UNASSIGNED: Indigenous chickens are very important to households for income and protein. However, their performance is usually poor, especially under small-scale farmer management, despite their potential to perform better. The performance of these chickens can be improved by selective breeding. However, for this to be a success, there is a need to understand the phenotypic and production characteristics of these chickens fully. Hence, this study aimed to characterize the phenotypes of these chickens and their production system among small-scale farmers.
UNASSIGNED: A structured questionnaire was administered to 177 small-scale farmers. A total of 538 chickens whose mean weight was 1.66 kg were individually phenotyped in Luapula, Muchinga, and Northern provinces of Zambia.
UNASSIGNED: Ownership of the indigenous chickens was dominated by females (65.37%), with most (64.31%) having attained primary education. Most housed their chickens in family houses (42.03%). All the farmers let their chickens scavenge for their feed, with 45.58% of them providing basic supplementation. Most (84.10%) farmers bought their breed stock from within their community and had a mean flock size of 12.5 chickens/household, which they mostly (78.09%) kept as free-range. The majority (77.39%) practiced culling, with low productivity being the most common reason for culling (84.45%). Only 59.01% of farmers practiced selective breeding, while 86.22% practiced uncontrolled mating. The age at first mating for cocks and hens was 6.8 months and 6.34 months, respectively, with 6.73 months being the age at first egg. It takes 15.43 days to reach a mean clutch size of 13 eggs. The hatchability and mortality at 8 weeks were 83.44% and 67.57%, respectively. All chickens were sold as live chickens, and the majority (51.59%) of the farmers sold their chickens within the community at 7.23 months. Diseases and predators were the most common challenges affecting farmers in the study area. Consultations with veterinarians, vaccinations, and deworming were uncommon while treating sick chickens mostly using ethnoveterinary medicines was common. The most common qualitative traits were brown (27.88%) and mixed (26.77%) plumage color, white skins (91.45%) and shanks (48.70%), single comb type (91.08%), red earlobe (55.76%), and orange eyes (78.07%). All linear body measurements positively and significantly correlated with the body weight averaging 1.66kgs, an indicator that selection for any of them would result in a corresponding increase in body weight. Principal Component Analysis extracted two components with 69.38% of the total variation.
UNASSIGNED: The diversity in phenotypes of these chickens and their production systems indicate huge potential for improvement by implementing breeding programs.

The present study investigated the effects of various inclusion levels of dietary Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) preparation on feed consumption, milk yield and milk composition, serum biochemistry, hematological profile, and reproductive efficiency of Holstein dairy cows. A total of 117 lactating Holstein cows were randomly divided into four groups as control (n = 27; without CHM supplementation) and treatment groups CHM-0.5 (n = 31), CHM-0.75 (n = 29), and CHM-1 (n = 30) fed diet supplemented with 0.5, 0.75, and 1 kg/cow/d for 30 days, respectively. The study began at d 20 postpartum (d 0 of the study). At d 50 postpartum, the cows in all groups were subjected to estrus synchronization using a modified Ovsynch protocol (GPGMH) and observed for reproductive variables. Feed intake, milk yield and milk composition, serum biochemistry and hematological profile, and reproductive efficiency were measured. A significantly higher milk yield with improved milk lactose, milk protein and milk fat were found in the CHM-0.75 group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Besides, the estrus response, ovulation rate, ovulatory follicle diameter, and pregnancy rate increased in CHM-0.75 compared to CHM-0 or CHM-0.5 group (p < 0.05). The serum metabolites (glucose, AST, arginine, BUN, and NO) showed variations among the treatment groups at different time points (synchronization, AI, or post-AI). In conclusion, CHM supplementation improves the milk yield, milk composition, and serum metabolites in dairy cows. Daily supplementation of 0.75 kg CHM before the GPGMH protocol application enhances the reproductive traits in dairy cows under summer conditions.

Understanding biological mechanisms is fundamental for improving animal production and health to meet the growing demand for high-quality protein. As an emerging biotechnology, single-cell transcriptomics has been gradually applied in diverse aspects of animal research, offering an effective method to study the gene expression of high-throughput single cells of different tissues/organs in animals. In an unprecedented manner, researchers have identified cell types/subtypes and their marker genes, inferred cellular fate trajectories, and revealed cell‒cell interactions in animals using single-cell transcriptomics. In this paper, we introduce the development of single-cell technology and review the processes, advancements, and applications of single-cell transcriptomics in animal research. We summarize recent efforts using single-cell transcriptomics to obtain a more profound understanding of animal nutrition and health, reproductive performance, genetics, and disease models in different livestock species. Moreover, the practical experience accumulated based on a large number of cases is highlighted to provide a reference for determining key factors (e.g., sample size, cell clustering, and cell type annotation) in single-cell transcriptomics analysis. We also discuss the limitations and outlook of single-cell transcriptomics in the current stage. This paper describes the comprehensive progress of single-cell transcriptomics in animal research, offering novel insights and sustainable advancements in agricultural productivity and animal health.

To explore a method of improving the reproductive performance of the striped bamboo shark, three groups (D0, D1, and D2) of mature individuals were fed squid with (D1 and D2) or without (D0) a nutritional fortifier during the breeding seasons of 2022 and 2023. Compared with the D0 group, the D1 and D2 groups had an increase of 20.90% and 31.34% in total eggs, increases of 32.73% and 41.82% in the proportion of lecithal eggs, and a total 119.07% increase in hatching rate, respectively, in 2022. In 2023, the corresponding increase was 17.12% and 9.91% in total eggs, 19.63% and 12.15% in the proportion of lecithal eggs, 43.37% and 43.94% in fertilization rate, 23.94% and 22.22% in hatchability rate, and 66.70% and 8.70% in the survival rate of fry. Moreover, the levels of serum estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, albumin, and total antioxidant capacity and the levels of ARA, EPA, DHA, n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA in both serum and lecithal eggs significantly increased, while the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol were the opposite (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that feeding the sharks with a nutritional fortifier can increase spawn production and the quality of eggs, regulate the production of sex steroids, and improve the nutrition of eggs and the health of broodstocks.

The present study aimed to determine the effects of dietary Lonicera flos and Sucutellaria baicalensis mixed extract (LSE) supplementation during the late-pregnancy period on the reproductive performance, umbilical cord blood hematological parameters, umbilical cord serum biochemical parameters, immune indices, hormone levels, colostrum ingredients, and immunoglobulin contents of sows. A total of 40 hybrid pregnant sows were randomly assigned to the control group (CON; sows fed a basal diet) and LSE group (LSE; sows fed a basal diet supplemented with 500 g/t PE). The results indicated that dietary LSE supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the number of alive and healthy piglets and the litter weight at birth, and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the platelet counts in umbilical cord blood. Dietary LSE supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH), and the content of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in umbilical cord serum. Moreover, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the colostrum were increased with PE supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary LSE supplementation in late-pregnancy sows could improve reproductive performance and colostrum quality, and could also regulate the levels of reproductive hormone in umbilical cord serum.

The low-birth-weight of piglets is an important factor affecting pig enterprises. The placenta, as a key organ for material exchange between mother and foetus, directly influences the growth and development of the foetus. Allicin exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also play a crucial role in enhancing sow reproductive performance and placental angiogenesis. In this study, we used 70 lactating Landrace × Yorkshire binary heterozygous sows to explore the effect of allicin on the reproductive performance of sows and placental development. The sows were randomly assigned into the Allicin group (Allicin), which was fed with a diet containing 0.25% allicin, and the negative control group, which was fed with basal feed. The experimental period lasted for 114 d from the date of mating to the end of farrowing. The results showed that the addition of allicin to the gestation diets increased the number of total born piglets, born alive piglets, and high-birth-weight piglets, reduced peripartum oxidative stress, alleviated dysregulation of glucose-lipid metabolism in sows, and increased the levels of antioxidant markers in the placenta. Differential analysis of metabolites in maternal plasma and placenta samples by non-targeted metabolomics revealed that allicin improved cholesterol metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and increased plasma progesterone levels in sows. Allicin promoted sulphur metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism in placental samples and increased the hydrogen sulphide (H2S) content in the placenta. In addition, Quantitative Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence results showed that allicin upregulated the expression of angiogenesis-related genes, VEGF-A, FLK 1 and Ang 1, in the placenta, implying that it promoted placental angiogenesis. These results indicate that supplementing the diet of pregnant sows with allicin reduces oxidative stress, alleviates dysregulation of glucose-lipid metabolism during the periparturient period, and promotes placental angiogenesis and foetal development by increasing plasma progesterone level and placental H2S content.

Pangasius catfish, a significant player in the global whitefish market, encounters challenges in aquaculture production sustainability. Quality broodstock maintenance and seed production are impeded by growth, maturation, and fecundity issues. This review investigates the efficacy of strategic nutrient composition and molecular strategies in enhancing broodstock conditions and reproductive performance across various fish species. A notable knowledge gap for Pangasius catfish hampers aquaculture progress. The review assesses nutrient manipulation\'s impact on reproductive physiology, emphasizing pangasius broodstock. A systematic review analysis following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify research trends and hotspots quantitatively, revealing a focus on P. bocourti and fertilization techniques. Addressing this gap, the review offers insights into dietary nutrients manipulation and genetic tool utilization for improved seed production, contributing to pangasius catfish aquaculture sustainability.

Soybean is an important source of high-quality vegetable protein with various health-improving properties, and its main bioactive substances are small peptides produced by in vitro enzymatic hydrolytic processes. In traditional layer breeding, the nutritional health of roosters is frequently neglected, ultimately affecting the quality and quantity of offspring. This study investigated the effects of various quantities (0%, 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, and 0.60%) of soybean bioactive peptide (SBP) feed additives on immunological and antioxidant functions, gut health, and reproductive performance of roosters. SBP supplementation significantly improved male growth and reproductive performance, including growth rate, feed conversion ratio, reproductive organ development, and semen quality. SBP also increased immune and antioxidant levels, boosted the integrity of the small intestinal physiological structure and barrier function, and diversity of cecal microbes, and decreased the apoptotic ratio of small intestinal epithelial cells. The effects of SBP on various functions of males showed a quadratic trend, with the optimal concentration determined to be 0.45%.

BACKGROUND: The breeder rooster has played a pivotal role in poultry production by providing high-quality semen. Typically, fertility peaks between 30 and 40 weeks of age and then declines rapidly from 45 to 55 weeks of age. Research into improving fertility in aging roosters is essential to extend their productive life. While progress has been made, enhancing fertility in aging roosters remains a significant challenge.
METHODS: To identify the genes related to promoting sperm remodeling in aged Houdan roosters, we combined changes in testis and semen quality with transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze the synchrony of semen quality and testis development. In this study, 350-day-old Houdan breeder roosters were selected for RNA-seq analysis in testis tissues from induced molting roosters (D group) and non-induced molting roosters (47DG group). All analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functional enrichment were performed. Finally, we selected six DEGs to verify the accuracy of the sequencing by qPCR.
RESULTS: Compared with the 47DG group, sperm motility (P < 0.05), sperm density (P < 0.01), and testis weight (P < 0.05) were significantly increased in roosters in the D group. Further RNA-seq analysis of the testis between the D group and 47DG group identified 61 DEGs, with 21 up-regulated and 40 down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were primarily enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Wnt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and focal adhesion pathway. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression trend of these genes was consistent with the sequencing results. WNT5A, FGFR3, AGTR2, TGFβ2, ROMO1, and SLC26A7 may play a role in testis development and spermatogenesis. This study provides fundamental data to enhance the reproductive value of aging roosters.

UNASSIGNED: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and hyocholic acids (HCA) during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance, colostrum quality, antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota in multiparous sows.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 60 healthy multiparous cross-bred sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly fed 4 groups diets as follows: the basal diets (CTRL group), or the basal diets containing only 600 mg/kg GOS (GOS group), 600 mg/kg GOS + 100 mg/kg HCA (GOS + Low HCA group), and 600 mg/kg + 200 mg/kg HCA (GOS + High HCA group) from d 85 of gestation to weaning. Multiple parameters of sows were determined.
UNASSIGNED: There was a trend of shortening the labor process of sows (p = 0.07) in the GOS group and GOS + Low/High HCA group. Compared with the CTRL group, the GOS + Low/High HCA group increased the average piglets weight at birth (p < 0.05), and increased the IgA concentration of colostrum (p < 0.05). In addition, serum triglyceride (TG) concentration was lower (p < 0.05), and serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was higher (p < 0.05) in the GOS and GOS + Low/High HCA groups than in the CTRL group at farrowing. Serum catalase (CAT) activities was higher in the GOS and GOS + High HCA groups than in the CTRL group at farrowing. The 16S rRNA analysis showed that GOS combination with high-dose HCA shaped the composition of gut microbiota in different reproductive stages (d 107 of gestation, G107; d 0 of lactation, L0; d 7 of lactation, L7). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Desulfobacterota in G107, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria in L0, and Planctomycetota in L7 was increased in GOS + High HCA group (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Streptococcus was positively correlated with the serum TG but negatively correlated with the average piglets weight at birth (p < 0.05).
UNASSIGNED: This investigation demonstrated that the administration of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in conjunction with hyocholic acids (HCA), to sows with nutrient restrictions during late gestation and lactation, further improved their antioxidant capacity and milk quality. The observed beneficial effects of GOS + HCA supplementation could potentially be linked to an improvement in gut microbiota disorders of the sows.