity of the included literature was checked. The source of heterogeneity was determined by subgroup analysis. Finally, sensitivity analysis was per‐ formed to evaluate the stability and the publication bias of the literature was evaluated according to the funnel plot. The results showed that the replacement of soybean meal with sesame meal increased the average daily gain of mutton sheep significantly (P≤0.05) and reduced the feed-meat ratio significantly (P≤ 0.05), there was no effect on the pH，shear force (P>0.05), and water holding capacity (P≤0.05). Sub‐group analysis showed that when the replacement ratio of sesame meal was less than 20%, the average daily gain of mutton sheep was significantly increased (P<0.01) and the feed weight ratio was significantly reduced (P≤0.05). Feeding period more than 70 days could significantly increase the average daily gain (P≤0.05) and significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio (P≤0.05). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of Meta-analysis were stable and reliable, and funnel plot showed that there was no publication bias for the collected literature. In summary, replacing soybean meal with sesame meal can significantly improve the growth performance of mutton sheep. When the proportion of sesame meal replacing soybean meal in the diet is less than 20% and the feeding-period is more than 70 days, the growth performance is the most significant, and there is no negative impact on meat quality. From the perspective of production performance, sesame meal can be used as a new feed protein source for mutton sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aims to study the effects of grape seed extract on the production performance, serum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities of laying hens during the late peak period of egg production. Five hundred and fourty 53-week-old Jingfen No.2 laying hens with similar body condition and egg-laying performance were selected and randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, namely the control group (CON group) and the grape seed extract 200 mg/kg group (G2 group), grape seed extract 300 mg/kg group (G3 group), each group has 6 replicates, each replicate has 30 pigeons. The CON group was fed basal diet, the G2 group was fed basal diet + 200 mg/kg grape seed extract, and the G3 group was fed basal diet + 300 mg/kg grape seed extract. The test period is 60 days. The results showed: ①compared with the CON group, the egg production rate, average egg weight and average daily feed intake of the G3 group were signifi‐ cantly increased, and the feed-to-egg ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.05). ② Compared with the CON group, the serum SOD activity of the G3 group was significantly increased and the MDA content was significantly decreased (P<0.05). ③ Compared with the CON group, the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in the G2 group and the G3 group all showed a downward trend, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). In summary, adding 200 mg/kg grape seed extract and 300 mg/kg grape seed extract to the diet of laying hens during the late peak period of egg production has a positive effect on improving production performance, serum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, and 300 mg/kg addition level has the best effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we compared two different methods of raising broiler chickens: modern colony cages and traditional floor systems. We aimed to understand how each system impacts both the production and wellbeing of the chickens. We discovered that, while colony cages excel in maintaining optimal environmental conditions and promoting rapid growth, they also create challenges, such as leg deformities and difficulty standing. Conversely, traditional floor systems present issues such as heat stress, affecting broiler growth. Our findings emphasize the need to achieve a balance between chicken welfare and production objectives in poultry farming. By recognizing these differences, we can strive to enhance broiler rearing practices, ensuring the birds' wellbeing while still meeting the consumer demand for poultry products. This study compares the effects of modern colony cage systems and traditional floor systems on the production and welfare of broiler chickens. Through two trials spanning 35 days each, we evaluated various physiological parameters, including growth performance, bone health, stress responses, and meat quality. Colony cages demonstrated superior thermal regulation and growth performance compared to traditional floor systems, but also exhibited higher frequencies of leg deformity and reduced standing ability. Conversely, the broilers in traditional floor systems experienced heat stress-related challenges, impacting the meat quality. Our findings underscore the need to balance productivity with animal welfare in broiler farming practices. By understanding the distinct impacts of different housing systems, we can work towards improving broiler rearing methods to ensure optimal welfare and production outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Various kinds of yellow-feathered chickens are crossbred from Chinese local native chicken breeds and introduced broilers. The individual parts of yellow-feathered chickens are less suitable for sale after slaughtering than those of broilers, and they have mainly been sold as live whole chickens. With the establishment of cold chain logistics for chicken in China, chilled-type and processed yellow-feathered chicken products have appeared in the market. Xueshan chicken, a yellow-feathered chicken breed, which has high meat quality and good taste, is bred to meet the diversified needs of the market by Jiangsu Lihua Breeding Company. The present study used Xueshan chicken as an experimental model to determine the effect of sex on the slaughtering performance and meat quality. This study provides valuable breeding references for poultry producers by determining the basic production phenotypes of yellow-feathered chickens. The demand for high-quality chilled chicken has continued to increase in China. Chickens are sexually dimorphic, and to better understand the specific differences in chicken production based on sex, we examined how sex affects growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of yellow-feathered chickens. Male and female Xueshan chickens were used as the experimental model. Although males exhibited better growth performance, including body weight (BW), body slope, keel, shank length, and shank girth (p < 0.05), as well as carcass traits, such as dressed weight, leg muscle, and lean meat, females had higher carcass and breast muscle yields (p < 0.05). Males had higher follicle density and yellowness (b*) of the skin and better skin than females (p < 0.05). Among blood biochemical parameters, the serum content of corticosterone (CORT) was higher in males, while those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) were lower in males than in females (p < 0.05). The pH levels, shear force, and moisture content quality were better in male breast meat, while the intramuscular fat content (IMF) was lower in males than in females (p < 0.05). The redness (a*) and moisture content were higher in male leg meat, while the pH, water-loss rate (WLR), lightness (L*), and IMF were lower (p < 0.05). The muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional area were also higher in males (p < 0.05). Consumers felt that soup of male chicken was better than female (p < 0.05), while mouthfeel and tenderness acceptance of breast meat were different between the sexes. These results indicate that female chickens can be marketed as a whole carcass, while males are more suitable for processed carcass products. This study provides significant insights into the production and processing methodologies of yellow-feathered chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the extremely low permeability of shale formations, the combination of horizontal well and volume fracturing has been proposed as an effective technique to improve the production of Dagang continental shale oil reservoirs. Based on the flow material balance method (FMB) and straight-line analysis (SLA) method, the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) and drainage volume are determined to identify the flow regimes of the seepage mechanism of shale oil reservoirs. To resolve the challenges of multi-scaled flow regimes and bottom hole pressure (BHP) variation before and after pumping in shale oil wells, a multi-linear analytical flow model was established to predict the future production and the final expected ultimate recoverable oil (EURo) after fitting the historical production dynamics. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the flow regime of a shale oil well in production can be divided into two stages consisting of linear flow within SRV and composite flow from the un-stimulated area to SRV. The effects of fracturing operation parameters, such as fracturing fluid volume and sand/liquid ratio, on shale oil productivity, are analyzed, and insightful suggestions are drawn for the future development of this pay zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to find the effect of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera and Thymus vulgaris on the performance, hematology, digestibility and gut health in broiler chickens. A day-old 270 broiler chicks (Ross-308) were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups with 3 replicates and 15 birds per replicate. CON (Control) group; M100 (M. oleifera 200mg/L); T100 (T. vulgaris 300mg/L); M50T50 (M. oleifera 100mg/L and T. vulgaris 150mg/L); M75T25 (M. oleifera 150mg/L and T. vulgaris 75mg/L); and M25T75 group (M. oleifera 50mg/L and T. vulgaris 225mg/L). Methanolic extract of both M. oleifera and T. vulgaris were supplemented in drinking water. The duration of the experiment was 42 days. The results showed significantly higher feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, broiler performance efficiency factor, and broiler farm economy index in the M50T50 diet group. Digestibility of ash, dry matter, ether extract, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract were not affected except for crude protein which was significantly higher in the M50T50 diet group. Similarly, hematological parameters were not affected, while villus height, width, and crypt depth were significantly improved in the M50T50 diet group. These findings demonstrate that the supplementation of methanolic extract of M. oleifera and T. vulgaris in drinking water either alone or in combination improves the production performance, nutrient digestibility and gut health in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steam presser treatment can simultaneously control factors such as moisture, temperature, and pressure to alter the chemical structure of corn, resulting in changes in its nutritional composition. Steam flaked corn (SFC) can change the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid in rumen, which is beneficial to rumen fermentation, increase the amount of rumen protein and the utilization rate of nitrogen. Steam flaked corn can increase milk production, improve milk composition and nutritional value. Feeding steam flaked corn can improve daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency, increase eye muscle area, and promote fat deposition. Therefore, steam flaked corn has high economic feeding value, and steam flaked technology is worth promoting and applying in animal husbandry. This article reviews the nutritional value of steam flaked corn at home and abroad and its impact on cattle production performance, in order to provide a reference for the application of steam flaked corn in production practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of microecological agents on the production performance, nutrients apparent digestibility, wool production performance, and serum biochemical indexes of Alpine Merino sheep. Ninety Alpine Merino ewes aged 2~3 years and of similar weight were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates in each group and ten ewes in each replicate. The control group, the test group Ⅰ and the test group Ⅱ were added with 0, 1%, and 2% microecological agents in the feed, respectively. The pre-test period was ten days, and the formal test period was 120 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the newborn weight of lambs in the test group Ⅰ and the test group Ⅱ was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the wool yield and wool length of ewes were significantly increased (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and neutral detergent fiber in the test group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The contentrations of serum total protein, globulin, and glucose in the test groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), while the contentrations of urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and triglyceride were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The rumen pH value, ammonia nitrogen, and butyric acid concentration of ewes in the test group decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the proportion of acetic acid increased significantly (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding microecological agents to the supplemental diet of Alpine Merino sheep can effectively increase the birth weight of lambs, wool yield and wool length of ewes, and improve serum biochemical indexes and rumen fermentation function of ewes. The appropriate amount of microecological agents is 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to analyze the effects of variety and fertility period on the production performance, nutritional quality, and mineral elements of alfalfa. The experiment was conducted to determine the high-yielding and high-quality alfalfa varieties and the optimum fertility period in Chifeng area. Seven introduced varieties of alfalfa were used as study materials to compare the differences in production performance and nutritional quality among the seven varieties at the present bud stage, early flowering stage and full flowering stages. The results showed that the plant height showed an increasing trend with advancing fertility, and was significantly higher at the full flowering stage than at the bud stage and early flowering stage (P<0.05). Higher hay yields were obtained at the early flowering stage of WL168 and Golden Queen. Crude protein (CP), extract ether (EE), crude ash (Ash), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) contents showed a decreasing trend with advancing fertility. Except for the Algonquin and Hunter River varieties, CP content was significantly higher at the present bud stage and early flowering stage than at the full flowering stage (P<0.05). Whereas neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) content, and relative feeding value (RFV) increased with advancing fertility, NDF and ADF content of 54V09 was lower than those of the other varieties, and RFV of 54V09 varieties at the time of early flowering stage was significantly higher than all varieties except 55V12 (P<0.05). As the fertility period progressed, all mineral elements showed a decreasing trend. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, S, P, and K elements were significantly higher at the bud stage than full flowering stage (P<0.05). At the bud stage, 54V09 variety had the highest content of Ca, Mg, and S elements, while 55V12 variety had the highest content of P and K elements. By analyzing the mean values of each index of seven varieties in three fertility periods and using the affiliation function method for comprehensive evaluation, it was concluded that the best quality was obtained at the bud stage. The nutritional quality of different alfalfa varieties ranked in the following order: 54V09＞55V12＞WL168＞Sandri=Hunter River＞Golden Queen=Argangjin. The study indicates that in Chifeng Arukolqin area, harvesting at the bud stage can obtain high yield and high quality forage, while the 54V09 and 55V12 varieties are suitable for popularization of planting in Chifeng area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of different varieties of whole plant corn silage on the production performance, serum biochemical indexes, and rumen fermentation parameters of dairy cows. In this experiment, 30 cows with a body weight of (650.00±36.11) kg were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with 15 replicates per group and one cow per replicate. The control group was fed with Heyu 187 silage, and the experimental group was fed a new variety of whole plant corn silage, respectively. The pre-test period was 15 days and the test period was 60 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in nutritional quality of whole corn silage between the two varieties (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in dry matter intake and milk composition between the two groups (P>0.05). Milk yield, 3.5% milk fat correction milk, and feed efficiency of experimental group were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The serum β-hydroxybutyric acid content in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in rumen fermentation parameters between the two groups (P>0.05). The study indicates that the feeding effect of the new whole corn silage is better than that of Heyu 187, which is helpful to improve the production performance of dairy cows, and has no adverse effects on the health and rumen fermentation of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different proportions of soft acid in drinking water on the production performance, egg quality, and serum biochemical indexes of Jingfen No.2 laying hens at the late of laying peak. A total of 270 Jingfen No.2 laying hens with normal body condition and similar weight at 556 days old were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates in each group and 15 laying hens in each replicate. The control group (CON group) drank tap water. 500 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of soft acid were added to tap water in the soft acid 500 group and 800 group, respectively. 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 unqualified egg rate of the soft acid 500 group and the soft acid 800 group decreased significantly (P<0.05), the average egg weight increased significantly (P<0.05), and the feed to egg ratio of the soft acid 800 group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the eggshell scores of soft acid 500 group and soft acid 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the egg weight, yolk weight, eggshell strength, yolk ratio and yolk score all showed an increasing trend (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the total protein content in serum of the soft acid 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum IgA and IgG in the soft acid 500 group and 800 group increased significantly (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding 500 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg soft acid in drinking water has positive effects on improving production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indexes, and immune function of Jingfen No.2 laying hens, and the effect of adding 800 mg/kg soft acid is better than that of 500 mg/kg soft acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of compound Chinese herbal medicine additives on the production performance, milk quality, and serum immune indicators of lactating cows. Sixty 24-month-old Chinese Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates in each group and 5 cows in each replicate. Others in the control group were fed a basal diet, and the others in the three experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 200 g/d and 400 g/d compound Chinese herbal additives, respectively. The experiment lasted for 30 days. The results showed as follows: Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation of 200 g/d and 400 g/d compound Chinese herbal additives significantly increased the average daily milk yield of lactating cows (P<0.05), and significantly decreased the ratio of feed to milk of lactating cows (P<0.05); dietary supplementation of 200 g/d and 400 g/d compound Chinese herbal medicine additive significantly increased the milk protein level of lactating cows (P<0.05), and significantly decreased the somatic cell count of milk (P<0.05). Dietary 200 g/d and 400 g/d compound Chinese herbal medicine additive significantly increased the contents of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in serum of lactating dairy cows (P<0.05). The content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum of lactating cows was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of compound Chinese herbal medicine additives can improve the production performance, dairy quality and immune function of lactating dairy cows. Considering the economic cost, the recommended dosage of compound Chinese herbal medicine additives is 200 g/d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were (i) to determine the effect of an algoclay-based decontaminant on the oral availability of three mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol; DON, ochratoxin A; OTA, and aflatoxin B1; AFB1) using an oral bolus model and (ii) to determine the effect of this decontaminant on the performance, intestinal morphology, liver oxidative stress, and metabolism, in broiler chickens fed a diet naturally contaminated with DON. In experiment 1, sixteen 27-day-old male chickens (approximately 1.6 kg body weight; BW) were fasted for 12 h and then given a bolus containing either the mycotoxins (0.5 mg DON/kg BW, 0.25 mg OTA/kg BW, and 2.0 mg AFB1/kg BW) alone (n = 8) or combined with the decontaminant (2.5 g decontaminant/kg feed; circa 240 mg/kg BW) (n = 8). Blood samples were taken between 0 h (before bolus administration) and 24 h post-administration for DON-3-sulphate, OTA, and AFB1 quantification in plasma. The algoclay decontaminant decreased the relative oral bioavailability of DON (39.9%), OTA (44.3%), and AFB1 (64.1%). In experiment 2, one-day-old male Ross broilers (n = 600) were divided into three treatments with ten replicates. Each replicate was a pen with 20 birds. The broiler chickens were fed a control diet with negligible levels of DON (0.19–0.25 mg/kg) or diets naturally contaminated with moderate levels of DON (2.60–2.91 mg/kg), either supplemented or not with an algoclay-based decontaminant (2 g/kg diet). Jejunum villus damage was observed on day 28, followed by villus shortening on d37 in broiler chickens fed the DON-contaminated diet. This negative effect was not observed when the DON-contaminated diet was supplemented with the algoclay-based decontaminant. On d37, the mRNA expression of glutathione synthetase was significantly increased in the liver of broiler chickens fed the DON-contaminated diet. However, its expression was similar to the control when the birds were fed the DON-contaminated diet supplemented with the algoclay-based decontaminant. In conclusion, the algoclay-based decontaminant reduced the systemic exposure of broiler chickens to DON, OTA, and AFB1 in a single oral bolus model. This can be attributed to the binding of the mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, dietary contamination with DON at levels between 2.69 and 2.91 mg/kg did not impair production performance but had a negative impact on broiler chicken intestinal morphology and the liver redox system. When the algoclay-based decontaminant was added to the diet, the harm caused by DON was no longer observed. This correlates with the results obtained in the toxicokinetic assay and can be attributed to a decreased absorption of DON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]