Seasonal changes of the mineral contents in the rumen of wild Yeso sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis)

The rumen contents were collected from 36 wild Yeso sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) captured by deer culling or by hunting in the spring, summer, autumn and winter in Hokkaido, Japan. Botanical classification was conducted, and the contents of mineral (calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)) were measured. The animals were captured around pastures or fallow field areas in the Kushiro area. The rumen contents consisted of grasses and Sasa sp. leaves regardless of the season. Leaves and bark were ingested in the spring, autumn and winter. The macro‐mineral contents in the rumen showed seasonal changes. In the summer, the Ca, K and P contents were high, and the Na content was low. There were no seasonal changes in the Fe content. The P, Na and Fe contents were higher than the animals' requirements. In a future survey, it is needed to determine the mineral contents of the food ingested by wild Yeso sika deer.     

Seasonal changes in digestibility, passage rate and rumen fermentation of alfalfa hay in sika deer (Cervus nippon) under restricted feeding

To investigate seasonal variations in the digestive functions of sika deer, five female sika deer were provided with an amount of alfalfa hay cubes equivalent to voluntary food intake during winter. We measured the rate at which the food passed through the digestive tract, digestibility and rumen fermentation during the summer (August), autumn (November), winter (February) and spring (May). Total mean retention time in the digestive tract during summer and autumn was numerically longer than that in winter and spring, but the difference did not reach significance. Organic matter and fiber were less digestible in summer and autumn than in winter and spring (P < 0.05), whereas the digestibility of the dry matter tended to vary with the seasons (P < 0.1). Ruminal pH values seasonally changed (P < 0.01), and were the lowest in autumn. The concentration of ruminal ammonia‐nitrogen differed significantly among the seasons (P < 0.05), increasing in winter and decreasing during spring and summer. The numbers of protozoa changed significantly among the seasons (P < 0.05), being higher in autumn than in winter and spring, and intermediate in summer. The concentration of total volatile fatty acids was not seasonally affected, but the molar percentages of propionic acid and butyric acid significantly changed according to season (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), and the ratio of acetic to propionic acid tended to change with the seasons (P < 0.1). The results of this study suggested that the digestive functions in sika deer, fed a commercial diet at a restricted level, differed notably among the seasons and these variations might partially be due to environmental effects.     

梅花鹿瘤胃原虫、pH值年周期变化的研究

为了研究梅花鹿瘤胃内原虫、ｐＨ值年周期变化,选用４头装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的成年梅花公鹿,对它们在生茸期及休闲期瘤胃内原虫数及ｐＨ值的变化作了系统研究与讨论。试验结果表明：生茸期采食前与采食后１小时和３小时之间原虫数变化不显著（Ｐ＞００５）。梅花鹿原虫生茸期与休闲期变化显著,其中夏季极显著地高于秋、冬、春３季（Ｐ＜００１）,冬、春两季显著高于秋季（Ｐ＜００５）。冬、春两季间原虫数变化不显著（Ｐ＞００５）。鹿生茸期不同时间点间ｐＨ值采食前极显著地高于采食后１小时和采食后３小时（Ｐ＜００１）,鹿个体间同一采样时间ｐＨ值均无显著差异（Ｐ＞００５）。鹿瘤胃ｐＨ值季度变化中,春季ｐＨ值显著地高于夏、秋、冬３季（Ｐ＜００５）,夏、秋、冬３季之间变化不显著（Ｐ＞００５）。     

Determination of nucleotide sequence of SRY gene in sika deer (Cervus nippon)

The aim of the present study was to determine the whole nucleotide sequence of the open reading frame of the sex‐determining region Y (SRY‐ORF) in wild sika deer. The SRY gene of wild sika deer was obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with DNA from blood samples. The whole nucleotide sequence of the SRY‐ORF in wild sika deer consisted of 687 bp and encoded 229 deduced amino acids. In comparison with the bovine SRY gene, the percentage of nucleotide sequence homology was 91.0% in the overall ORF, and those of the N‐terminal, high mobility group (HMG) box, and C‐terminal regions within ORF were 88.9%, 96.2% and 87.9%, respectively. The nucleotide sequences of sika deer SRY‐ORF characterized in the present study can be used for phylogenetic analysis or sexing in wild sika deer.     

精氨酸水平对梅花鹿仔鹿瘤胃发酵参数和菌群结构的影响

为研究精氨酸水平对离乳期梅花鹿瘤胃发酵参数和微生物菌群结构的影响,试验选择3月龄,体重相近的12只健康雄性梅花鹿,随机分为3组,每组4只。仔鹿饲喂蛋白质水平为12.28%的低蛋白质饲粮,精氨酸水平分别为0.80%（A组）、1.08%（B组）、1.26%（C组）, 试验期50 d。在试验期的最后1 d抽取仔鹿瘤胃液20 mL,一部分用于测定瘤胃发酵参数,一部分用于提取DNA分析瘤胃细菌多样性。结果表明：1） B组氨态氮含量极显著高于C组（P<0.01）; B组乙酸、丁酸、异丁酸含量极显著低于A组（P<0.01）,总挥发性脂肪酸含量显著低于A组（P<0.05）;B组的乙丙比极显著低于A、C组（P<0.01）。2） B组ACE指数显著高于C组（P<0.05）,Chao1指数显著高于A、C组（P<0.05）,B组Simpson指数极显著高于A、C组（P<0.01）,Shannon指数则极显著低于A、C组（P<0.01）, A组细菌群落结构与B、C组差异显著（P<0.05）。3）在门水平上,B组拟杆菌门（Bacteroidetes）相对丰度极显著低于A组（P<0.01）,而厚壁菌门（Firmicutes）相对丰度显著高于A组（P<0.05）;B组变形菌门（Proteobacteria）相对丰度极显著高于A组（P<0.01）,显著高于C组（P<0.05）;在属水平上,未分类普雷沃氏菌科（unidentified_Prevotellaceae）相对丰度在3组之间无显著差异（P>0.05）,A组甲烷短杆菌属（Methanobrevibacter）相对丰度极显著高于B、C组（P<0.01）;B组琥珀酸弧菌属（Succinivibrio）相对丰度极显著高于A组（P<0.01）,显著高于C组（P<0.05）。由此可见,精氨酸水平为1.08%时,能够显著提高梅花鹿仔鹿瘤胃菌群丰富度并改变细菌群落结构和优势菌比例,促使仔鹿瘤胃发酵方式向丙酸型发酵转变,增强机体供能。     

宏基因组测序分析野生林麝瘤胃、小肠和大肠微生物组成和抗生素抗性基因

本试验旨在研究野生林麝(Moschus berezovskii)瘤胃、小肠和大肠微生物组成和抗生素抗性基因。采集野生林麝消化道3个区段(瘤胃、小肠和大肠)的内容物进行宏基因组测序,并进行常规物种注释和抗生素抗性基因功能注释。结果表明:3个区段共有优势菌门为厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)和变形菌门(Proteobacteria);瘤胃中主要优势菌属为普雷沃氏菌属(Prevotella)、月形单胞菌属(Selenomonas),小肠中主要优势菌属为链球菌属(Streptococcus)、埃希氏菌属(Echerichia),大肠中主要优势菌属为梭菌属(Clostridium)、拟杆菌属(Bacteroides)。基因常规注释显示各个区段微生物基因在不饱和脂肪酸合成和抗生素抗性上差异较大。抗生素抗性基因注释显示macB、sav1866和bcrA绝对丰度最高,且都来自于大肠细菌;瘤胃中抗生素抗性基因绝对丰度最大的是Aminocoumarin_resistant_alaS,小肠中是adeG,大肠中是macB。通过对野生林麝消化道微生物组成分区段比对,发现瘤胃、小肠和大肠微生物组成和抗生素抗性基因分布存在较大差异,大肠和小肠中细菌与野生林麝的多重耐药性关系更密切。     

放牧蒙古羊瘤胃细菌随季节变化规律的研究

试验旨在研究北方典型草原放牧蒙古羊瘤胃细菌菌群结构和多样性随季节变化的规律。随机选取北方典型草原上终年放牧不补饲的6只蒙古羊,在冬季（1月）、春季（4月）、夏季（6月牧草生长期和8月牧草旺盛期）和秋季（10月中旬）,通过口腔采取瘤胃液,利用MiSeq测序技术分析了不同季节、不同牧草生长时期瘤胃细菌种群的结构和多样性。结果表明,放牧蒙古羊瘤胃细菌在夏季牧草生长旺盛期操作分类单元（OTU）和多样性最高,冬季最少,瘤胃细菌夏季和冬季OTU和多样性都差异显著（P<0.05）。在门水平上,厚壁菌门（Firmicutes,56.93%）和拟杆菌门（Bacteroidetes,21.52%）为蒙古羊瘤胃中的优势细菌种群;厚壁菌门OTU在8月达到最大值,拟杆菌门OTU在6月达到最大值,均与其他月份差异显著（P<0.05）。在科水平上,瘤胃菌科（Ruminococcaceae,19.09%）、毛螺菌科（Lachnospiraceae,16.98%）、克里斯蒂娜科（Christensenellaceae,12.11%）、普雷沃氏菌科（Prevotellaceae,8.51%）和理研菌科（Rikenellaceae,8.27%）是蒙古羊瘤胃中的优势种群,分别在夏季（6月或8月）数量达到峰值。在属水平上,普雷沃氏菌属（Prevotella,4.79%）、丁酸弧菌属（Butyrivibrio,1.77%）和瘤胃球菌属（Ruminococcus,1.27%）含量最高。因此,北方牧区放牧蒙古羊瘤胃细菌以厚壁菌门的瘤胃菌科数量最高,是典型的消化纤维素细菌,符合以牧草为饲的放牧羊的特征。     

Sex and age differences in meat composition of Yeso sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) reared for a short period after capture in the wild

Yeso sika deer captured in winter around Lake Akan in Hokkaido were reared for 8–10 months at Tokyo University of Agriculture in Abashiri. Six 1‐year‐old females and males and six 2‐year‐old or older (adult) females and males were slaughtered and their carcasses were processed. The chemical composition, mineral contents and fatty acid composition of the loin were measured. No marked influence of gender or age was noted in the chemical composition of loin. In the mineral contents, significant differences were noted. The potassium and sulfur contents were lower and the sodium content was higher in adult deer meat (P < 0.05, respectively) and the potassium content was higher in male deer meat (P < 0.05). Arsenic, cadmium or lead were not detected. In the unsaturated fatty acid, a significant interaction was detected (P < 0.05), and it was high in 1‐year‐old female deer meat and low in 1‐year‐old male deer meat. Significant gender or age differences were noted only in the mineral contents in the loin of deer reared for a short period after capture.     

黑龙江穆棱东北红豆杉自然保护区兽类多样性及东北虎猎物资源

为了深入了解黑龙江穆棱东北红豆杉国家级自然保护区兽类组成及东北虎(Panthera tigris altaica)猎物资源现状,于2016—2018年在保护区内布设40个红外相机监测点和7个大样方调查兽类多样性和分析东北虎主要猎物资源。相机监测累计照相日12250个,共获得有效独立照片1139张,从中鉴定出野生兽类4目8科17种,其中国家一级重点保护动物有东北虎和东北豹(Panthera pardus orientalis)。样方调查记录到兽类足迹261条,足迹识别出兽类4目7科10种,其中包括国家一级重点保护动物东北豹1种,东北虎主要猎物野猪(Sus scrofa)、马鹿(Cervus elaphus)、西伯利亚狍(Capreolus pygargus)和梅花鹿(Cervus nippon)4种。兽类物种相对丰富度分析表明,相对丰富度最高的是西伯利亚狍和狗獾(Meles leucurus),赤狐(Vulpes vulpes)和东北豹最低。猎物资源分析表明,保护区内分布有西伯利亚狍681只,野猪510只,马鹿35只,梅花鹿27只,4种动物的生物量分别为西伯利亚狍生物量为20210.94 kg,野猪生物量为64735.00 kg,马鹿生物量为6023.25 kg,梅花鹿生物量为1635.00 kg,保护区东北虎可捕食的主要猎物生物量为92604.19 kg。研究表明,保护区内兽类种类虽然较多,但东北虎、东北豹、梅花鹿和马鹿数据仍然较少,需要重点加强保护。     

Indices for nutritional condition and thresholds for winter survival in sika deer in Hokkaido, Japan

We derived fat indices for sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, and estimated the probability of over-winter survival with a logistic regression model using fat indices. Kidney fat mass (KFM) appears to be an adequate index of wide range of physical conditions before the onset of severe nutritional stress. When KFM values fell below 20 g, femur (FMF) and mandible cavity fat (MCF) indices declined sharply. FMF and MCF were useful indices for detecting malnourished deer. A logistic regression model describes survival thresholds in two bone fat indices for calves (45%) and three fat indices for adult females (FMF = 25%, MCF = 30%, KFM = 20 g). These models are useful for estimating the probability of winter survival in Hokkaido sika deer.     

Metagenomic profiles of the rumen microbiota during the transition period in low‐yield and high‐yield dairy cows

We investigated potential relationships between rumen microbiota and milk production in dairy cows during the transition period. Twelve dairy cows were divided into a low‐yield (LY) or high‐yield (HY) group based on their milk yield. Rumen samples were taken from dairy cows at 3 weeks before parturition, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after parturition. 16S rDNA‐based metagenomic analysis showed that diversities of rumen microbiota in both groups were similar and the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was lower in the postpartum than prepartum period in both groups. The abundance of Bacteroidetes and ratio of Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes was higher in the HY than the LY group. OTUs assigned to Prevotella bryantii, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, and Succinivibrio sp. were abundant in the HY group. These OTUs were significantly related to the propionate molar proportion of rumen fluids in the HY group. OTUs assigned to Lachnospiraceae, Bifidobacterium sp. and Saccharofermentans were dominant in the LY group. Predictive functional profiling revealed that abundance of gene families involved in amino acid and vitamin metabolism was higher in the HY than the LY group. These results suggest that the community structure and fermentation products of rumen microbiota could be associated with milk production of dairy cows.     

Comparison of digestibility, passage rate and rumen fermentation between sika deer (Cervus nippon) and cattle fed alfalfa hay cubes

Five female sika deer and three male Holstein cattle were offered alfalfa hay cubes at 2% (deer) and 2.5% (cattle) of bodyweight, respectively. The passage rate through the digestive tract, digestibility and rumen fermentation of the animals were determined. The rate of ruminal passage was higher and the total mean retention time in the digestive tract was shorter in deer than in cattle. In addition, the rate of post‐ruminal passage in deer was lower. The digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and fiber in deer were significantly lower than in cattle (P < 0.05). The concentration of total volatile fatty acids in the rumen was significantly higher in deer than in cattle. The molar percentage of acetic acid was lower and that of valeric acid was higher in deer (P < 0.05). The number of protozoa was somewhat higher in deer. These results suggested that the lower digestibility in deer might be a result of the shorter retention time in the digestive tract.     

日粮单宁水平对育成期雄性梅花鹿生长发育、角基萌发和初角茸生长的影响

本试验旨在研究日粮单宁水平对育成期雄性梅花鹿生长发育、角基萌发和初角茸生长的影响。选用24头体况相近的育成期雄性梅花鹿,采用单因素随机分组设计,分为4组,每组6头。对照组饲喂不添加单宁的基础日粮,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组在基础日粮中分别添加1%、2%、4%单宁。预试期4d,正试期140d。结果表明,Ⅱ组梅花鹿体重、体高的平均日增长显著高于对照组(P0.05),各组间体长、管围的平均日增长差异均不显著(P0.05);与对照组相比,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组梅花鹿角基萌发时间早;Ⅰ组梅花鹿初角茸左、右支茸长均高于对照组和Ⅱ、Ⅲ组,其中Ⅰ组梅花鹿初角茸右支茸长显著高于Ⅲ组(P0.05),Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组梅花鹿初角茸左、右支茸重均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。综上所述,日粮中添加单宁能促进梅花鹿的生长发育,提前角基萌发时间,同时提高初角茸的产量;育成期雄性梅花鹿日粮中单宁的适宜添加量为2%。     

冬夏季长白猪精液中细菌多样性与精子质量特性关联分析

为探究冬夏季长白猪精液中细菌多样性变化和精子质量特性之间的相关性,利用16S rRNA基因高通量测序技术得到冬夏季长白猪精液中微生物的特征序列(ASV),计算机辅助精子分析系统(CASA)分析冬夏季精子活力参数指标的变化.结果 显示:长白猪精液中细菌多样性在冬夏季之间差异显著(P＜0.05),门水平冬季优势菌群为厚壁菌...     

复合植物提取物对奶牛瘤胃细菌菌群的影响

[目的] 研究饲粮中添加蒲公英、益母草、金银花和连翘4种植物的乙醇提取物对泌乳期荷斯坦奶牛瘤胃细菌菌群的影响。[方法] 采用完全随机试验设计,将24头泌乳期荷斯坦奶牛随机分为对照组和试验组,每组12头。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组饲喂基础饲粮+0.3%/（头·d）复合植物提取物。试验期共75 d,预试期15 d,正试期60 d。于试验正式期第60天通过口腔采集奶牛瘤胃液,提取瘤胃液样品总DNA,利用16S rDNA序列分析技术研究饲粮中添加复合植物提取物对奶牛瘤胃细菌菌群的影响。[结果] 对照组与试验组的瘤胃微生物在OTU水平上可相互分离。试验组奶牛瘤胃细菌的α多样性指数与对照组差异不显著（P>0.05）。添加复合植物提取物改变奶牛瘤胃中17个细菌菌门相对丰度,但试验组与对照组差异不显著（P>0.05）;在门水平上,2组的拟杆菌门（Bacteroidetes）和厚壁菌门（Firmicutes）在总菌群中占比最高;在属水平上,试验组瘤胃细菌相对丰度与对照组差异不显著（P>0.05）,2组优势菌属均为普雷沃菌属1（Prevotella 1）。通过LEFse分析发现,与对照组相比,试验组奶牛瘤胃中的拟杆菌目（Bacteroidales）相对丰度显著（P<0.05）降低,而双歧杆菌科（Bifidobacteriaceae）的相对丰度显著（P<0.05）增加。[结论] 在泌乳期奶牛饲粮中添加0.3%的蒲公英、益母草、金银花和连翘复合提取物具有调节瘤胃菌群的作用。     

A survey of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Japan

We examined the antimicrobial susceptibility of 848 Escherichia coli isolates from 237 feces samples of wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) captured between 2016 and 2019 in 39 of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Five of the 237 wild sika deer (2.1%) carried E. coli with resistance to at least one antimicrobial, and all the resistant isolates showed resistance to tetracycline. The resistant isolates contained antimicrobial resistance genes that were similar to those in E. coli derived from humans and farm animals. Although wild sika deer are not currently likely to be a source for the transmission of antimicrobial resistance in Japan, they can potentially mediate antimicrobial resistance spread by coming into contact with humans, animals, and their surroundings.     

Omasal Anatomy in New Zealand Red and Fallow Deer: An Exploratory Multivariate Analysis

We measured the weight and volume of omasae, and the number, weight and area of omasal laminae from wild fallow (Cervus dama), and wild and farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) whose diet, as indicated by rumen content, was known. A multivariate analysis yielded two principal components, interpreted as indices of overall omasal size and laminar leafiness. The second component showed significantly greater variance in wild red deer than in farmed red or wild fallow deer. Deer feeding on a mixed diet of browse and grasses may have greater variability of omasal form than those feeding on grass alone. A relationship is derived by which the laminar area can be estimated from counts of laminae in different size classes.     

梅花鹿、马鹿血清IGF-1及GH浓度年周期变化规律研究

选用8只雄性成年梅花鹿,6只雄性成年东北马鹿,在我国传统饲养模式下,每月采集鹿血液样品,进行鹿血清胰岛素样生长因子(IGF-1)及生长激素(GH)浓度年周期变化规律研究。试验结果表明,①梅花鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度4月份上升较高,5月份略有下降,到6月份达到一年周期变化的最高值,7月份开始逐渐下降,7～10月份均保持在一个稳定的水平,从11月至翌年3月,梅花鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度为全年最低水平,从翌年4月开始,IGF-1水平又开始回升。梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度在夏季的4～7月份相对处于较高状态,2月份梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度为一年中的最低水平。梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度相对比IGF-1质量浓度水平高,且变化趋势具有同步性。②马鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度4月份较高,5月份略有下降,到6月份达到一年周期变化的最高值,7月份开始逐渐下降,7～10月份均保持在一个稳定的水平,11月份略有上升,从12月至翌年3月,马鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度为全年最低水平,从翌年4月开始,IGF-1水平又开始回升,5月份同上一年的变化规律,又有一个下降的水平。马鹿血清GH质量浓度全年均较为平稳,但在夏季的4～8月份相对处于较高状态。③梅花鹿与马鹿血清IGF-1及GH质量浓度变化同步,在一年的大部分时间点,梅花鹿血清IGF-1及GH水平均高于马鹿血清IGF-1和GH水平,梅花鹿IG     

Evaluation of fetal growth and estimation of fetal age based on skeletal growth in Hokkaido sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis Heude, 1884)

We investigated fetal development and the estimation of fetal age of 127 Hokkaido sika deer fetuses, categorizing them into three groups according to the nutritional condition of populations. The order and time of the appearance of ossification centers were clarified, and fetal age was determined based on bone length and the appearance of ossification centers. Then we observed the differences in fetal growth among three populations, and discussed the effect of poor nutrition on the fetal growth. The results suggest that fetal diaphysial length of the femur was affected very little by nutritional conditions, whereas conception dates were delayed and fetal weight was restricted as the nutritional condition became poorer. Although it is impossible to know the exact accurate fetal age in wild populations, it was possible to create a standard to estimate fetal age more precisely by the method described in this study. Both the bone length and the appearance of ossification centers are reliable indices to estimate fetal age precisely in measurements available from fetuses of unknown age, and can be applied to estimate the fetal age of other populations of sika deer, whereas estimation of fetal age based on weight is prone to great errors.     

Identification of the core rumen bacterial taxa and their population dynamics during the fattening period in Japanese Black cattle

The rumen microbiota comprises a vast range of bacterial taxa, which may affect the production of high-quality meat in Japanese Black cattle. The aim of this study was to identify core rumen microbiota in rumen fluid samples collected from 74 Japanese Black cattle raised under different dietary conditions using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In the rumen of fattening Japanese Black cattle, 10 bacterial taxa, showing >1% average relative abundance and >95% prevalence, irrespective of the dietary conditions and the fattening periods, were identified as the core rumen bacterial taxa, which accounted for approximately 80% of the rumen microbiota in Japanese Black cattle. Additionally, population dynamics of the core rumen bacterial taxa revealed two distinct patterns: Prevotella spp. and unclassified Bacteroidales decreased in the mid-fattening period, whereas unclassified Clostridiales, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, Ruminococcus spp., and unclassified Christensenellaceae increased during the same period. Therefore, the present study reports the wide distribution of the core rumen bacterial taxa in Japanese Black cattle, and the complementary nature of the population dynamics of these core taxa, which may ensure stable rumen fermentation during the fattening period.