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Cryopreservation reduces the antioxidant activity of spermatozoa and makes them more sensitive to damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The addition of antioxidants to the freezing medium could prevent cryo-damage by mitigating the harmful effects of ROS and, thus, protecting the spermatozoa. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on the rabbit sperm traits after freezing-thawing. Semen samples collected from New Zealand White rabbit males were cryopreserved in a BotuCrio freezing medium (Nidacon, Sweden) supplemented with different concentrations of ellagic acid (EA at 0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 mM) using the manual slow freezing procedure. After thawing, sperm motility parameters were evaluated by CASA. The parameters of viability (DRAQ7), apoptosis (Yo-Pro-1), acrosome integrity (peanut agglutinin; PNA), intracellular ROS (CellROX) and mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker) were evaluated by flow cytometry. EA added to the freezing medium at all concentrations led to a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in intracellular ROS in frozen-thawed sperm cells. However, this effect was not reflected in motility parameters. Semen supplemented with 1.5 mM EA also yielded a lower proportion of apoptotic cells compared to the control group. In conclusion, EA supplementation of semen extender demonstrated its antioxidative properties protecting spermatozoa against oxidative damage during cryopreservation. Nevertheless, to draw a definitive conclusion regarding the effect of EA on spermatozoa functionality, additional research is necessary.

The paper deals with the genomic evaluation of retained placenta (RP), metritis/endometritis (MET), and cystic ovarian disease (CYS) and their involvement in the selection programme of Holstein cattle. A procedure for the estimation of genetic parameters and genomic breeding values was proposed. The dataset included farmers’ records of 127 000 lactations from 109 farms for RP, 185 000 lactations from 131 farms for MET and 115 000 lactations from 87 farms for CYS. The lactational incidence was 6.9% (RP), 12.8% (MET) and 9.2% (CYS). The single-trait animal model equation included fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving and parity of the cow, random direct additive genetic effect, random permanent environmental effect and residual effect. The single-step genomic prediction (ssGBLUP) was based on more than 50 000 SNP-genotyped individuals. Heritability for all traits did not exceed 2%. Favourable correlations were found between reproductive disorders resistance, fertility and longevity traits. The correlation between CYS and milk protein yield indicated a genetic predisposition to cystic ovarian disease in high-producing cows. All significant correlations between health traits (clinical mastitis, claw and feet disorders, reproductive disorders) were positive, indicating that the selection for improvement of one health trait would induce a favourable selection response in the others.

Indigenous chickens play a significant role in food security, income growth and socio-cultural life of rural households in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity as well as the phylogenetic relationships of Vietnamese indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus) to support the conservation of their genetic resources for sustainable rural farming.  In this study, the genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of 10 Vietnamese indigenous chicken breeds were analyzed using complete sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) displacement-loop (D-loop) region. The average nucleotide and haplotype diversities of Vietnamese chickens were 0.006 3 ± 0.000 22 and 0.918 ± 0.010, respectively. A total of 39 polymorphic sites and 29 haplotypes were identified. The maximum likelihood tree classified these haplotypes into seven haplogroups (A, B, C, D, E, G and V), with haplogroups A and B being the two predominant maternal lineages of Vietnamese indigenous chickens, while haplogroups C, D, E, G and V were found in the remaining chickens. Several haplotypes from different haplogroups were shared among some chicken breeds. These results suggested that Vietnamese indigenous chicken breeds have multiple maternal origins, mainly from Chinese, Southeast Asian and Indian chickens, and that these breeds share common maternal lineages. The high level of genetic diversity in Vietnamese chickens demonstrates significance of conservation for future use.

This study aimed to determine the potential of Wallachian sheep in quantitative and qualitative indicators of milk production under extensive conditions of the Western Beskids mountains. Milk samples were collected from the group of 38 non-dairying sheep selected from the basic 120-head flock. Ewes were monitored during four control days (from 27^th April, the average 42^nd day of lactation to 4^th August, the average 142^nd day of lactation) to cover the whole lactation period. Ewes were investigated for their milk production and for milk quantity parameter. Milk quality indicators included percentage estimation of milk components (fat, protein, casein, lactose, dry matter), somatic cell count (10³ cells/ml), vitamin A and E content (mg/kg), and K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu (mg/kg) content. Milk production ranged from 1 017.37 g (early stage of lactation) to 416.87 g (late stage of lactation period). The milk contained high fat (6.06–8.44%) and protein (4.68–5.68%) percentages, low somatic cell count and favourable distribution of minerals and vitamins. In general, results of this study indicate a possibility for low-productive traditional grazing system with extensive sheep breeds not only for cultivating the area but also for the purpose of high nutritional food with beneficial aspect on human health.

To better explore the effects of adding phytosterol (PS) microcapsules to feed on pig growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and serum biochemical indicators, 200 healthy ternary hybrid Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets with an average initial weight of 7.53 ± 0.57 kg) were used as experimental subjects, and randomly divided into five groups with four replicates in each group. The control group of pigs was fed the basic diet, while the experimental group received diets supplemented with different PS levels. They were divided into experimental groups 1 to 4 (100 mg/kg to 5 502 mg/kg) according to different dosage added components. The duration of the experiment was 54 days. The results showed that the total triglyceride (TG) index and diarrhoea status in the experimental group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The increase in PS addition levels was more significant in the change of pig average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), and the difference in average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio between PS-400 and PS-550 was significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant differences in crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), average digestible energy (ADE), metabolizable energy, xylan, and calcium (P < 0.05), with a maximum increase of 7.02% in calcium content. The addition of PS can be effective in making the experimental and control groups show a significant difference in value changes in high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) indicators (P < 0.05), while no significant changes were revealed in the other indicators (P > 0.05). From the above, plant sterol microcapsules can effectively improve pig growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility, and improve their blood lipid status.

The use of genomic data makes it possible to examine genetic variability and calculate the genetic parameters of the population in an efficient and precise way. The aim of this research was to analyse linkage disequilibrium (LD), contemporary effective population size (Ne_c), haplotype block structure, minor allele frequency (MAF), observed (H_O) and expected heterozygosity (H_E), calculate the genomic relationship matrix and perform a principal component analysis (PCA) in the Serbian Holstein-Friesian cattle population using SNP data from the GGP Bovine 100K chip. After quality control (QC), 83 208 SNPs and 1 575 cows were retained for further analysis. LD on autosomes had an average value of ≥ 0.2 up to a distance of 50–60 kb (r² = 0.211), while on BTX r² ≥ 0.2 was represented at distances of 80–90 kb (r² = 0.211). LD differed between chromosomes. The average H_O for autosomes and X chromosome SNPs was 0.412 and 0.422, respectively. 81.30% of SNPs that passed QC had MAF > 0.2. The total number of haplotype blocks in the studied population was 15 642. On average, blocks contained 2.932 SNPs. The average block length was 32.657 kb and ranged from a minimum of 0.019 kb (BTA21 and BTA26) to a maximum of 999.562 kb (BTX). The estimated value of Ne_c in the this cattle population was 142. The results of PCA showed a significant variability of genotypes in the population, but there was no clear stratification of the population. The obtained results will serve as a basis for future genomic analyses such as the detection of QTLs for important economic traits and the implementation of genomic selection.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of feed restriction and the combination of feed restriction with pasture on the performance parameters of fast-growing chickens, the proportion of internal organs and the caecum microbiota. In the experiment, one-day-old Ross 308 chickens were divided into three groups. Group 1 was fed ad libitum (AL), group 2 was restricted on feed at a rate of 70% ad libitum (R), group 3 was restricted to the same age and level as group 2, and was restricted to 22 days on pasture (FR). Feed restriction and the combination of feed restriction and pasture significantly reduced body weight beginning at the age of 14 days and at the end of the experiment (at 35 days), mortality, and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) but improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) beginning at the 4^th week of age. Conversely, feed restriction and the combination of feed restriction and pasture significantly increased the proportion of liver, gizzard and Lactobacillus in the caecum. In summary, feed restriction and the combination of feed restriction in the free range had negative effects on growth, feed conversion ratio and economic profit, presumably because of the short realimentation period and because pasture did not have a beneficial effect.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of feeding regime (FR) and the combination of FR with pasture on the carcass composition and meat quality parameters of fast-growing chickens. Ross 308 chickens were split into three groups: Group 1 was fed ad libitum, and Groups 2 and 3 had a restricted diet. The chickens were feed-restricted at a rate of 70% ad libitum from 8 to 14 days of age. In Group 3, after restriction at the age of 21 days, chickens were kept on a pasture until the end of the experiment at 35 days of age. The chickens were fed ad libitum prior to and following restriction. Feed restriction and the combination of feed restriction and pasture significantly reduced final body weight, but the dressing out percentage was not affected. The breast percentage was the highest (P = 0.005) in the ad libitum group (30.5%), followed by the restricted group (28.2%) and the lowest in the group with a combination of feed restriction and pasture (27.4%). Breast pH and colour measured 24 h post mortem were not affected, whereas texture expressed as F_max was the lowest in the group with the combination of feed restriction and pasture (P = 0.05). There was no effect of the group on meat dry matter, crude protein, cholesterol, and fatty acid content, but ether extract was the highest, and significantly so, in the ad libitum-fed group. In summary, feed restriction and the combination of feed restriction and pasture negatively affected final body weight and breast and abdominal fat percentages, which might be related to a short realimentation period for compensatory growth. However, these conditions negligibly affected carcass composition and the physical and chemical parameters of the meat.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of selected vegetable oils on the representation of dietary fatty acids in the muscle of broiler cockerels. The experiment included three groups of one-day-old cockerels of ROSS 308 genotype, 15 individuals each. The feed mixture and drinking water were fed to the cockerels, ad libitum. In accordance with the technological instructions for the hybrid combination ROSS 308, BR1 was fed to chickens up to 9 days of age with the same nutrient and oil (soybean) composition for all three groups. From day 10 to day 28 of fattening the chicks were fed BR2 and from day 29 to day 35 BR3. The components and composition of the BR2 and BR3 feeds were identical; feed mixtures differed only in oil, soybean oil was added to Group 1 (SBO), rapeseed oil to Group 2 (RSO) and sunflower oil to Group 3 (SFO). Cockerels were fed until 35 days of age and then slaughtered. Breast and thigh muscles were collected from 10 individuals from each group to determine total fat in which individual fatty acid (FA) analysis was performed. Based on the obtained results, rapeseed oil can be clearly recommended for broiler chickens in feed mixtures, for the reasons that the cockerels from the RSO group showed the highest live weight (35 days of fattening), had the lowest feed conversion ratio, had an increased n-3 FAs content in the intramuscular fat (breast and thigh), and the narrowest n-3 : n-6 FAs ratio in the intramuscular fat (breast and thigh).

This research investigates the high prevalence of morphological defects in the sperm of a particular rabbit breed, namely the Zemplin rabbit (ZR). We tried to uncover the possible causes and consequences of the observed abnormalities. Ejaculate samples from ten adult males were divided into two qualitative groups according to the motility parameters revealed by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis). Group A contained samples with total motility (TM) above 50% and progressive motility (PM) above 30%. Group B contained samples with TM and PM below these values. Viability (SYBR-14/DRAQ5^TM and SYTOX^TM Green/DRAQ5^TM staining) and apoptosis (YO-PRO ^TM-1/DRAQ5 ^TM stainig) analyses through flow cytometry served as an additional insight into the characteristics of the qualitative groups. In both cases, we noted significant differences (P < 0.05) between groups which corresponded to motility values. Both groups showed an increased incidence of abnormal spermatozoa, and we did not observe any significant differences between them. Simultaneously, we assessed the practical implications of these sperm defects on artificial insemination (AI), and also, we did not notice any significant differences in these parameters. The use of transmission electron microscopy enhanced our understanding of the morphological defects at the ultrastructural level. In summary, the study provides an understanding of the qualitative differences in rabbit semen, highlighting variations in quality parameters. While these differences exist, they may not necessarily translate into significant variations in AI outcomes. Our study shows higher values of cytoplasmic droplets in ZR semen, but it also shows that these conditions do not necessarily mean a fundamental obstacle to fertility in the case of AI.

The study assessed the relationship between rib fat thickness and carcass price among different carcass weight groups in Korean native cattle (Hanwoo), taking into account changes in the beef grading system. Data from 8 926 Hanwoo steers, with an average age of 30.6 ± 1.88 months and slaughtered between 2017 and 2019, were analysed. The variables considered included rib fat thickness, carcass weight, eye muscle area, marbling score, and carcass price. Steers were categorised into eight carcass weight groups ranging from 250 kg to 650 kg in the original system, rib fat thickness consistently had a negative impact on carcass price, with partial coefficients of rib fat thickness on carcass price ranging from –1.96 to –46.5 depending on the carcass weight groups. Conversely, in the revised system, the impact of rib fat thickness varied from negative to positive, turning positive at the 450 kg carcass weight group. These findings may guide decision-making in beef cattle production and feeding strategies under the revised grading system.

This research was carried out to evaluate the pedigree data of the Debrecen White rabbit breed. Pedigree information was supplied by the Debrecen White Rabbit Breeder Association. The final dataset contained all available information on animals registered by the breeding association up to 2023. The reference population was the active breeding stock in 2023. The estimated complete generation equivalent was 7.8, while the mean of maximum generations was 16.29 for the present stock. All individuals within the current population were inbred, with a 5.37% mean inbreeding coefficient. The division of the inbreeding coefficient showed that homozygosity is increasing in the current population. The genetic conservation index (GCI) was higher than 30 for 10.11% for the total population, and was above 38.69% for the current population.

Indigenous chicken breeds from Fujian Province, China, exhibit unique and distinctive phenotypic characteristics, including morphology, behaviour, integumentary pigmentation, feather colouration, and production performance. However, the underlying genetic basis governing these specific traits remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the population structure of six Fujian local chicken breeds [Bairong chickens (BRCs), Jinhu chickens (JHCs), Minqing chickens (MQCs), Dehua chickens (DHCs), Xiangdong chickens (XDCs), and Hetian chickens (HTCs)] in terms of their genetic resources within the province. The whole-genome resequencing revealed 8 678 612 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a cohort of 36 chickens. The results revealed a partial mismatch between the clustering patterns and geographic distributions of the six populations, with BRC displaying a noticeable genetic divergence from other chickens. Moreover, the genetic distance between XDC and HTC in Longyan County was relatively close and converged with JHC, MQC, and DHC into a subgroup. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic characteristics and utilisation prospects of chicken germplasm resources in Fujian Province.

A breeding program has been developed for the Latvian warmblood heavy type horses in Latvia, with the aim to preserve this type, because the number of these horses is small and the status of the local endangered breed has been granted. The aim of the study was to analyse the genetic structure, inbreeding and effective population size of the Latvian warmblood heavy type (LSB) horse population. Horses that were living at the time of the study on January 1, 2023 were used for the study. A total of 374 genetic resources live horses were analysed. Population structure analysis, inbreeding and effective population size were investigated. Calculations were done by POPREP (v1.0) software. The effective population size (Ne) decreased, however, since 2018 the decline in the size of the effective population has not been so rapid. In 2000, the Ne was 316 animals, and in 2020, it was 101 animals. Over the years, changes in the average inbreeding level in the LSB population were observed from year to year. In 2000, inbreeding was 1.39%, and in 2020 it was 1.47% with the average inbreeding level of 1.12%. Over the last 20 years, large changes in Ne have been observed, thus, the loss of genetic diversity in the LSB breed should be controlled.

This study determined the effect of tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on the protein abundance of intestinal tight junction and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in weaned pigs. Ninety-six White × Landrace × Duroc piglets (5.31 ± 0.54 kg) were selected in a growth trial and the experiment lasted for 30 days. The basal diet based on corn and soybean contained Trp at 2.4 g/kg. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet or a basal diet + 500 mg/kg Trp. On the 31^st day, 12 pigs (1 pig per pen) were randomly selected and slaughtered in order to collect samples for subsequent analysis. Dietary supplementation with Trp improved the villus height and protein abundance of Zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) in the duodenum and the jejunum (P < 0.05), increased the protein abundance of Claudin-1 in the duodenum (P < 0.05) and IDO expression in the ileum (P < 0.05), and reduced the urea nitrogen concentration in the serum and the ZO-1 protein abundance of the ileum in weaned pigs (P < 0.05).

Dairy farming is deeply affected by climate change, especially by rising temperatures and heat waves, poorer availability of quality food and water, and the spread of new diseases and pests outside their original ecological niche. Their impact can be mitigated not only by changes in technologies, management and treatment, but also by breeding and selection of more resilient cows. General resilience encompasses the animal's capacity to cope with environmental, social and disease challenges. It is described as the capacity of the animal to be minimally affected by a disturbance or to rapidly return to the physiological, behavioural, cognitive, health, affective and production states that pertained before exposure to a disturbance. As disturbances can be of different natures, general resilience is a composite trait consisting of different resilience types according to the nature of the disturbance. Resilience can be quantified through time series data that capture fluctuations in the daily performance. Recent studies have worked with deviations in the daily milk yield and daily live weight from optimal performance or have focused on the assessment of the daily activity in terms of the daily step count. To observe the duration and magnitude of the response to perturbance, two indicators were suggested: the autocorrelation (r_auto) and the natural logarithm of deviations (LnVar). Based on the daily milk yield deviations, both indicators have shown sufficient genetic variabilities with the estimated heritability ~0.1 for r_auto and ~0.2 for LnVar. Low values of both indicators were genetically related to better udder health, better hoof health, better longevity, better fertility, higher body condition score, less ketosis but also lower milk yield level. The selection for improved resilience could benefit from the use of genomic information as several genes and biological pathways associated with disease resilience and resilience to heat stress have already been identified. The presented results suggest that the integration of resilience into the cattle breeding programmes would improve the capacity of the dairy industry to cope with global climate change.

The gilt development level is a critical factor for profitability in the pig industry. To evaluate the impact of different gilt development levels on the age structure and production efficiency of female herds we used the performance data of a pig farm that was simulated over a ten-year period, with current production statistics from the Chinese pig industry as a basis for the model. In a herd of 600 breeding sows, we compared age structure, number born alive (NBA), longevity and sow lifetime productivity in three scenarios with gilt culling rates of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The results show that the gilt development has no significant effects on the age structure. The gilt development had no significant effects either on sow reproductive performance or production efficiency. However, the annual replacement rate, longevity, and sow lifetime productivity varied significantly in the three levels of gilt development (P < 0.01). We conclude that the gilt development is closely related to herd turnover and reproductive performance, and ultimately affects the cost of pig production. Gilt development is, therefore, an extremely important factor in an integrated pig production system.

Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat fleece is derived from a heterogeneous coat. The guard hair is produced by primary hair follicles, and the down hair is produced by secondary hair follicles. Reports have focused on research related to the different hair follicle types, but no related study has addressed the difference in the proteins of down hair (DH) and guard hair (GH), and whether the protein composition of these materials differs remains to be studied. The protein composition of DH and GH was studied. A total of 108 proteins were identified in DH, and 116 proteins were identified in GH; 39 proteins were differentially expressed, of which 18 proteins were upregulated and 21 proteins were downregulated in DH versus GH. In this study, through the measurement of DH and GH samples from Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats, the diameter of DH relative to GH was downregulated (P < 0.05), a property that may be related to the KRT38 protein. Moreover, the strength of GH was significantly higher than that of DH (P < 0.05), a property that may be affected by the KRTAP8-1 protein. GO analysis showed that the different traits of DH and GH from Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats are affected by keratin, actin, and calcium-binding proteins. This study uses a nonlabelled quantitative proteomics method to study the proteins in DH and GH, aiming to identify the keratin family in Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats and to provide a new direction for studying DH and GH traits at the protein level.

The aim was to study the evolution and severity of white striping and wooden breast myopathies and to carry out a study on the parameters of meat quality and allometric growth of male and female broilers at different ages. The experiment was conducted in a broiler house in a completely randomized design, using 960 one-day-old chicks of the Cobb^® strain, with 480 chicks of each sex. 96 birds per treatment were slaughtered weekly at the age of 21 to 49 days. The present study analyses the occurrence of myopathies, their scores, and their evolution over the age of the birds, comparing males and females. Further assessments included the allometric coefficient and meat quality analyses such as physical measurements (breast length, width, and thickness), pH, colour (L*, a*, and b*), drip loss, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, and shear force. The results demonstrate that the sex of birds did not affect the occurrence of white striping and wooden breast myopathies. However, the degree of myopathies evolved with advancing age, suggesting the weight as a predisposing factor for these myopathies. The emergence of white striping myopathy occurred as early as in the third week of the birds’ life. Wooden breast did not develop as isolated myopathy, occurring only in the concomitant presence of white striping. The allometric coefficient demonstrated that regardless of the sex and age, broiler breast had positive heterogonic growth, i.e. late growth in relation to the other parts of the body.

Camelina sativa can be identified as a promising oilseed crop due to its short growth cycle, tolerance to drought and frost, low-input requirements, resistance to pests and diseases, feed, and non-feed applications. Compared to other Brassicaceae family plants, camelina is mainly distinguished by high levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant content. However, camelina contains secondary plant metabolites, such as glucosinolates, phytic acid, sinapine, etc., and their presence limits the use of camelina by-products (oil, seed or cake) in poultry feeding. The breakdown of these compounds forms complexes that can inhibit digestive enzymes, reduce the absorption of nutrients, and ultimately modify product quality. The content of these anti-nutritional compounds and plant seed quality can be modified by various techniques: hybridisation, mutation induction, gene engineering, etc. Moreover, methods such as infrared irradiation, multi-enzyme and copper supplementation, etc., can counter or mitigate the effect of plant secondary metabolites present in camelina seed or cake. In general, dietary inclusion of camelina seed or cake at high inclusion levels (> 10%) worsened the nutrient digestibility and thus reduced growth performances. However, carcass traits and meat proximate composition were comparable in birds-fed diets containing camelina by-products. The fatty acid profile of meat cuts and abdominal fat was significantly higher in alpha-linolenic acid and lower n-6/n-3 ratio, thus promoting the healthiness of products for human consumption. Also, the dietary inclusion of camelina did not modify the sensory profile of the products. The present article is a comprehensive and critical review of research carried out to improve the quality of camelina and its by-products to be used in broiler poultry feeding. This review gives information on the feeding value of camelina by-products, as well as a survey of the literature on their use in poultry diets to evaluate digestibility, performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

The present study aimed to evaluate the use of biochar as a feed additive on nutrient utilization and livestock performance by employing a meta-analysis method. Various in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the effects of biochar on rumen fermentation, nutrient disappearance, total gas, methane production, microbial population, feed intake, growth performance, blood constituents, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention were tabulated in a database. Data were analysed using the mixed model method in which the different studies were considered as random effects while the biochar addition was treated as a fixed effect. The addition of biochar reduced methane production (quadratic pattern; P < 0.05), but increased the total gas production (P < 0.001). Addition of biochar decreased (quadratic pattern; P < 0.05) volatile fatty acids and acetic acid in the in vitro rumen fermentation data. In the in vivo data, a reduction in feed conversion ratio (quadratic pattern; P < 0.05), as well as a reduction (P < 0.05) in the feed intake parameters of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fibre were observed with biochar addition. Ammonia production and propionic acid tended to increase linearly (P < 0.05) with the biochar supplementation. The biochar supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre) and nitrogen retention. In conclusion, biochar supplementation of ruminant diet modulates rumen fermentation by increasing propionic acid but decreasing methane emissions, and enhances livestock performance by increasing nutrient digestibility, growth performance as well as nitrogen retention.

This study investigated the effects of Lycium chinense Miller stem (LCM) and Origanum vulgare Linn (oregano) essential oil on growth, blood biochemistry, and caecal microorganisms in White Roman goose. A total of 96-day-old White Roman geese were randomly allocated to a control group and three treatment groups. The G 0.05 diet was enriched with 0.05% LCM extract, the G 0.5 diet was enriched with 0.5% LCM extract, and the O 0.05 diet was enriched with 0.05% oregano essential oil. Each treatment was allotted to three pens, with four males and four females per pen. Geese were fed for 83 days. Geese in group O 0.05 had greater body weight gain than those in groups G 0.05 and G 0.5 in the first 28 days (P < 0.05), whereas the geese in group O 0.05 also showed greater body weight gain than those in control and G 0.05 groups in total 83 days (P < 0.05). No significant differences in serum creatinine, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or high-density lipoprotein were observed. Serum glutathione peroxidase concentrations were significantly higher for geese in group G 0.5 (P < 0.05) than for the control group at 83 days of age. At 87days of age, one male and one female per pen were slaughtered, and the caecum contents were collected for gene sequencing by 16S ribosomes. No significant differences in microbial alpha diversity were observed. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.05% oregano essential oil increased body weight gain for 83 days. In addition, supplementation with 0.5% LCM extract increased glutathione peroxidase activity at 83 days of age (P < 0.05). In summary, our study showed that phytogenic feed additives improve growth and have antioxidant and immune properties in geese.

This study aims to investigate using different ratios of urea-molasses in silage of food in vitro fermentation, feed value and quality production in feed. After being withered a little, the fodder plant was fragmented into 2–3 cm long pieces. 0, 2 and 4% molasses and 0, 0.5 and 1% urea were added. The treatment groups were UM1 (control), UM2, UM3, UM4, UM5, UM6, UM7, UM8 and UM9 supplemented with 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5% urea and 0, 2, 4, 0, 2, 4, 0, 2, 4% molasses respectively, and a total of 54 silage samples, 9 × 6 parallel, were prepared, vacuumed in ready-made silage bags, and stored at 25 ± 2 °C for 60 days. After the silages were opened, pH, nutrient contents, Fleig scores (FS), in vitro digestibility parameters, energy contents, feed value and feed quality were determined, then the data were subjected to analysis of variance. The effects of urea and molasses additives added to the mixed forage plant silage on all parameters were found to be significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The crude protein (CP) increased its application by UM7. Cell wall component (insoluble fibre in acid detergent (ADF) and neutral detergent insoluble fibre NDF) reduced its application by UM9. All these applications increased the FS. The addition of molasses increased the in vitro gas production, while the addition of urea decreased the production. True organic matter digestibility increased with the addition of molasses. As a result, it was concluded that UM9 application in silages would be appropriate for increasing feed value and feed quality, and the UM3 application in silage would be appropriate for improving true organic matter digestibility (TOMD).

Innate immunity is the organism’s first line of defence, and the receptors of immune cells play a key role. Interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 1 and 4 (IRAK1 and IRAK4) are necessary for signal transmission from Toll-like receptors, which are the most important receptors of immune cells. The main objective of this study was to investigate the gene polymorphisms of IRAK1 and IRAK4 in Czech Fleckvieh cattle (CF) and to compare their diversity with other cattle breeds as there is still little information about these genes. PacBio Technology of next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to detect genetic variability in 164 CF bulls. The results revealed 17 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the IRAK1 gene and 12 SNVs and three deletions in the IRAK4 gene. Three methods were then used to determine allelic variability: Sanger sequencing, the primer extension method and Illumina DNA BeadChip microarray in cooperation with the Czech Moravian Breeder’s Corporation. Sanger sequencing enabled analysis of the population variability in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs210710958 and rs48726521 of IRAK1 in 164 CF bulls. SNaPshot genotyping was employed to determine the allelic frequencies of SNP rs211379365 and a novel polymorphism in IRAK1, and rs380202447 in the IRAK4 gene. DNA microarray method, which was applied to 74 CF dairy cows, revealed the allelic frequency of IRAK1 rs110533802 including the frequency 0.07 of mutant allele T. Additional microarray data allowed the comparison of the allelic frequencies among the Czech and Hungarian populations of Holstein dairy cows and beef breed populations. The results show that the functionally significant diversity in the IRAK1 and IRAK4 genes in the studied CF population is rather limited. The higher frequency 0.4 of the T mutant allele of SNP rs110533802 of IRAK1 in Holstein cattle could be the consequence of breeding for milk performance.

This study was conducted to determine the individual types of crystallisation structures of cervical mucus (arborisation phenomenon) in sheep and changes in the types of these structures during oestrus. A total of 80 ewes aged between two and eight years were included in the study. Oestrus synchronisation was performed using intravaginal sponges, and samples of cervical mucus were collected 55–57 h after the removal of intravaginal sponges and subsequently evaluated. The crystallisation structures of the cervical mucus of sheep exhibit the same sequence during oestrus as in cattle. The most frequently occurring types of crystallisation in the observed sheep included twig-shaped (33.33%), twig-shaped-clubmosses (24.00%) and clubmosses (14.67%). The least common type was fern frond crystallisation (1.33%). A statistically significant difference was found between the representation of individual types of crystallisation (P < 0.01). As with cattle, it is possible to use the evaluation of the crystallisation of cervical mucus to determine the optimum time for insemination, especially in groups of animals with previous synchronisation/induction of oestrus. Establishing the correct time for insemination or natural mating with a ram makes it possible to optimise breeding management and improve pregnancy rates, which are crucial in breeding these seasonally polyoestrous animals. Based on the results, it can be stated that insemination should take place 57+ h after the removal of intravaginal sponges and the application of hormonal treatments for oestrus induction and synchronisation (equine chorionic gonadotropin).

Amino acids have positive regulatory effects on the function of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), but in the field of animal nutrition, research on the regulatory effects of amino acids on IEC is still in the initial stages. This study aims to explore the effects of Gly, Gly-Gly, and Gly-Leu on IEC proliferation and their possible mechanisms. Chicken small intestinal epithelial cells were separated using the tissue block method, and other miscellaneous cells were removed for digestion and passage culture. The IEC were cultured in the medium containing 20 nmol/l Gly, Gly-Gly and Gly-Leu for 24 h, and the expression of enterokinase and cytokeratin in cells, the growth curve and activity of IEC, cell cycle, differentially expressed genes, mRNA expression, and protein expression levels of p-mTOR and p-S6K1 in IEC were detected. Enterokinase and cytokeratin were expressed specifically in IEC. The results of growth curve and MTT revealed that the cell viability of IEC was significantly increased after treatment with Gly, Gly-Gly and Gly-Leu. The cell cycle results showed that compared with the control group, Gly, Gly-Gly and Gly-Leu intervention could increase the proportion of IEC in G1 phase, and the proportion in S phase of IEC was decreased. Transcriptome sequencing showed that compared with the control group, there were 54, 28 and 30 differential genes in Gly group, Gly-Gly group and Gly-Leu group, respectively. These genes were mainly enriched in nitric oxide synthesis and protein kinase B signalling, PI3K signal and cellular amino acid biosynthesis and transport signal pathways. RT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of PCYT2, SPP1, EMC6, GRIA2 and PKD2 were consistent with the sequencing results. Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the protein expression of p-mTOR and p-S6K1 in Gly group, Gly-Gly group and Gly-Leu group was significantly increased. Gly-Leu can promote the protein synthesis in IEC by activating protein synthesis of mTOR signalling pathway in chicken IEC.

Lipid-rich bovine serum albumin (LR-BSA) has been reported to increase the survival rate of blastocysts after freezing and thawing. However studies on the early development of in vitro fertilised (IVF) embryos are still insufficient in cattle. This study investigated the blastocyst productivity of in vitro culture (IVC) medium (synthetic oviductal fluid medium with amino acids, mSOFaa) supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Control) or LR-BSA (1, 2.5, 5 mg/ml dosages, respectively) and the qualitative characteristics of produced blastocysts. Cleavage rates on day 2 were similar between all groups. Significant differences were obtained in the blastocyst rate in the 2.5LR-BSA group compared with the control (23.5% vs 35.7%, P < 0.05). Hatching rates were significantly higher in all treatment groups than in control (P < 0.05). The cell number in blastocysts did not differ among groups, but the apoptotic index in the 5.0LR-BSA group was higher than the control (P < 0.05). The expression of embryo quality-related markers was affected. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), placenta associated 8 (Plac8), and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2) genes expression in the 2.5LR-BSA group were significantly up-regulated compared to the control (P < 0.05). Cytoplasmic lipid contents and the lipid droplet formation-related gene, sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1), were significantly increased in the 5.0LR-BSA group (P < 0.05). Therefore, the LR-BSA supplementation (2.5 mg/ml) to mSOFaa medium could contribute to the early development of bovine IVF embryos and the qualitative improvement of the resulting blastocysts.

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that the peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1) gene polymorphism (Tyr76His; dbSNP ID: ss104796364) has an influence on some performance traits and causes of culling in Polish Holstein-Friesian red-white cows. The study involved 134 cows kept on a farm in the south-west of Poland. PGLYRP1 genotypes TT, CT, and CC were detected. It was shown that compared with cows with genotypes CT and TT, the individuals with genotype CC were characterised by higher lifetime yields and higher amounts of lactation milk, fat, and protein. A beneficial effect of genotype CC, compared with genotype TT, was also noted in the case of the lifespan and, consequently, the length of the productive life and the average number of lactations. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (genotypes CC and TT) and disorders of the reproductive system (genotype CT) were the most common causes of culling. An essential practical observation was the potentially higher susceptibility of cows with genotype CC to mastitis, which resulted in the necessity to cull over one-fifth of the animals in this group. Simultaneously, no cows in this group were culled due to low performance or metabolic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases. Therefore, the PGLYRP1 gene seems to be a promising potential herd health marker; however, to consider it the main gene, it is necessary to extend the investigations to include more individuals and other breeds of dairy cattle.