Ovulation number and litter size are both the key indicators reflecting the reproductive traits of sheep and important economic traits of sheep. As being low to medium heritability traits, they are affected by multiple factors such as genotype, environment and nutritional status. The BMP subfamily, which consists of BMP, GDF and AMH, is an important part of TGF-β superfamily. BMPR1B, BMP15 and GDF9 are currently the most intensively studied genes related to sheep reproductive performance. In this paper, the SNP loci of genes that increase the number of ovulation and litter size of sheep in BMP subfamily members are summarized. The discovery, location, phenotype of SNP loci of these genes affecting reproductive performance, as well as the mechanism of their effects on the number of ovulation and litter size are summed up. The aim is to provide a theoretical reference for the breeding and efficient reproduction of sheep's multiple births.

To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of different types of sheep shed environmental monitoring equipment during use, an experimental research on a self-developed multifunctional gas analyzer for livestock and poultry was conducted in terms of the design principles, core technological content, and application. The pros and cons observed during the research and development and application process were then summarized and further optimization concepts and design schemes were proposed. The results show that the first generation of environmental monitoring equipment, due to its fixed nature and limited types of detection data, is more suitable for sheep shed environmental monitoring and early warning; the second-generation equipment, characterized by lightweight and easy operation, is suitable for experiments with small-size data collection and limited types; the third-generation equipment is more suitable for experiments with large-size data collection and multiple types of monitoring.

Livestock and poultry manure is a primary target for agricultural non-point source pollution prevention and control. Biochar prepared from livestock and poultry manure possesses advantages such as a porous structure, rich active groups, and high specific surface area. It can serve as an environmentally friendly, low-cost adsorbent material, offering a new direction for the resource utilization of livestock and poultry manure. This paper reviews the preparation process and modification of livestock and poultry manure-based biochar, as well as its current applications in environmental protection fields such as water pollution control and soil improvement. The existing issues in livestock and poultry manure-based biochar research are discussed, and rational suggestions for the prevention and control of environmental pollution using livestock and poultry manure-based biochar are proposed, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of waste through waste using livestock and poultry manure.

Miscellaneous meal is an important protein feed resource that can be utilized as a substitute for soybean meal. However, it contains a high level of anti-nutritional factors, which limits its application in animal production. Fermentation of miscellaneous meal by microorganisms can improve its nutritional value, reduce the content of anti-nutritional factors, enhance digestibility and absorption in animals, and increase its feeding value. This review summarizes the nutritional value of fermented miscellaneous meal, fermentation processes, and its application in animal production such as swine, poultry, cattle, and sheep. The aim is to provide reference for the effective implementation of reducing the amount of soybean meal in animal feeds. 

The rapid development of intensive animal husbandry has contributed to an increasing amount of organic waste from livestock and poultry. The traditional anaerobic fermentation process for producing methane is challenging to integrate into a circular economy and carries the risk of contributing to the greenhouse effect. Research on anaerobic fermentation technology for the production of acid from organic waste from livestock and poultry is of great significance for achieving a circular economy in animal husbandry. This article briefly introduces the mechanism of short-chain fatty acid production during anaerobic fermentation and the factors that affect the yield of short-chain fatty acids, and summarizes the principles and methods for increasing the yield of short-chain fatty acids, namely, the principle is to enhance the hydrolysis stage and inhibit the methane production stage, promote the rapid production of short-chain fatty acids, and reduce the consumption of short-chain fatty acids. Pretreatment of fermentation substrates and use of additives are common methods for increasing the yield of short-chain fatty acids in current research. Heat treatment, ultrasonic treatment, freeze-thawing, acid-base treatment, enzyme treatment, etc. can all increase the yield of short-chain fatty acids. Sodium 2-bromoethanesulfonate, biochar, and some broad-spectrum antibiotics are also used to increase the yield of short-chain fatty acids. This article will provide a reference to or point out new research directions for colleagues engaged in this field in the future.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important small molecule non-protein amino acid that serves as a vital neurotransmitter. It plays a significant role in promoting animal growth, regulating appetite and providing stress resistance. Additionally, GABA has been found to be essential in modulating the functions of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). Granulosa cells are the primary somatic cell population in the ovaries of female animals, and their physiological functions, such as the synthesis of steroid hormones, proliferation, and apoptosis, affect follicular growth and atresia. Research has demonstrated the presence of GABA binding affinity sites on ovarian granulosa cells, indicating that GABA can directly participate in the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone through its receptors. Furthermore, upon binding to its receptors, GABA may also indirectly regulate ovarian granulosa cells via the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and the adenylate cyclase-cAMP signaling pathway. This review aims to present the research history and current advancements related to GABA and discuss the specific effects of GABA on ovarian granulosa cells and the potential regulatory mechanisms involved, as well as contemplate future research directions. The goal is to provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth study of GABA's role in the regulation of animal reproduction.

A biofilm is a bacterial population or community that is attached to a biological or non-biological surface including the surface of the intestine. It is the source of persistent bacterial infections, and cannot be completely eradicated by conventional antibiotics. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research and develop effective anti-biofilm tactics. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms to the host, which can promote intestinal health by preventing and controlling biofilm formation.  This review summarizes the formation and resistance mechanisms of biofilms, and the application of probiotics' antibiofilm activity in maintaining the gastrointestinal health of livestock and poultry, which provides valuable reference for alternative strategies to combat biofilm-related infections in livestock and poultry production.

Fetal  programmed  development  refers to the short-  and  long-term  effects  that maternal stressors can have on offspring during the developmental stages of the fetus in utero. The physiological development and growth environment of the intrauterine fetus not only determines the viability of the newborn litter, but is also closely related to both animal performance and the immune response to animal diseases. Studies have shown that fetal developmental patterns may be adjusted by epigenetic modifications when the environment for fetal development is disturbed during  the  critical  window  of gestation.  The  study  of potential,  positive  and  adaptive  fetal programming has significant implications for the sustainability of animal husbandry. Therefore, this paper reviews the use of animal models to explore the effects of various maternal “stressors” on fetal growth and development, particularly the effects of assisted reproductive technologies, maternal nutrition and microorganisms on pregnancy, in order to further explore the potential mechanisms underlying fetal programming.

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of probiotic fermented Chinese herbal medicine preparation on growth performance and pork quality. Thirty piglets weaned at 30~40 days were divided into three groups, with 10 piglets in each group. 0.2% and 0.4% probiotic fermented Chinese herbal medicine preparation were added to the basal diets of test groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ respectively, and the control group was fed the basic diet. The test period lasted for 160 days. The results showed that the addition of probiotics fermented Chinese herbal medicine preparation could significantly increase the average daily gain of pigs (P<0.05), the average daily feed intake decreased but with insignificant difference(P>0.05). The feed-to-weight ratio, diarrhea rate and constipation rate all decreased significantly (P<0.05). The pork quality after slaughter showed that there was no significant difference in pork color, pH and shear force between the three groups (P>0.05). The marbling scores of pork in test group I and test group II were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The drip loss of pork in group I and group II was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The cholesterol content in group II decreased significantly (P<0.05) and the intramuscular fat content increased significantly (P<0.05) compared with the control group. The contents of myristic acid and palmitic acid in pork in the experimental group significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the contents of stearic acid, heptadecanoic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid significantly increased (P<0.05). The contents of n-decanoic acid, lauric acid, ginkgo acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were not significantly different (P>0.05). The results show that the preparation can improve the growth rate of pigs, reduce the feed-wight ratio, improve the utilization rate of feed, the health status of pigs as well as the quality of pork.

To explore the effects of diets with different concentrate to forage ratios on the lactation performance, digestion and metabolism, rumen fermentation parameters and immunity of Jersey cattle in Tibet, the experiment adopted a single-factor completely randomized block trial design, with different concentrate to roughage ratios (group Ⅰ, 40∶60;group Ⅱ, 50∶50, and group Ⅲ, 60∶40). Results show:(1) The dry matter intake, milk production and milk protein content of dairy cows in group Ⅲ and Ⅱ were significantly higher than those in group Ⅰ (P<0.05). The ratio of feed to milk in group Ⅱ was significantly lower than that in group Ⅲ and Ⅰ (P<0.05). The milk fat rate of group Ⅲ and group Ⅱ was significantly lower than that of group Ⅰ (P<0.05). (2) The apparent digestibility of DM, NDF, ADF and CP in group Ⅲ and group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that in group Ⅰ (P<0.05). (3) The content of TVFA and the proportion of propionic acid in the rumen fluid of dairy cows in group Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in group Ⅱ (P<0.05), and that of group Ⅱ was significantly higher than group Ⅰ (P<0.05). The contents of NH₃-N and MCP in group Ⅲ and Ⅱ were significantly higher than those in group Ⅰ (P<0.05). (4) The TP content of dairy cows in group Ⅲ and Ⅱ was significantly higher than that in group Ⅰ (P<0.05). Group Ⅲ and group Ⅱ had significantly higher content of serum IgA than group Ⅰ (P<0.05). IL-4 content in group Ⅰ was significantly lower than that in other two groups (P<0.05). The level of TNF-α in group Ⅰ was significantly higher than that in group Ⅲ and Ⅱ (P<0.05).In summary, diets with concentrate to roughage ratio of 50∶50 and 60∶40 can significantly increase the milk production of the Jersey cattle, improve the digestibility of nutrients, and improve its immunity and anti-inflammatory ability.

Canine parvovirus infection is one of the important causes of enteritis and death in young dogs, posing significant harm to dogs of all breeds and age groups. It is of great significance to assess the infection status of dogs through specific biomarkers and complementary detection methods, and implement rapid diagnosis and treatment plans for infected dogs. This article summarizes the research progress on biomarkers and detection methods related to canine parvovirus infection both domestically and internationally, aiming to provide references for the detection and treatment of canine parvovirus disease.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of baicalin concentration on  gas production, fermentation parameters and nutrient digestibility of dairy cows by extracorporeal rumen fermentation method. Three Holstein dairy cows (650±50 kg) with permanent fistulas were used as rumen fluid donors. The experiment was divided into 4 groups (3 replicates at every time point), and the supplemental concentrations of baicalin were 0 g·kg^-1 (control A), 0.1 g·kg^-1 (group B), 1 g·kg^-1 (group C) and 2 g·kg^-1 (group D), respectively. Gas production, volatile fatty acid (VFA), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N), pH, dry matter(DM) digestibility, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and acid detergent fiber(ADF) digestibility were determined after extracorporeal fermentation for 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, respectively. The results showed as follows: (1) with the increase of fermentation time, the gas production of each group showed an upward trend, and the gas production of each experimental group at each time point was significantly lower than that of the control group A (P<0.05). (2) After adding baicalin, the dry matter degradation rate of fermentation substrate in each test group at 2 h and 48 h was significantly higher than that in control group A (P<0.05); the degradation rate of neutral detergent fiber in each test group at 6 h and 12 h was higher than that of control group A (P<0.05); the degradation rate of acid detergent fiber in each test group was higher than that of control group A (P>0.05) from 2 h to 24 h, with the effect of 1  g·kg^-1 concentration the most effective. (3) During the whole fermentation cycle, the pH of each experimental group at each time point was higher than or similar to that of the control group A, and with the increase of baicalin concentration, the pH increased first and then decreased. The contents of acetic acid and TVFA in test group C and D were significantly higher than those in control group A (P<0.05), and the content of butyric acid in test group B and C were higher than those in control group A at 2 h and 12 h of fermentation (P<0.05). (4) The NH₃-N content of each test group was lower than that of control group A within 48 h of fermentation (P>0.05). In conclusion, based on the above analysis, the optimum supplemental concentration of baicalin in vitro rumen fermentation of dairy cows is 1 g·kg^-1 under the conditions of this experiment.

Mastitis in dairy cows will affect the health of cattle and milk quality, thus restricting the development of dairy industry. Therefore, a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of cattle mastitis is helpful for its precise prevention and control. Recent studies have shown that the endogenous entero-mammary pathway in dairy cows plays an important role in inducing mastitis, i.e. enterogenous mastitis. This article reviews the pathogenesis of enterogenous mastitis in dairy cows and the prevention and control mechanism of microecological agents and plant extracts, in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and control of enterogenous mastitis in dairy cows.

The study aimes to investigate the effects of dietary copper sources and levels on the growth performance and immune function of weaned piglets. A total of 120 Duroc × Landrance × Yorkshire (DLY) weaned piglets with an initial average body weight of 7.40 ± 1.1 kg aged at 28 days were divided into five groups, with six replicates per treatment and four pigs per replicate, based on the principle of similar weight and balanced male and female ratio and a completely randomized block design. The dietary treatment groups were as follows: control group, basal diet; 20 mg/kg copper citrate group (basal diet + 20 mg/kg copper citrate); 100 mg/kg copper citrate group (basal diet +100 mg/kg copper citrate); 20 mg/kg copper sulfate group (basal diet + 20 mg/kg copper sulfate) and 100 mg/kg copper sulfate group (basal diet +100 mg/kg copper sulfate. The whole trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that no differences were observed in the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) among the five groups during the experimental period (P＞0.05). However, compared to the control group, the addition of 20 mg/kg copper citrate to the diet significantly elevated the levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IgA) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) (P＜0.05). Furthermore, the inclusion of 100 mg/kg copper citrate significantly increased the concentrations of serum IgG, IgA, IL-6, and IL-10 (P＜0.05). Similarly, dietary supplementation with 20 mg/kg copper sulfate led to a significant increase in the levels of serum IgG and IL-10 in the piglets (P＜0.05) . The colon mucosal IgG concentration significantly increased in the 20 mg/kg copper citrate group and 100 mg/kg copper citrate group (P＜0.05), compared with the control group. Additionally, higher concentration of IgA in the colonic mucosa of piglets (P＜0.05) was exhibited in other four groups. Besides, the colon mucosal IL-6 level in the 100 mg/kg copper citrate group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P＜0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of 20 and 100 mg/kg of copper citrate in piglet diet effectively enhances the immune function of weaned piglets. 

The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate methionine requirement of Wuqin 10 ducks aged from 1 to 4 weeks, and to provide reference for the scientific formulation of diets and the establishment of feeding standards. A total of 280 one-day-old commercial Wuqin 10 ducks (equal numbers of males and females) were randomly divided into 5 groups, with 4 replicates per group and 14 ducks per replicate. The ducks in the five groups were fed diets containing 0.28%, 0.36%, 0.44%, 0.52% and 0.60% methionine, respectively, for a 28-day experiment. The results showed that: (1) dietary methionine levels significantly affected the final weight, average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake of 1-4-week-old Wuqin 10 ducks (P<0.05). The 0.36% and 0.44% methionine groups exhibited significantly higher values compared to the 0.28% methionine group, while there was no significant effect on feed to gain ratio (P>0.05). (2) The semi-diving length of 0.36% and 0.52% methionine groups was significantly higher than that of the 0.44% methionine group (P<0.05). The obligue body length and tibial length of the 0.52% methionine group were significantly higher than those of the 0.28% methionine group (P<0.05). The chest width of the 0.36%, 0.44% and 0.52% methionine groups were significantly higher than that of the 0.28% methionine group (P<0.05). (3) There was no significant difference in organ index among groups (P>0.05). (4) The serum albumin, globulin and alanine transaminase levels of the 0.60% methionine group were significantly higher than those of the 0.44% and 0.52% methionine groups (P<0.05). The aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid and total cholesterol levels of the 0.28% methionine group were significantly higher than those of the 0.44% and 0.52% methionine groups (P<0.05). Methionine levels had no significant effects on the total protein, alkaline phosphatase and triglyceride levels (P>0.05). (5) Dietary methionine levels showed a significant quadratic correlation (P<0.05) with 28-day body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, alanine aminotransferase and triglyceride of the 1-4-week-old Wuqin 10 ducks. The appropriate dietary methionine levels were 0.416%, 0.423%, 0.414%,0.391% and 0.453%, respectively. In conclusion, the optimal dietary methionine level for 1-4-week-old Wuqin 10 ducks is 0.42% under the conditions of this experiment.

The proliferation of granulosa cells is closely related to the follicular development and atresia. In this experiment, the previous transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze the differentially expressed miRNAs in the ovaries of dairy goat with lambed singleton and fecundity, and it was found that in the ovaries of dairy goat with lambed singleton, miR-486 was differentially expressed. In order to further study the function of miR-486 in ovarian granulosa cells, miR-486 mimic, mimic NC, miR-486 inhibitor, inhibitor NC were synthesized and transfected into primary ovarian granulosa cells in vitro by using RT-qPCR, Western blot, CCK-8, EdU methods to detect the regulation of miR-486 on granulosa cell proliferation and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The results showed that miR-486 significantly inhibited the viability and proliferation of granulosa cells, and at the same time inhibited the expression of PI3K total protein and AKT and mTOR phosphorylated proteins. Therefore, miR-486 inhibits the proliferation of granulosa cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Grazing is an important utilization and management method of grassland. To explore the effects of grazing intensity on soil physical and chemical properties of Yili grassland, this study selected Yili Tuohulasu grassland of Xinjiang as the research object. Different grazing intensities were set up, the control (CK) without grazing intensity, light grazing (LG), moderate grazing (MG) and heavy grazing (HG), and the corresponding stocking rate levels were 0, 0.45, 1.35 and 2.50 sheep/hm², respectively. After two years of grazing, soils of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm were collected for the detection of soil bulk density, pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, to explore the appropriate grazing intensity. The results showed that: (1) soil bulk density and pH in all soil layers showed a trend of initially decreasing and then increasing with grazing intensity. (2) With the increase of grazing intensity, soil organic matter content in 0-20 cm showed a fluctuation, soil organic matter content in 20-40 cm exhibited a single peak, and soil cumulative organic carbon storage in 0-40 cm displayed a U-shape trend. (3) The total nitrogen and available phosphorus in 0-20 cm also showed a U-shape trend with grazing intensity. Available potassium in 0-20 cm soil, and total nitrogen and available potassium in 20-40 cm soil exhibited a single-peak growth trend. The content of available phosphorus at 20-40 cm fluctuated. (4) The quadratic equation fitting between grazing intensity and soil indexes demonstrated that the optimal livestock carrying capacity was within the range of 1.09-1.89 sheep/hm², and the average optimal livestock carrying capacity was 1.44 sheep/hm². Therefore, from the perspective of soil physical and chemical properties, moderate grazing is more suitable for Yili Tuohulasu grassland in Xinjiang.

The correlation between UCP gene SNP and the fatty acid traits of Bashang long-tailed chickens was clarified, which laid a foundation for molecular marker-assisted breeding of fatty acid traits in Bashang long-tailed chickens. Direct sequencing was used to detect UCP gene SNP in 54 longtail chickens with measured muscle fatty acids. The general linear model in SPSS 26.0 software was used to analyze the correlation between SNP and the fatty acid traits of longtail Bashang chickens. Through direct sequencing, a total of 10 SNP sites were detected on the UCP gene fragment of Bashang long-tailed chicken and 10 sites all conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). 3 loci contained 3 genotypes, and 7 loci contained 2 genotypes. The correlation analysis results showed that the genotypes of g.224A>T, g.284C>T, g.329G>A, g.409T>C and g.450G>A were not significantly correlated with fatty acid content (P>0.05). The genotypes of g.195A>G were significantly correlated with palmitoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid and myristic oleic acid (P<0.05), g.398C>T genotypes were significantly correlated with myristic oleic acid, pearlescent acid and DH-γ-linolenic acid (P<0.05), g.399A>G genotypes were significantly correlated with myristic acid (P<0.05), and g.431C>T genotypes were significantly correlated with myristic oleic acid, pearlescent acid and DH-γ-linolenic acid (P<0.05); g.434C>T genotypes were significantly associated with antioleic acid (P<0.05). Therefore it is concluded that the five loci are significantly correlated with the content of different types of fatty acids (P<0.05), which can serve as the candidate markers for molecular marker-assisted breeding of Bashang long-tail chicken.