Effects of Dietary Sodium Acetate on Lactation Performance and Rumen Microbiota of Dairy Goats北大核心CSCD

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary sodium acetate on lactation performance and rumen microbiota of dairy goats. Fifteen healthy Xinong Saanen dairy goat ewes with similar body weight of (53.54±3.07) kg, the same parity (2 parities) and in mid-lactation [(60±5) d] were randomly divided into 3 groups with 5 replicates in each group. Dairy goats in the control group were fed a basal diet, and those in the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 30 (experimental group I) and 60 g/ (d.head) (experimental group II) sodium acetate, respectively. The pre-trial period lasted for 7 days and the experimental period lasted for 21 days. The milk yield of dairy goats was recorded during the experiment. At the end of the experiment, milk samples were collected to analyze the changes in milk composition, and rumen contents of dairy goats were collected from two groups (control group and experimental group II) with significant differences in milk fat percentage. Gas chromatography and 16S rDNA sequencing technology were used to analyze the rumen fermentation parameters and rumen microbial composition and structure of dairy goats. The results showed as follows: 1) compared with the control group, dietary sodium acetate extremely significantly increased the daily milk yield of dairy goats (P<0.01), and the daily milk yield in experimental groups I and II was increased by 0.29 and 0.22 kg, respectively (P<0.01); in experimental group II, the milk fat percentage was significantly increased by 1.30 percentage points (P<0.01), and the non-fat solid content in milk was increased by 3.10% (P>0.05). 2) Compared with the control group, the rumen butyric acid content of dairy goats in experimental group II was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in rumen pH, the other volatile fatty acid content and acetic acid to propionic acid ratio (P>0.05). 3) Compared with the control group, the Sobs index, Chao1 index and Ace index of rumen microbiota in experimental group II were significantly increased (P<0.05); the results of similarity analysis (ANOSIM) also showed that there were significant differences in the structure of rumen microbiota between the two groups (P<0.05). 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that at the phylum level, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in the rumen of the two groups of dairy goats; at the genus level, Prevotella_1 was the dominant genus in the rumen. Compared with the control group, the relative abundances of Ruminococcus_1, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 and Lachnoclostridium_12 in rumen of dairy goats in experimental group II were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the relative abundances of Succiniclasticum and Methanobrevibacter in rumen was significantly decreased (P<0.05). 4) The results of correlation analysis showed that rumen microbiota was correlated with daily milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage and non-fat solid content of dairy goats. In conclusion, dietary 60 g/ (d.head) sodium acetate can significantly increase the daily milk yield and milk fat percentage, significantly reduce rumen butyrate content, and improve the lactation performance of dairy goats by improving rumen microbial composition and structure. © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.     

The effect of increased atmospheric temperature and CO_2 concentration during crop growth on the chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of wheat straw

This experiment was c onducted to investigate the effects of increased atmospheric temperature and CO_2concentration during crop growth on the chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of wheat straw.The field experiment was carried out from November 2012 to June 2013 at Changshu(31°32'93 "N,120°41'88" E) agro-ecological experimental station.A total of three treatments were set.The concentration of CO_2was increased to 500 umol/mol in the first treatment(CO_2 group).The temperature was increased by 2 ℃ in the second treatment(TEM group) and the concentration of CO_2 and temperature were both increased in the third treatment(CO_2 + TEM group).The mean temperature and concentration of CO_2 in control group were 10.5 ℃ and413 umol/mol.At harvesting,the wheat straws were collected and analyzed for chemical composition and in vitro digestibility.Results showed that dry matter was significantly increased in all three treatments.Ether extracts and neutral detergent fiber were significantly increased in TEM and CO_2 + TEM groups.Crude protein was significantly decreased in CO_2 + TEM group.In vitro digestibility analysis of wheat straw revealed that gas production was significantly decreased in CO_2 and CO_2 + TEM groups.Methane production was significantly decreased in TEM and CO_2 + TEM groups.Ammonia nitrogen and microbial crude protein were significantly decreased in all three treatments.Total volatile fatty acids were significantly decreased in CO_2 and CO_2 + TEM groups.In conclusion,the chemical composition of the wheat straw was affected by temperature and CO_2 and the in vitro digestibility of wheat straw was reduced,especially in the combined treatment of temperature and CO_2.     

Specific inhibition of Streptococcus bovis by endolysin LyJH307 supplementation shifts the rumen microbiota and metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism

Background:Endolysins,the bacteriophage-originated peptidoglycan hydrolases,are a promising replacement for antibiotics due to immediate lytic activity and no antibiotic resistance.The objectives of this study were to investigate the lytic activity of endolysin LyJH307 against S.bovis and to explore changes in rumen fermentation and microbiota in an in vitro system.Two treatments were used:1)control,corn grain without LyJH307;and 2)LyJH307,corn grain with LyJH307(4 U/mL).An in vitro fermentation experiment was performed using mixture of rumen fluid collected from two cannulated Holstein steers(450±30 kg)and artificial saliva buffer mixed as 1:3 ratio for 12 h incubation time.In vitro dry matter digestibility,pH,volatile fatty acids,and lactate concentration were estimated at 12 h,and the gas production was measured at 6,9,and 12 h.The rumen bacterial community was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.Results:LyJH307 supplementation at 6 h incubation markedly decreased the absolute abundance of S.bovis(approximately 70% compared to control,P=0.0289)and increased ruminal pH(P=0.0335)at the 12 h incubation.The acetate proportion(P=0.0362)was significantly increased after LyJH307 addition,whereas propionate(P=0.0379)was decreased.LyJH307 supplementation increased D-lactate(P=0.0340)without any change in L-lactate concentration(P>0.10).There were no significant differences in Shannon’s index,Simpson’s index,Chao1 estimates,and evenness(P>0.10).Based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrices,the LyJH307 affected the overall shift in microbiota(P=0.097).LyJH307 supplementation induced an increase of 11 genera containing Lachnoclostridium,WCHB1-41,unclassified genus Selenomonadaceae,Paraprevotella,vadinBE97,Ruminococcus gauvreauii group,Lactobacillus,Anaerorhabdus furcosa group,Victivallaceae,Desulfuromonadaceae,and Sediminispirochaeta.The predicted functional features represented by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were changed by LyJH307 toward a decrease of carbohydrate metabolism.Conclusions:LyJH307 caused a reduction of S.bovis and an increase of pH with shifts in minor microbiota and its metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism.This study provides the first insight into the availability of endolysin as a specific modulator for rumen and shows the possibility of endolysin degradation by rumen microbiota.     

Lovastatin as a supplement to mitigate rumen methanogenesis:an overview

Methane from enteric fermentation is the gas with the greatest environmental impact emitted by ruminants.Lovastatin(Lv)addition to feedstocks could be a strategy to mitigate rumen methane emissions via decreasing the population of methanogenic archaea(MA).Thus,this paper provides the first overview of the effects of Lv supplementation,focusing on the inhibition of methane production,rumen microbiota,and ruminal fermentation.Results indicated that Lv treatment had a strong anti-methanogenic effect on pure strains of MA.However,there are uncertainties from in vitro rumen fermentation trials with complex substrates and rumen inoculum.Solid-state fermentation(SSF)has emerged as a cost-effective option to produce Lv.In this way,SSF of agricultural residues as an Lv-carrier supplement in sheep and goats demonstrated a consistent decrease in ruminal methane emissions.The experimental evidence for in vitro conditions showed that Lv did not affect the volatile fatty acids(VFA).However,in vivo experiments demonstrated that the production of VFA was decreased.Lv did not negatively affect the digestibility of dry matter during in vitro and in vivo methods,and there is even evidence that it can induce an increase in digestibility.Regarding the rumen microbiota,populations of MA were reduced,and no differences were detected in alpha and beta diversity associated with Lv treatment.However,some changes in the relative abundance of the microbiota were induced.Further studies are recommended on:(i)Lv biodegradation products and stability,as well as its adsorption onto the solid matter in the rumen,to gain more insight on the“available”or effective Lv concentration;and(ii)to determine whether the effect of Lv on ruminal fermentation also depends on the feed composition and different ruminants.     

Effect of Duodenal Soybean Small Peptides Infusion on Mammary Uptake of Amino Acid and Expression of APN in Lactating Goat

<正>The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of duodenal infusion of soybean small peptides(SSP) on mammary uptake of amino acids(AA).Eight Chinese Saanen goats with duodenal fistulae and catheters were used in a crossover design trial.Goats were infused with 0,60,120,180 g/d SSP.The experimental period lasted for 14 d.The results showed:1) milk protein yield and content were increased,with the increment in milk protein yield being significant(P0.05).Milk fat yield and content were decreased with the increased amount of SSP infused(P0.05).2) Mammary plasma flow was not changed(P0.05) by SSP infusion though the average was slightly higher.Mammary plasma flow/milk yield was decreased by SSP infusion and there was significant difference between the 120 g/d treatment and the control(P0.05).3) Compared with the control treatment,uptakes of most free amino acids were increased in the 60 and 120 g/d treatments,but decreased by the 180 g/d treatment.The uptakes of all peptide-bound essential amino acids(PB-EAA) were increased except for PB-Ile.Uptake of PB-Val,PB-Leu, PB-Phe,PB-Thr,PB-Met and PB-Lys was highest in the 120 g/d treatment.Among the peptide-bound nonessential amino acids(PB-NEAA),uptake of PB-Ser,PB-Tyr,and PB-Pro was increased(P0.05) while that of PB-Gly was decreased(P0.05).4) With the exception of Lys,secretion of all essential AA(EAA) was increased by SSP infusion from 0-120 g/d(P0.05),while in the 180 g/d treatment the increase was not significant and was lower than that in the 120 g/d treatment.5) The expression of APN was increased by SSP;in the 60,120,180 g/d treatments expression was 13.55-,18.69-,and 10.01-fold over that of the controls.Conclusion:SSP might be used as substrates for milk protein synthesis by mammary gland,and can increase synthesis and secretion of milk protein.There was reason to believe that uptake and use of AA was either saturated or inhibited at high levels of infusion of SSP.Increased APN expression with infusion of SSP related to mammary uptake of PBAA by mammary gland,which suggested that APN was one of the peptidases regulating use of AA from small peptides in mammary tissue.     

Effects of dietary tryptophan and stocking density on the performance,meat quality,and metabolic status of broilers

Background:Highly automated cage-rearing systems are becoming increasingly popular in China.However,a high stocking density can cause oxidative stress and decrease broiler performance.The tryptophan(TRP) derivative5-hydroxytryptophan(5-HT) has been shown to preserve membrane fluidity in birds suffering from oxidative stress.Therefore,this experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary TRP supplementation on performance,breast meat quality and oxidative stress in broilers reared in cages with a high or low stocking density.Methods:Female Arbor Acres broilers(25-d-old,n=144) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments.The birds were fed a diet based on corn,soybean meal,cottonseed meal and corn gluten meal containing either 0.18 or 0.27%TRP and were housed with stocking densities of 11 or 15.4 birds/m2 in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment.Broiler performance was evaluated from d 25 to 42.Eight birds from each treatment were slaughtered on d 42 and plasma and breast muscle samples were collected to measure biochemical indices.Results:A higher stocking density tended to be associated with reduced weight gain(P0.10),and significantly increased plasma glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(GPT) activity(P0.001).Increased dietary TRP significantly reduced the activities of lactic dehydrogenase and GPT while increasing total cholesterol in the plasma(P0.01),reducing drip loss of breast muscle(P0.10) and improving feed efficiency(P0.10).Conclusions:An increase in dietary TRP,1.5-fold higher than the standard supplementation level,can alleviate oxidative stress as well as improve welfare and feed efficiency in broilers reared in cages with a high stocking density.     

Hermetia illucens larvae as a potential dietary protein source altered the microbiota and modulated mucosal immune status in the colon of finishing pigs

Background: Insects, such as Hermetia illucens larvae, are rich in chitin and proteins, and represent a suitable feed ingredient replacement for animals. However, little is known about the effect of administering H. illucens larvae on intestinal microbiota, bacterial metabolite profiles, and mucosal immune status in animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of administering H. illucens larvae on colonic microbiota and bacterial metabolites production in finishing pigs. Seventy-two crossbred(Duroc × Landrace × Large White) female pigs(initial body weight, 76.0 ± 0.52 kg) were randomly allocated to three different dietary treatments: a control diet(Control group) and two diets corresponding to 4%(H1 group) and 8%(H2 group) H. illucens larvae inclusion levels, respectively. Each treatment consisted of eight pens(replicates), with three pigs per pen. After 46 days of feeding, eight pigs per treatment(n =8) were slaughtered, and the colonic digesta and mucosa were collected for microbial composition and microbial fermentation products, and genes expression analyses.Results: The results showed that the H1 diet significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus,Pseudobutyrivibrio, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium compared with those in the control group(P 0.05), with a decrease in the abundance of Streptococcus. The numbers of Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Clostridium cluster XIVa were significantly greater in the H1 group than in the control group(P 0.05). Meanwhile, H2 diet increased the number of Clostridium cluster XIVa compared with the control group(P 0.05). For colonic metabolites, total short chain fatty acids, butyrate, and isobutyrate concentrations were significantly higher in the H1 group than those in the control group(P 0.05); the H1 treatment caused a striking decrease in protein fermentation compared with the control group, as the concentrations of total amines, cadaverine, tryptamine, phenol, p-cresol, and skatole were significantly lower(P 0.05). Additionally, H2 diet also increased butyrate concentration compared with control group(P 0.05), while decreased the concentrations of phenol, p-cresol, and skatole(P 0.05). Pigs in the H1 group down-regulated the expression of TLR-4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines(IFN-γ) compared with pigs in the control group(P 0.05), and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokine(IL-10) and intestinal barrier genes(ZO-1, occludin, and mucin-1). H2 diet up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 compared with control group(P 0.05). Furthermore, the changes in the colonic mucosal gene expression were associated with changes in the bacterial composition and their metabolites.Conclusions: Collectively, dietary inclusion of Hermetia illucens larvae may enhance mucosal immune homeostasis of pigs via altering bacterial composition and their metabolites. These findings provide a new perspective on insect meal as a sustainable protein source rich in nutrient ingredients for swine.     

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on performance and rumen fermentation and microbiota in dairy cows fed a diet containing low quality forage

Background: A possible option to meet the increased demand of forage for dairy industry is to use the agricultural byproducts, such as corn stover. However, nutritional value of crop residues is low and we have been seeking technologies to improve the value. A feeding trial was performed to evaluate the effects of four levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product(SCFP; Original XP; Diamond V) on lactation performance and rumen fermentation in mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows fed a diet containing low-quality forage. Eighty dairy cows were randomly assigned into one of four treatments: basal diet supplemented with 0, 60, 120, or 180 g/d of SCFP per head mixed with 180, 120, 60, or 0 g of corn meal, respectively. The experiment lasted for 10 wks, with the first 2 weeks for adaptation.Results: Dry matter intake was found to be similar(P 0.05) among the treatments. There was an increasing trend in milk production(linear, P ≤ 0.10) with the increasing level of SCFP supplementation, with no effects on contents of milk components(P 0.05). Supplementation of SCFP linearly increased(P 0.05) the N conversion, without affecting rumen pH and ammonia-N(P 0.05). Increasing level of SCFP linearly increased(P 0.05) concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and butyrate, with no difference in molar proportion of individual acids(P 0.05). The population of fungi and certain cel ulolytic bacteria(Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes)increased linearly(P 0.05) but those of lactate-utilizing(Selenomonas ruminantium and Megasphaera elsdeni) and lactate-producing bacteria(Streptococcus bovis) decreased linearly(P ≤ 0.01) with increasing level of SCFP. The urinary purine derivatives increased linearly(P 0.05) in response to SCFP supplementation, indicating that SCFP supplementation may benefit for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen.Conclusions: The SCFP supplementation was effective in maintaining milk persistency of mid-lactation cows receiving diets containing low-quality forage. The beneficial effect of SCFP could be attributed to improved rumen function; 1)microbial population shift toward greater rumen fermentation efficiency indicated by higher rumen fungi and cel ulolytic bacteria and lower lactate producing bacteria, and 2) rumen microbial fermentation toward greater supply of energy and protein indicated by greater ruminal VFA concentration and increased N conversion. Effects of SCFP were dose-depended and greater effects being observed with higher levels of supplementation and the effect was more noticeable during the high THI environment.     

Effects of A Multi-Enzyme Complex or Probiotic Supplementation on Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Broiler Chicks

This experiment was conducted to determine whether the performance of broilers fed diets based on corn and soybean meal could be enhanced with enzymes or probiotics.A total of 120 male broilers,three days of age,were assigned to one of four treatments in a completely randomized design,and housed in groups of five with six cages per treatment.The control diet was based on corn and soybean meal while the three experimental diets consisted of the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% of enzyme I,enzyme II,or probiotic.Enzyme I provided α-galactosidase and β-mannanase,while enzyme II provided protease,amylase,α-galactosidase,xylanase,and cellulase.The probiotic was composed of Bacillus coagulance,Bacillus lichenformis,Bacillus subtilis,and Clostridium butyricum.Over the 28 day experiment,the weight gain of birds fed the probiotic treatment was superior(P=0.03)to the control,while gains for the enzyme treatments were intermediate to those of the control and probiotic.Feed intake and feed conversion did not differ among treatments(P0.05).Ammonia production was significantly(P0.01)higher in the control compared with either of the enzyme or probiotic treatments.Compared with the control,supplementation with enzyme II significantly reduced the digestibility of arginine,isoleucine,and lysine(P0.05).In contrast,the digestibility of energy was higher(P0.01)for birds supplemented with enzyme II than the control.Digestibility coefficients did not differ for any other parameter with the exception of energy which was significantly higher for birds fed the probiotic treatment than the control(P0.01).In summary,the performance of broilers was significantly enhanced by the addition of a probiotic to the diet.However,under the conditions of this experiment,supplementation with a multi-enzyme complex containing either α-galactosidase and β-mannanase or the combination of protease,amylase,galactosidase,xylanase,and cellulase failed to improve broiler performance.     

Effects of Compound Bacteria Preparation on Fermentation Quality and Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of Phragmites australis Silage北大核心CSCD

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of compound bacteria preparation (including homogeneous Lactobacillus/heterogeneous Lactobacillus, Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger as well as their compatibility) on nutrient composition, fermentation quality and rumen fermentation characteristics of Phragmites australis silage. Taking growing Phragmites australis from Dongting lake as silage material, five groups were set up, which were blank group (CK group), lactic acid bacteria group (LA group, supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactobacillus buchneri), lactic acid bacteria+Bacillus subtilis group (LA+BS group), lactic acid bacteria+Aspergillus niger group (LA+AN group) and lactic acid bacteria+Bacillus subtilis+Aspergillus niger group (LA+BS+AN group), and each group had 3 replicates. The supplemental level of lactic acid bacteria was 1.5×108 CFU/kg silage raw materials, and the supplemental levels of Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis were 1.0×108 CFU/kg silage raw materials (all were based on fresh weight of silage raw materials). After 60 days of silage, the nutrient composition and fermentation quality of Phragmites australis silage were determined, and the rumen fermentation characteristics were evaluated by in vitro fermentation and in vivo degradation. The results showed as follows: 1) the contents of dry matter and ash in LA, LA+BS and LA+AN groups were significantly lower than those in CK group (P<0.05), and the crude protein content in LA+BS, LA+AN and LA+BS+AN groups was significantly higher than that in CK and LA groups (P<0.05). 2) The silage sensory evaluation scores of all groups were 60 to 70 points, and the ratings were good. The comprehensive scores of fermentation quality in LA+BS and LA+AN groups were higher, among which, the ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen ratio, acetic acid content and acetic acid to total acid ratio in LA+AN group were significantly decreased compared with CK group (P<0.05), while the lactic acid content and lactic acid to total acid ratio were significantly increased compared with CK group (P<0.05). 3) The dry matter disappearance rate and total gas production of in vitro fermentation in LA+AN group were significantly higher than those in the other groups (P<0.05), and in vitro fermentation parameters such as volatile fatty acid contents in fermentation liquid were improved. 4) The rumen fermentation dry matter degradation rate in LA+AN and LA+BS+AN groups at 8, 24 and 48 h was significantly higher than that in the other three groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, the combined application of lactic acid bacteria and Aspergillus niger with supplemental levels in this experiment has the best effect on the quality of Phragmites australis silage and rumen fermentation characteristics. © The Author(s) 2023.     

Dose and time response of ruminally infused algae on rumen fermentation characteristics,biohydrogenation and Butyrivibrio group bacteria in goats

Background: Micro-algae could inhibit the complete rumen BH of dietary 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acid(UFAs).This study aimed to examine dose and time responses of algae supplementation on rumen fermentation,biohydrogenation and Butyrivibrio group bacteria in goats.Methods: Six goats were used in a repeated 3 × 3 Latin square design, and offered a fixed diet. Algae were infused through rumen cannule with 0(Control), 6.1(L-Alg), or 18.3 g(H-Alg) per day. Rumen contents were sampled on d 0, 3, 7, 14 and 20.Results: H-Alg reduced total volatile fatty acid concentration and acetate molar proportion(P 0.05), and increased propionate molar proportion(P 0.05), whereas L-Alg had no effect on rumen fermentation.Changes in proportions of acetate and propionate in H-Alg were obvious from d 7 onwards and reached the largest differences with the control on d 14. Algae induced a dose-dependent decrease in 18:0 and increased trans-18:1 in the ruminal content(P 0.05). H-Alg increased the concentrations of t9, t11-18:2 and t11,c15-18:2(P 0.05). L-Alg only seemed to induce a transient change in 18-carbon isomers, while H-Alg induced a rapid elevation, already obvious on d 3, concentrations of these fatty acid rose in some cases again on d 20. Algae had no effect on the abundances of Butyrivibrio spp. and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus(P 0.10), while H-Alg reduced the total bacteria abundance(P 0.05). However, this was induced by a significant difference between control and H-Alg on d14(-4.43 %). Afterwards, both treatments did not differ as increased variation in the H-Alg repetitions, with in some cases a return of the bacterial abundance to the basal level(d 0).Conclusions: Changes in rumen fermentation and 18-carbon UFAs metabolism in response to algae were related to the supplementation level, but there was no evidence of shift in ruminal biohydrogenation pathways towards t10-18:1.L-Alg mainly induced a transient effect on rumen biohydrogenation of 18-carbon UFAs, while H-Alg showed an acute inhibition and these effects were not associated with the known hydrogenating bacteria.     

Injection of pGRF Gene Plasmid May Relieve Growth Depression Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Weanling Piglets

<正>The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and the potential mechanism of administering a pGRF gene plasmid on the growth and immunological function of weanling piglets subjected to immune-stress.Eighteen weanling(Duroc×Landrace×Large White) piglets aged 35 d±2 d and initial BW of 7.86 kg±0.59 kg were randomly assigned to three treatments according to gender and BW by using a single factor design.The three treatments were injections of a pGRF gene plasmid,pGRF gene plasmid followed by challenge with lipopolysaccharide(LPS),and LPS to piglets not receiving the plasmid.Each treatment group consisted of six piglets.The results were as follows:piglets in the pGRF gene plasmid plus LPS treatment had a better growth performance than those only receiving LPS(P0.05), and F/G of piglets in the pGRF gene plasmid plus LPS group were very slightly lower(P0.05) than those in the LPS group;serum levels of IGF-1 in the pGRF gene plasmid plus LPS group were significantly higher than those in the LPS group(P0.05 or P0.01);serum levels of IgG in the pGRF gene plasmid plus LPS group were higher than those in the LPS group(P0.05);serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 in the pGRF gene plasmid plus LPS group were significantly lower than those in the LPS group(P0.05 or P0.01).     

Responsive changes of rumen microbiome and metabolome in dairy cows with different susceptibility to subacute ruminal acidosis

Subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA)represents one of the most important digestive disorders in intensive dairy farms,and dairy cows are individually different in the severity of SARA risk.The objectives of the current study were to investigate differences in the ruminal bacterial community and metabolome in dairy cattle with different susceptibility to SARA.In the present study,12 cows were initially enrolled in the experiment.Based on average ruminal pH,4 cows with the lowest ruminal pH were assigned to the susceptible group(SUS,pH=5.76,n=4)and 4 cows with the highest ruminal pH assigned to the tolerant group(TOL,pH=6.10,n=4).Rumen contents from susceptible(SUS,n=4)and tolerant(TOL,n=4)dairy cows were collected through rumen fistula to systematically reveal the rumen microbial and metabolic alterations of dairy cows with different susceptibility to SARA using multi-omics approaches(16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolome).The results showed that despite being fed the same diet,SUS cows had lower ruminal pH and higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids(VFA)and propionate than TOL cows(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in dry matter intake,milk yield,and other milk compositions between the SUS and TOL groups(P>0.05).The principal coordinates analysis based on the analysis of molecular variance indicated a significant difference in bacterial composition between the two groups(P=0.01).More specifically,the relative abundance of starch-degrading bacteria(Prevotella spp.)was greater(P<0.05),while the proportion of fiber-degrading bacteria(unclassified Ruminococcaceae spp.,Ruminococcus spp.,Papillibacter,and unclassified Family_-XIII)was lower in the rumen of SUS cows compared with TOL cows(P<0.05).Community analysis of protozoa showed that there were no significant differences in the diversity,richness,and community structure(P>0.05).Metabolomics analysis revealed that the concentrations of organic acids(such as lactic acid),biogenic amines(such as histamine),and bacterial degradation products(such as hypoxanthine)were significantly higher in the SUS group compared to the TOL group(P<0.05).These findings revealed that the higher proportion of starch-degrading bacteria/lower fiber-degrading bacteria in the rumen of SUS cows resulted in higher VFA-producing capacity,in particular propionate.This caused a disruption in metabolic homeostasis in the rumen which might be the reason for the higher susceptibility to SARA.Overall,these findings enhanced our understanding of the ruminal microbiome and metabolic changes in cows susceptible to SARA.     

Effects of Nitric Oxide on the Growth and Development of Porcine Preantral Follicles Cultured in Vitro

<正>In order to investigate the effects of nitric oxide(NO) on the growth and development of porcine preantral follicles,we treated the follicles with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside(SNP,0, 0.001,0.01,0.1 and 1 mmol/L),a NO donor.The results showed that the follicle diameter increased during in vitro culture,but there were no significant differences between the treatments(P0.05);the survival rate in the 1 mmol/L SNP group was significantly lower than that in the 1μmol/L SNP group(61.61% vs 81.52%,P0.05),but no significant differences were found between other treatments(P0.05);the rate of antrum formation in the 1μmol/L SNP group peaked at 50%on day 4,and the rate in the 1μmol/L SNP group on day 6 was higher than that in the 0.01 mmol/L SNP group;in addition,the rate of antrum formation in the 1μmol/L SNP group was significantly higher than that in the 0.1 and 1 mmol/L SNP groups (Day 6:73.07%vs 50%,47.62%,P0.05).After 6 days of culture,the proportion of normal oocytes in the1 mmol/L SNP group was significantly lower than that in the 1μmol/L SNP group(71.21%vs 48.18%, P0.05),with no significant differences between other treatments(P0.05).The recovery rate of cumulus cells oocyte complexes(COCs) in the 1μmol/L SNP group was significantly higher than that in the controls and all other treatments(37.27%vs 22.88%,25.59%,20.74%and 19.39%,P0.05).The results indicate that during the in vitro culture of porcine preantral follicles,low concentration of NO released from SNP improves growth and development of oocytes and follicular antrum formation while high levels of NO are toxic to follicular survival.     

Effects of Rumen-protected Methionine on Rumen Fermentation,lactation Performance and Plasma Characteristics in Dairy Cows

The objective was to evaluate effects of rumen-protected methionine （RP-Met） supplementation on rumen fermentation, lactation performance and plasma characteristics in dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous （2.2 - 0.40 parity） Holstein dairy cows, averaged 620 ± 12.3 kg of BW, 68 ± 2.5 day in milk and daily milk production averaged 26.0 ±0.3 kg/cow were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. The treatments were： control （without RP-Met）, LRP-Met, MRP-Met and HRP-Met with 20, 40 and 60 g RP-Met per cow per day, respectively. RP-Met was hand-mixed into the top one-third of the daily ration. Experimental periods were 30 days with 15 d of adaptation and 15 d of sampling. Dry matter （DM） intake and milk yields were not affected （P 〉 0.05） with increasing RP-Met supplementation. Yields of 4%FCM, ECM, milk fat and milk protein were higher （P 〈 0.03） for RP-Met supplementation than control and were quadratically （P 〈 0.05） changed due to the higher percentage of milk fat and protein for RP-Met supplementation than control （P 〈 0.03）. Ruminal pH tended to be lower （P = 0.071） for RP-Met supplementation than control, whereas total VFA concentration tended to be higher （P = 0.086） for RP-Met supplementation than control. Ratio of acetate to propionate decreased linearly （P = 0.001） from 4.01 to 3.57 as RP-Met supplementation increased due to the increase in propionate production. Digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF in the total tract were higher （P 〈 0.05） for RP-Met supplementation than control and were quadratically （P 〈 0.05） increased with increasing RP-Met supplementation. Plasma concentrations of glucose not affected （P 〉 0.05） with RP-Met supplementation, Plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids （NEFA） were significantly lower （P = 0.017） for RP-Met supplementation than control and were linearly （P = 0.011） changed. Plasma concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate tended to be lower （P = 0.068） for RP-Met supplementation than control and were linearly （P = 0.001） changed. The present results indicate that supplementation of diet with RP-Met improved the content of milk fat and protein, rumen fermentation and feed digestion, decreased plasma concentrations of NEFA. It was suggested that the RP-Met stimulated the digestive microorganisms or enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. In the experimental conditions of this trial, the optimum RP-Met dose was about 25 g RP-Met per cow per day.     

Intake,digestibility and nitrogen utilization in cattle fed tropical forage and supplemented with protein in the rumen,abomasum,or both

Background: There is little information in the tropics with regard the comparative understanding of how an increased nitrogen supply in the rumen or in the intestines affects efficiency of nitrogen utilization in cattle. This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with nitrogenous compounds in the rumen, abomasum, or both on intake, digestibility and the characteristics of nitrogen utilization in cattle fed tropical forage. Four rumen- and abomasum-fistulated Nellore bulls(227 ± 11 kg) were used. Four treatments were evaluated: control, ruminal supplementation(230 g/d of supplemental protein in the rumen), abomasal supplementation(230 g/d of supplemental protein in the abomasum), and ruminal and abomasal supplementation(115 g/d protein in both the rumen and the abomasum).The basal forage diet consisted of Tifton 85 hay with a crude protein(CP) level of 78.4 g/kg dry matter. Casein was used as a supplement. The experiment was conducted using a 4 × 4 Latin square.Results: There were no differences between the treatments(P 0.10) with regard to forage intake. The intake and total digestibility of CP increased(P 0.01) with supplementation. The nitrogen balance in the body increased(P 0.01) and muscle protein mobilization decreased(P 0.01) with supplementation, regardless of the supplementation site.The efficiency of nitrogen utilization did not differ among the treatments(P 0.10).Conclusions: The supplementation of cattle fed tropical forage with protein in the rumen, abomasum, or both similarly increased the nitrogen accretion in animal, which reflects improvements on nitrogen status in animal body.     

Effects of Dietary Quercetin on Growth Performance,Digestive Enzyme Activities,Immune and Antioxidant Functions of Cyprinus carpio北大核心CSCD

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of quercetin on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, immune and antioxidant functions of juvenile Cyprinus carpio. Three hundred juvenile Cyprinus carpio with an initial body weight of (26.00±0.50) g were randomly divided into 5 groups with 3 replicates per group and 20 fish per replicate. The control group (T1 group) was fed a basal diet, and the experimental groups were fed the basal diets supplemented with 50 (T2 group), 100 (T3 group), 200 (T4 group) and 400 mg/ kg (T5 group) quercetin, respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed as follows: 1) compared with T1 group, the final body weight of juvenile Cypri⁃ nus carpio in T3 and T4 groups was significantly increased (P < 0. 05), the weight gain rate and specific growth rate in T3 group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed coefficient in all experimental groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), which in T3 group was the lowest. With the specific growth rate as the evaluation index, according to the cubic regression model analysis, the optimal supplemental level of quercetin in the diet for Cyprinus carpio was 124.02 mg/ kg. 2) The activities of intestinal protease, lipase and amylase in T3 group were significantly higher than those in the other groups (P<0.05). 3) Compared with T1 group, the serum acid phosphatase (ACP) activity and complement 3 (C3) content in T3 group were signifi⁃ cantly increased (P<0.05); the serum complement 4 (C4) content in T3 group was the highest, and signifi⁃ cantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.05); the serum lysozyme (LZM) activity and immunoglobu⁃ lin M (IgM) content in T3 and T4 groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the serum LZM activity in T3 group was significantly higher than that in T4 group (P<0.05). 4) Compared with T1 group, the activi⁃ ties of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in T3 group were significantly increased (P< 0.05); the liver glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in T3 group was the highest, and significantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.05); the liver total antioxidant capacity (T⁃AOC) in T3 and T4 groups was significantly increased (P<0.05); the liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content in T2, T3 and T4 groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the optimal supplemental level of quercetin can improve the growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, immune and antioxidant functions of juvenile Cyprinus carpio, and the optimal supplemental level is 100 mg / kg. © 2023 Chinese Journal of Clinical Research. All rights reserved.     

Effects of the dietary nonfiber carbohydrate content on lactation performance,rumen fermentation,and nitrogen utilization in mid-lactation dairy cows receiving corn stover

Background: Corn stover(CS) is an abundant source of feed for livestock in China. However, it is low in nutritional value that we have been seeking technologies to improve. Previous studies show that non-fiber carbohydrate(NFC)might limit the utilization of a CS diet by lactating dairy cows. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the lactation performance and rumen fermentation characteristics in lactating cows consuming CS with two contents of NFC compared to an alfalfa hay-containing diet. Twelve Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three dietary treatments:(1) low-NFC diet(NFC = 35.6%, L-NFC),(2) high-NFC diet(NFC = 40.1%,H-NFC), and(3) alfalfa hay diet(NFC = 38.9%, AH).Results: Intake of DM was lower for cows fed H-NFC compared to L-NFC and AH, while the milk yield was higher in AH than in H-NFC and L-NFC(P 0.01). The feed efficiency(milk yield/DM intake, 1.15 vs. 1.08, P 0.01) were greater for cows fed H-NFC than L-NFC. The contents of milk protein and lactose were not different among the groups(P 0.11), but milk fat content was higher for cows fed H-NFC and L-NFC compared to AH(P 0.01). The rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration and the concentrations of urea nitrogen in blood and milk were lower for cows fed H-NFC and AH compared to L-NFC(P 0.05). The concentrations of rumen propionate and total volatile fatty acids were different among groups(P 0.05) with higher concentration for cows fed AH compared to H-NFC and L-NFC, and acetate concentration tended to be different among groups(P = 0.06).Conclusions: From the results obtained in this study, it was inferred that the increased NFC content in a diet containing corn stover can improve the feed efficiency and benefit the nitrogen conversion.     

Dietary sophorolipid accelerates growth by modulation of gut microbiota population and intestinal environments in broiler chickens

Background:Gut is a crucial organ for the host’s defense system due to its filtering action of the intestinal membrane from hazardous foreign substances.One strategy to strengthen the gut epithelial barrier function is to upregulate beneficial microflora populations and their metabolites.Sophorolipid(SPL),which is a glycolipid biosurfactant,could increase beneficial microflora and decrease pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.Therefore,herein,we conducted an experiment with broiler chickens to investigate the fortifying effects of SPL on the host’s gut defense system by modulating the microbiota population.Methods:A total of 5401-day-old chicks(Ross 308)were used,and they were immediately allotted into three treatment groups(6 replications with 30 chicks/pen)according to their initial body weight.The dietary treatments consisted of CON(basal diet),BAM(10 mg/kg bambermycin),and SPL(10 mg/kg SPL).During the experiment,birds freely accessed feed and water,and body weight and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase.On d 35,birds(one bird/pen)were sacrificed to collect jejunum and cecum samples.Results:Dietary SPL and BAM supplementation significantly accelerated birds’growth and also significantly improved feed efficiency compared to CON.Intestinal microbial community was significantly separated by dietary SPL supplementation from that of CON,and dietary SPL supplementation significantly increased Lactobacillus spp.and Akkermansia muciniphila.Moreover,birds fed with dietary SPL also showed the highest concentration of cecal butyrate among all treatment groups.Gut morphological analysis showed that dietary SPL significantly increased villus height,ratio of villus height to crypt depth,goblet cell numbers,and the gene expression levels of claudin-1 and mucin 2.Additionally,dietary SPL significantly decreased the mRNA expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokine,interleukin-6,and increased that of anti-inflammatory cytokine,interleukin-10,compared to other treatments.Conclusions:Dietary SPL increases the beneficial bacterial population and butyrate concentration,which leads to a strengthened gut barrier function.In addition,the intestinal inflammation was also downregulated by dietary SPL supplementation.     

Analysis of Differences and Influencing Factors of Plant δ13C in Leymus chinensis Grassland in Inner-Mongolia,China北大核心CSCD

In order to understand the distribution and change of stable carbon isotope13C in grassland plants and the effects of soil moisture and temperature on the stable carbon isotope13 C composition (δ13 C), w e measured the δ13 C of shoots and living roots which both had two treatments, 13 C pulse labeling treatment and control treatment, and analyzed the effect of soil moisture content, air temperature and ground temperature on the δ13 C of plants body during the fast-growing stage (July-September) of the Leymus chinensis grassland in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that the δ13C of the living roots was 1-2% higher than the δ13C of the shoots in control treatments, and the δ13C of the shoots in13C pulse labeling treatment was significantly greater than the δ13C of the living roots. The variation trends of the δ13C value of shoots and living roots in labeling and control treatments were both in good consistency with time, which showed that the value of13C in shoots and living roots decreased at first, then increased, and then decreased during the growing season of plants. The δ13 C of the shoots and living roots in control group and living roots in13 C pulse labeling treatment had a linear negative correlation with soil moisture content in the layer of 0-20 cm, but the δ13C of shoots in13C pulse labeling treatment had Quadratic function relation with the soil moisture content in the layer of 0-20 cm, which indicated that the δ13C increased with increasing soil moisture content when it had a low soil moisture content, and the δ13C decreased when there was a high soil moisture content. In13 C pulse labeling treatment and control treatment, there were significant positive correlation between temperature and the δ13C of the shoots and living roots, the δ13C of the shoots and living roots increased with increasing the temperature. © 2019 China Agricultural University. All rights reserved.