The development of animal welfare for farm animals in China has a deep historical tradition in its connotation and concepts. The economic foundations of its externality theory, the environmental ethics basis of non-anthropocentrism, and the jurisprudential basis all lay the groundwork for the construction of a welfare labeling system. However, farm animals in China currently remain a component of the livestock economic industry, and the focus of theoretical research and regulatory frameworks regarding animal welfare still largely pertains to companion animals and laboratory animals. There remains a disconnection between the standards and regulations for farm animal welfare and practical implementation in areas such as the scope of applicable subjects, necessary procedures, the extent of welfare elements, and the degree of practical dissemination. Considering the current national context and the stages of welfare development, the pathway for comprehensive animal welfare legislation remains to be observed. Nevertheless, leveraging food safety governance as a starting point can position farm animal welfare as a component of food safety issues. This approach can facilitate a deeper exploration under the existing food labeling system and its regulations, using welfare labels as a medium. From the perspectives of short-term legislative interpretation and regulatory supplementation, as well as long-term welfare labeling legislation, this can provide a preliminary pathway for constructing a systemic framework that gradually lays the foundation for animal welfare legislation and the systematic construction of farm animal welfare in China.
To explore the relationship between the growth traits of Dezhou donkeys and different genotypes of the IGF1R InDel mutation site, this study examined 3 loci of the IGF1R genes of 426 Dezhou donkeys. DNA sequencing and genotyping were performed on each locus, followed by calculation of population genetic parameters and correlation analysis between phenotype and genotype. The results showed that the PIC values of the three loci were between 0.25 and 0.5, which were moderately polymorphic, and all were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). The P2-Del13bp and P3-Del14bp loci were significantly related to Dezhou donkey's rump length, chest width, body height, chest circumference, and tube circumference respectively (P<0.05). These results show that the polymorphisms of the IGF1R gene are closely related to the growth traits of Dezhou donkeys and can be used as potential molecular markers for the breeding of new domestic donkey breeds.
To analyze the polymorphic loci of hemoglobin (Hb) genes and their genetic effects in Pamir Plateau domestic sheep (Tashkurgan sheep) and wild sheep (Pamir urial), this study selected multiple sheep breeds such as Dolang sheep, Tashkurgan sheep, and urial sheep as research subjects. PCR amplification combined with direct sequencing and bioinformatics approaches were used to examine polymorphisms in the b subunit and e subunit, and an association analysis was performed between genotypes and hemoglobin content (HGB). The results indicated that HGB levels were significantly higher in Tashkurgan sheep compared to Dolang sheep (P<0.01). Thirteen SNPs and twelve haplotypes were identified in the b subunit. Transcription factor binding site prediction revealed a mutation in the RUNX1 (a hematopoietic stem cell transcription factor) binding site in urial sheep. Four SNPs and five haplotypes were observed in the second exon of the e subunit, with three nonsynonymous mutations at the amino acid level. The findings suggest that Tashkurgan sheep, residing at high altitudes, have adapted to hypoxic environments by increasing HGB levels. Sheep enhance their oxygen-carrying capacity through mutations in the Hb gene that increase Hb hydrophobicity, thereby facilitating adaptation to low-oxygen conditions.
To study the effects of capsaicin on growth performance, chewing activity, slaughter performance, serum immune and antioxidant indexes of beef cattle with subacute ruminal acidosis, eighteen Simmental crossbred bulls with good body condition and similar body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 cows per group. Control group (CON) was fed high forage diet. Acidosis group (SARA) was fed high concentrate diet. Capsaicin group (CAP) was fed 250 mg capsaicin/cattle/day on the basis of SARA group diet. The results show that (1) DMI in CAP and SARA groups was significantly increased than CON group (P<0.01); ADG in CAP group was significantly increased than SARA group and CON group (P<0.01), and F/G was significantly decreased (P<0.05). (2) Rumination time and total chewing time of CAP group were significantly increased than SARA group (P<0.05), but had no significant difference compared with CON group (P>0.05). (3) Compared with CON group, the carcass weight and net meat weight of SARA group and CAP group were significantly increased (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in slaughter rate and net meat rate (P>0.05). (4) MDA content in CAP group was significantly decreased compared with SARA group (P<0.05), SOD, CAT and T-AOC were significantly increased (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference between CAP group and CON group(P>0.05). (5) The contents of IL-6 and IL-8 in CAP group were significantly decreased than SARA group (P<0.05), while the content of IgG was significantly increased (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference between CAP group and CON group(P>0.05). In conclusion, CAP can improve the growth performance, increase rumination time and total chewing time of SARA beef cattle, and enhance their antioxidant and immune function, which can be used as a functional nutritional additive to alleviate SARA in beef cattle production.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of Curcumin (Cur) on cecal bacteria in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 180 healthy 1-day-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers with similar body weight were randomly divided into 5 groups, with 3 replicates in each group and 12 chickens in each replicate. The control group (C group) and heat stress group (HS group) were fed the basal diet, and the experimental groups were supplemented with 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg of Curcumin in the basal diet, respectively. The heat stress test began at day 21 and ended at day 42. The environmental temperature of the control group was controlled at 22±1 ℃ for 24 h. The environmental temperature of the heat stress group and the experimental group was at 34±1 ℃, 8h/d, and the rest of the time was controlled at 22±1 ℃. The results showed that: 1) adding 75 mg/kg curcumin significantly increased the diversity of cecal microbiota in broilers (P<0.05); 2) Adding 150 mg/kg of curcumin can increase the proportion of Colidextribacter; 3) The KEGG functional enrichment analysis results showed that adding 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of curcumin can increase the relative abundance of pathways such as amino acid synthesis and metabolism, carbon metabolism, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, cysteine and methionine metabolism. In conclusion, adding curcumin to the diet can to some extent regulate the balance of cecal microbiota in heat stressed broilers and maintain intestinal health.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of weaned piglets. A total of 180 healthy three-way crossbreed piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large White, average weight 6.95 ± 0.15 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups after weaning at 28 days of age, with each group containing six replicates of ten piglets each. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups received diets supplemented with GAA at concentrations of 250 mg/kg (GAA-1) and 500 mg/kg (GAA-2), respectively, over a trial period of 42 days. The results demonstrated that both the GAA-1 and GAA-2 groups significantly increased the average daily weight gain (P<0.05) and decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the serum total protein and globulin levels were significantly higher in the GAA-1 and GAA-2 groups (P<0.05), while blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly lower (P<0.05). The GAA-2 group also significantly enhanced the total antioxidant capacity in the serum, as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and the levels of immunoglobulin A and interleukin-10 (P<0.05). Additionally, there were significant reductions in malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta levels (P<0.05). In conclusion, GAA can significantly improve growth performance, enhance antioxidant capacity, and boost immune function in piglets. Among the tested dosages in this study, the addition of GAA at 500 mg/kg was found to be more optimal.
This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of fennel residue on the growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of meat sheep. A total of 75 Hu sheep rams with similar body weight and good body condition were randomly divided into a control group, a 10% fennel residue group, and a 20% fennel residue group. The pre-trial lasted 14 days, followed by a formal trial of 84 days. The results indicated that: (1) Adding 20% fennel residue to the diet significantly increased the average daily gain (P<0.05); (2) Dietary inclusion of fennel residue notably increased the eye muscle area and decreased the GR value (P<0.05); (3) The addition of fennel residue improved meat color, enhanced tenderness and water-holding capacity, reduced shear force, increased the proportion of protein in the meat, and overall improved meat quality. The findings suggest that incorporating fennel residue into the diet of meat sheep can, to a certain extent, improve growth performance, slaughter performance, increase lean meat yield, and enhance meat quality.
This study aims to investigate the current welfare status of growing and fattening pigs in large-scale pig farms in China and to explore potential improvement measures. A structured questionnaire was distributed via the QuestionStar platform, and data from 151 pig farms-each housing at least 50 growing and fattening pigs-were collected and statistically analyzed. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to farms that do not prioritize animal welfare, those emphasizing pig welfare are more likely to implement welfare improvement measures such as enhancing environmental comfort, treating animals kindly, providing environmental enrichment, and ensuring appropriate slaughter ramp design. These farms also experienced significant reductions (>20%) in environmental, hygiene, and psychological welfare issues, as well as abnormal behaviors including tail/barnacle biting, fighting, snout wandering, and cage damaging(P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) Over two-thirds of the surveyed farms are equipped with sufficient feeding and drinking space and provide water at slaughter; consequently, the incidence of physiological welfare issues in growing and fattening pigs is relatively low (7.3%). However, issues related to environmental, behavioral, and psychological welfare, as well as occurrences of walking difficulties, paralysis, or even death during slaughter, have relatively higher incidences (23.8%~31.1%), indicating room for further improvement. (3) Farms with a stock of more than 4,000 pigs reported a 16.9% lower incidence of behavioral welfare problems (P<0.05) and showed increased adoption of welfare-friendly practices such as kind treatment and feed withdrawal prior to slaughter by 14.4% and 20.3%, respectively (P<0.05). (4) Farms with a labor quota exceeding 800 pigs demonstrated an 17.8% higher adoption rate of feed withdrawal measures before slaughter (P<0.05). (5) Northern farms exhibited a 17.5% and 21.0% reduction in behavioral welfare issues and tail/barnacle biting behaviors, respectively, compared to southern farms (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In summary, emphasizing animal welfare, addressing behavioral issues, reducing tail/barnacle biting, strengthening health monitoring, implementing feed withdrawal before slaughter, and providing environmental enrichment have considerable potential to improve the welfare of growing and fattening pigs. These effects may also be influenced by farm-scale factors, such as stocking density.
The experiment aimed to study the influence of reproductive behaviors (aggression, courtship, mounting, and copulation) exhibited by ganders on their PE under conditions of competitive mating. A total of 72 geese (12 males and 60 females) with similar weight and aged 12 months from the same batch were selected. The experiment consisted of four parallel test groups, with each group randomly assigned 3 ganders and 15 females (male-to-female ratio of 1:5). The ganders were individually marked with different colors on their backs. Video recording equipment was installed around the experimental goose shed to capture and record the ganders' aggressive, courtship, mounting, and copulation behaviors using a video recording system for a duration of 15 days. The frequency of each reproductive behavior was determined based on the recorded observations. Then 100 eggs were collected from each group of geese, and offspring's DNA was extracted after 16 days of incubation. Paternity testing technology was used to determine the number of offspring of each gander, and PE of individual gander was calculated to analyze the influence of individual reproductive behavior on parental efficiency of gander.The results showed that the frequency of aggressive behavior and mating behavior of gander had great influence on PE. There is a strong positive correlation between aggressive frequency (fighting) and mating frequency and PE. The PE of gander in competitive mating condition can be improved by selecting gander with strong fighting ability.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of adding different concentrations of chlorogenic acid (CGA) to the frozen diluent of goat semen on the quality of frozen semen. Different concentrations of CGA (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mg/mL) were incorporated into the semen diluent, then cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen using a straw method. After thawing at 37 ℃,semen quality was assessed by measuring sperm viability, kinematic parameters, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, antioxidant performance, and apoptosis proteins. The findings indicated that the addition of 0.4 mg/mL of CGA resulted in the highest levels of post-thaw sperm viability, motility, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, which were significantly superior to the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, at 0.4 mg/mL of CGA, the levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in sperm were notably elevated, significantly surpassing those of the control group (P<0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were notably reduced, significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) value was observed at a CGA concentration of 0.8 mg/mL, significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Analysis of apoptosis protein expression revealed that CGA supplementation decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein a-Caspase-3 in sperm, increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein BAX. In summary, the inclusion of 0.4 mg/mL of CGA in the diluent of dairy goat semen can enhance the quality of frozen semen from dairy goats.
This study aimed to explore the localization of SALL4 in porcine testes and its expression pattern in porcine spermatogonia. By way of immunofluorescence staining, the localization of SALL4 in testes from pigs of four ages (days 7, 30, 70 and 90), as well as its co-localization with porcine spermatogonial markers (DBA, ZBTB16, UCHL1 and KIT) and with the cell proliferation marker Ki67 were examined. The results showed that SALL4+ cells in four ages of porcine testes largely overlapped with ZBTB16/UCHL1+ (porcine gonocyte and undifferentiated spermatogonial markers), and partially overlapped with DBA (a porcine gonocyte and early undifferentiated spermatogonial marker)/KIT+ (a porcine gonocyte and differentiating spermatogonial marker) cells, respectively, suggesting that SALL4 is mainly expressed in porcine immature spermatogonia (gonocytes and undifferentiated spermatogonia), and it can be used as a marker for porcine immature spermatogonia. Besides, co-staining of SALL4 and the cell proliferation marker Ki67 revealed the variable proliferative activity of SALL4+ cells in porcine testes at different stages, with larger fluctuation in proliferative activity. Together, findings in this study could help to unravel the function and the regulatory network of SALL4 during porcine spermatogonial development.
Through the combined intervention of feeding compound lactobacillus, spray deodorizing compound probiotics and introducing deodorant compound probiotics, the biodegradation effect of compound probiotics on manure odor in pig farms was studied. A total of 2910 pigs (with an average weight of about 65 kg/pig) were involved and divided into control group (918 pigs without any intervention), experimental group 1 (1003 pigs, fed with 2×109 cfu/d compound lactobacillus including Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and spraying deodorant compound probiotics including Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and experimental group 2 (989 pigs, fed with compound lactobacillus, spraying deodorant compound probiotics and introducing deodorant compound probiotics into the septic tank). The health status of pigs and the changes in the concentration of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were explored. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average diarrhea rate, morbidity and mortality of pigs in experimental group 1 decreased by 87.07%, 74.44% and 69.49%, and that of pigs in experimental group 2 decreased by 73.38%, 58.17% and 79.38%, respectively. The average concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in the pigsty of experimental group 1 decreased by 16.13% and 15.38% respectively, while those in experimental group 2 decreased by 26.27% and 26.92% respectively. In summary, the combination intervention method of feeding compound lactobacillus, spray deodorizing compound probiotics and introducing deodorizing compound probiotics effectively improved the health status of pigs and reduced the emissions of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in piggery.
This study aims to explore the effects of two treatment modes - fermentation tanks and mechanical drying - on chicken manure composting and their impact on microbial community structure, and provide selective guidance for the treatment and utilization of chicken manure in large -s cale poultry operations. The experiment compared the moisture content, nutrient losses (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), degree of harmless treatment, maturity, and bacterial community distribution of chicken manure at different time intervals after applying the two treatment modes. The results indicated that the moisture content in the air-drying treatment group decreased more rapidly, with the moisture level dropping from 71.2% to 17.9% within 48 hours. Nutrient losses in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were relatively low, with total nitrogen loss approximately 26.54%, which is only half that of the fermentation tank treatment group. The degree of harmless treatment was significantly higher in the air-drying group, with fecal coliform levels at only 21 CFU/g and a 98% mortality rate for Ascaris eggs. The seed germination rate of the chicken manure treated for 24 hours reached 83.8%, indicating it was mature. Microbial community analysis revealed no significant differences between the two treatment groups. At the phylum level, the dominant groups included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria, with Firmicutes showing the highest relative abundance. At the class level, the primary groups were Clostridia, Bacilli, and Bacteroidia, and hierarchical clustering analysis indicated similar microbial community structures between the treatments. Overall, these results suggest that the air-drying treatment mode for chicken manure composting is more effective, operates with higher efficiency, and has a minimal impact on the microbial community structure compared to fermentation tank treatment. Additionally, the recirculation of air within the chicken house can be reused, making air-drying a recommended option for the treatment of chicken manure in current large-scale poultry operations.
The nutrient content of nitrogen and phosphorus in manure and urine from a large scale pig farm was quantified using in situ metabolic cage monitoring methods. Approximately 55% of the nitrogen in the manure and urine was found in the livestock wastewater, while about 81% of the phosphorus was present in the solid manure. The study analyzed the effects of two manure removal methods (manual dry cleaning and urine soaking manure) and two treatments (as anaerobic and aerobic) on the nitrogen and phosphorus content in the wastewater. Results indicated that: the concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in the wastewater from manual dry cleaning pig farms were only 14.5%, 42.0%, and 51.8%, respectively, of those in urine soaking manure farms. Anaerobic and aerobic treatments achieved removal rates of over 83%, 41%, and 35% for COD, TN, and TP, respectively. Based on the principles of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient balance, the study illustrates the method for calculating manure fertilizer application rates using maize cultivation as an example. It further proposes that solid manure fertilizer application should be calculated based on phosphorus demand, while liquid manure fertilizer application should be based on nitrogen demand.
Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes serious diseases in livestock and poultry and reduces livestock production by releasing toxins and enzymes, thus reducing livestock production. Literature analysis can provide insights into the development direction of the discipline, clarify the current research status and identify development trends. However, there is a lack of systematic review of literature on Clostridium perfringens. Therefore, this study aims to use the core database of web of science to summarize the literature using Clostridium perfringens as a keyword. The results showed that: 1) From 1980 to 2022, a total of 9,093 papers related to Clostridium perfringens were published, with “Foodborne Illness Acquired in the United States-Major Pathogens” being the most cited (1,401 times); (2) The countries with the highest number of publications are the United States (2,688) > Japan (850) > Germany (644) > United Kingdom (561) > Canada (501) > China (500); (3) The keywords with the highest weight for Clostridium perfringens are “toxin” from 1980 to 2022, and it intersects with disciplines such as microbiology, agriculture science, food science and technology, veterinary medicine, and bioengineering and applied biology. Bioengineering and applied biology are intersected by other disciplines. Effective containment of Clostridium perfringens is the core and rapid eradication is the key. To this end, this paper analyzes the research trends of Clostridium perfringens and proposes new ideas for future research such as phage therapy and vaccine immunization, and provides theoretical support for safeguarding livestock production.
To promote the coupled and coordinated development of new urbanization and large-scale pig farming, thereby boosting the implementation of urban-rural integration strategy, this article utilizes panel data from 2007 to 2020 across 13 provinces known for high-quality pig farming to construct an evaluation index system for new urbanization and large-scale pig farming. The entropy method was employed to analyze the levels of development in new urbanization and large-scale pig farming. Additionally, the coupling coordination degree model, relative development degree model, and spatial gravity model were used to reveal the temporal and spatial coupling relationships between the two. The levels of new urbanization and large-scale pig farming in the 13 provinces generally showed a fluctuating upward trend, with large-scale pig farming consistently lagging behind new urbanization. The overall coupling coordination degree of the provinces transitioned from a state of near imbalance to a primary level of coordination. The spatial trend line roughly maintained a pattern of “higher in the east and lower in the west, higher in the north and lower in the south,” indicating significant regional disparities, with most provinces constrained by the development of large-scale pig farming. The spatial connectivity pattern of the coupling coordination degree showed an overall “dense in the east and sparse in the west” status, with strong connectivity regions forming a chain structure centered around Jiangsu, extending along the axis of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui, while weak connectivity regions are comprised of peripheral areas such as Heilongjiang. It is concluded that the coupling coordination degree between new urbanization and large-scale pig farming has been increasing year by year; however, significant regional disparities exist, and development is constrained by large-scale pig farming. It is therefore essential to emphasize the development of large-scale pig farming while implementing localized and radiative strategies.
To reveal the influence of building materials and structures on pigsty environment, a comparative analysis was carried out between the new steel frame structure and traditional color steel structure pigsties in summer and winter regarding important environmental indicators such as temperature, humidity and NH3 concentration. Results revealed that the temperature inside the new steel frame structure pigsty was significantly higher than outside at 8:00 in summer (P<0.05), while humidity was significantly lower than outside. The daily temperature and humidity fluctuations were smaller in the new steel frame structure pigsty compared to the traditional color steel structure pigsty, indicating that the new steel frame structure pigsties have better insulation and moisture removal effects in summer. In winter, both types of pigsties showed significantly higher temperature and humidity levels compared to the outside environment (P<0.05), with the new steel frame structure pigsties having higher temperature and lower humidity than the traditional color steel structure pigsties. The daily variation of temperature and humidity was small, indicating the new steel frame structure pigsty was slightly affected by the outside temperature and humidity in winter. Furthermore, the NH3 concentration inside the pigsties was analyzed, revealing that in winter, the NH3 concentration range in the new steel frame structure pigsties was 6.32~7.29 mg/m3, while in the traditional color steel structure pigsties, it was 7.21~11.61 mg/m3. The NH3 concentration in the new steel frame structure pigsties was lower and exhibited a smaller range of variation. Overall, the environmental indicators including temperature, humidity, and NH3 concentration within the new steel frame structure pigsties were superior to those in traditional color steel structure pigsties in both summer and winter, highlighting their high applicability and potential for promoting pig growth in arid regions of northern China.
Glutamine is a kind of conditionally essential amino acid widely used in sports nutrition, and propyl glutamine dipeptide is a kind of glutamine dipeptide. Both of them exhibit diverse biological functions. In recent years, research has extensively applied these compounds in alleviating exercise-induced fatigue. By integrating domestic and international studies, this paper summarizes the mechanism underlying exercise-induced fatigue, reviews the roles of glutamine and L-alanyl-L-glutamine in mitigating exercise-induced fatigue in animals, aiming to provide guidance for the application of glutamine and its dipeptides and to offer theoretical references for the development of novel products targeting fatigue alleviation in exercise.
Journal of Domestic Animal Ecology
Monthly ,Founded in 1980
Superintendent: Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China
Sponsored by: Northwest A&F University
Chief Editor: CHEN Yulin
website: jcst.magtech.com.cn
ISSN 1673-1182
CN 61-1433/S
Mailing code: 52-112
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