The aim of this study was to estimate the inbreeding coefficient in the Zwartbles sheep population in the Czech Republic, as well as to investigate the effect of inbreeding on meat yield indicators. The analysis used data on the entire population since 1997, with the original database containing 13 150 animals. In this population, the average inbreeding coefficient is 3.64 %. There is a significant increase in inbreeding - from zero values to more than 4 % between 1997 and 2021. The effect of inbreeding on the weight of the animals at 100 d of age, the weight at bonitation prior to breeding, the thickness of the musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD), the thickness of the subcutaneous back fat, and the fleshiness of the animals were all evaluated. The value of the inbreeding coefficient had a statistically significant effect on weight at 100 d, MLD thickness, and back fat thickness. A negative relationship between inbreeding and all of these parameters was found when the inbreeding coefficient was increased by 1 %, resulting in a 60.2 g weight reduction at 100 d, 0.06 mm reduction in MLD thickness, and 0.013 mm reduction in back fat thickness.
This paper focuses on gender issues within the Italian Animal Science and Production Association (ASPA), which includes both academic and non-academic researchers involved in animal sciences. Data from the association's archives in 2023 and bibliometric data obtained from Scopus and Web of Science were used. This study highlighted how within the ASPA and in that part of the academic realm falling within the field of animal science, a noticeable gender gap still exists, albeit decreasing over time at a very slow pace. There is clear vertical segregation, with a minority of women occupying full professor positions, and horizontal segregation with a low percentage of women involved in animal science disciplines closer to STEM fields, such as "Animal breeding and genetics". At the bibliometric level, gender differences in bibliometric indicators are observed, favouring men, although these differences are not significant when considering the academic position, scientific sector, and age. In the official journal of the ASPA (Italian Journal of Animal Science), women are under-represented in prestigious positions such as first, last, and corresponding authors. Scientific societies, academic institutions, and research organizations are called upon to do their part to accelerate the process of overcoming these inequalities.
Analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in commercial breed genomes is important for accurately assessing the population inbreeding status and exploring homozygous regions related to economic traits formed by selection pressure. The Danish Large White (LW) pig is a commercially important breed renowned for its superior growth efficiency and reproductive performance. In the present study, we identified ROH segments of Danish LW pigs based on 43 individual whole-genome resequencing data. We then calculated the inbreeding coefficient and screened candidate genes with important economic traits from the ROH islands. A total of 9446 ROH segments were identified in the LW pig population. Each LW pig carried 219.67 ROH. Most ROH were < 5 Mb , and the average genomic inbreeding coefficient ( F ROH ) in LW pigs was 0.24. However, the proportion of ROH ( > 5 Mb ) in LW pigs has reached 10 %, indicating selection pressure or inbreeding in recent times. Candidate genes related to reproductive traits (ALDH1A2, APQ9, ACTG1, CDK6, ADAMTS9, PAPPA2, and ESR2), and growth and development traits (NDN, CEP128, NFATC1, JAK2, KCNQ1, ANKRD22, ACTA2, FABP4, FAS, GDF15, and FGF21) were identified in the genomic ROH islands of LW pigs. In conclusion, the present study provides further assessment of genetic diversity and inbreeding in the Danish LW pig population. In addition, our results provide useful insights into the functions of ROH on a hereditary basis and the role that ROH play in controlling the excellent characteristics of Danish LW pigs.
In Türkiye, as in many parts of the world, buffalo play a significant role in livestock production alongside cattle. Although buffaloes generally exhibit lower productivity than cattle, they are valued for their resilience against challenging environmental conditions and for the unique quality of their milk and meat products. This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of live-weight gain, a key trait for improving profitability in buffalo breeding. Heritability estimates were obtained for birth weight (BW), live weight at 6 months (LW6), and live weight at 12 months (LW12) using data from 910 animals across 42 farms in the province of Istanbul. Genetic evaluations were performed using the BUGA 1.0 software, applying the AI-REML algorithm. The mean weights were 39.02 ± 0.169 kg (BW), 140.86 ± 0.4 kg (LW6), and 255.97 ± 0.692 kg (LW12). The corresponding heritability estimates were 0.5006 ± 0.000029 for BW, 0.5001 ± 0.000035 for LW6, and 0.5000 ± 0.0000012 for LW12. Additive genetic effects exhibited moderate to high accuracy, ranging from 0.63 to 0.68. The proportion of animals with positive additive genetic effects was relatively high for LW6 and LW12 at 49.34 % and 48.13 %, respectively. Genetic trend analysis was also conducted over time for all three traits, highlighting the potential for selection-based improvement in Anatolian buffalo.
The relationship between the index values used to evaluate the genomic value and essential markers such as casein genes provides important information at the herd level. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between casein gene genotypes and the indices of genetic merit in Holstein Friesian cattle. A total of 805 cows were genotyped using the Affymetrix® Axiom® array system. We used data composed of the total performance index (TPI) and net merit (NM) values as well as the predicted transmitting abilities (PTAs) indices, including milk, fat, fat percentage, protein, protein percentage, combined fat and protein (CFP), productive life (PL), somatic cell score (SCS), daughter pregnancy rate (DPR), livability (LV), udder composite (UDC), and feet-legs composite (FLC) of each animal. The statistical analysis consisted of a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by Tukey's test. The A2A2 and the AB genotypes were predominant in the CSN2 and CSN3 genes, respectively. The A2A2 animals were found to have higher TPI and NM values. Moreover, they exhibited higher PTA values for proteins, CFP, and PL. On the other hand, the A1A1 genotype was significantly associated with the highest UDC. Concerning the CSN3 haplotypes, the BB animals had higher protein percentage and PL than alternative haplotypes. The AA and AB haplotypes were found to be significantly associated with the highest SCS and DPR values, respectively. In addition, the BE haplotype had the highest NM. Selection procedures focusing on casein genes in dairy cattle are becoming increasingly common worldwide, especially for A2 milk. However, herd-based dynamics are also fundamental to providing a desired genetic merit for the animals. This study may be valuable for further analyses regarding selection decisions using the breeding values of candidate animals in commercial dairy herds.
Recently, microalgae have been used as protein supplements to improve the productivity of dairy cows. However, the results are inconsistent among different studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of dietary microalgae incorporation on animal performance. The effect of microalgae was assessed by examining the raw mean differences (RMDs) between the treatment (with microalgae) and control (without microalgae) diets using a random-effect model. Heterogeneity was evaluated through meta-regression and subgroup analyses using microalgae species, inclusion level, days in milk, experimental duration, and cow breed as covariates. Microalgae supplementation decreased the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). NDF digestibility improved, whereas the acetate : propionate ratio decreased. Milk and lactose yields remained unchanged. Despite a decrease in milk fat, the fatty acid (FA) profile improved, especially considering the increase in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) C18:2 c9t11, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) C22:6 n-3, and mono- and polyunsaturated FA (MUFA and PUFA) and the decrease in the n-6 : n-3 ratio. The main sources of variation in the responses to microalgal inclusion in cow milk production and quality were the animal breed, microalgae species, and their level of incorporation. In general, the incorporation of 61-100 g kg DM-1 of microalgae improved milk beneficial FA, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) C20:5 n-3 and DHA, and Schizochytrium sp. increased DHA levels. The Holstein and Friesian breeds were characterized by a significant decrease in saturated FA (SFA). As a result, microalgae supplementation could be a sustainable agricultural practice for improving dairy cow milk quality.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of interfering with the hair coat of newborn animals on their development and the efficiency of the immune system. The study involved 16 Holstein-Friesian calves divided into two groups (control and experimental). The animals from the control group were licked by the mother after birth, while these from the experimental group were handled after birth by a human. Weight and daily gains were determined, and blood was collected six times in 1 week intervals to analyse protein fractions as well as complete blood count. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, alpha and beta-globulins in the serum of calves from the experimental group did not differ from the control group. The level of gamma-globulins in the experimental group was lower at 14 and 21 d of age. The indices such as WBC, RBC, HGB, HTC, and PLT remained at similar levels in both groups and usually did not differ between the analysed periods in the studied groups. Only the content of platelets in both groups significantly increased from the seventh day of life compared to the baseline period. The levels of blood indices relating to the volume of the red blood cell and the mass and concentration of haemoglobin in it were not affected by interference with maternal behaviour, and changes in the values of these indices with age were noted. Based on the study, we concluded that the replacement of natural maternal care (licking) of a newborn calf by human action did not adversely affect the development and health of newborn calves, which confirms the validity of such a practice in dairy herds.
Claw lesions in dairy cattle pose a significant risk to dairy farmers worldwide in terms of animal welfare concerns and economic profitability. However, the use of different data sources, classification systems, and definitions of reference groups limits the comparison across herds and decreases the usability of the recordings for phenotypic and genetic analyses. In South Africa, information on claw lesions is not routinely collected by dairy farmers and data are limited to hoof trimmers recording lesions during preventative trimming or as needed by producers. Records of the most common claw lesions scored by a local hoof trimmer in five Holstein herds between January 2014 and December 2023 were used, including interdigital phlegmon (F), heel horn erosion (E), sole ulcers (SU), sole haemorrhage (SH), and two combined traits, one representing digital and interdigital dermatitis (DDID) and the other representing white line disease and white line separation (WLDS). The majority of lesions recorded were infectious (40.87 %), with DDID showing the highest incidence (39.58 %). Phenotypic associations may provide valuable information for hoof trimmers regarding the practical prevention, management, and treatment of lameness on-farm. A large, statistically significant odds ratio of 4.39 exists between DDID and E (95 % confidence interval: 3.55 to 5.43, P < 0.0001 ). Within the non-infectious lesions, SH is moderately positively associated with total non-infectious lesions ( | ϕ | = 0.43 , P < 0.01 ) and the occurrences of SU and WLDS are both strongly positively associated with total non-infectious lesions ( | ϕ | = 0.54 , P < 0.01 and | ϕ | = 0.58 , P < 0.01 , respectively). In addition, the relationships observed among non-infectious lesions (SH, SU, and WLDS) are moderate to strong. The occurrence of DDID is moderately positively associated with the occurrence of infectious lesions in the front feet ( | ϕ | = 0.39 , P < 0.01 ) and strongly associated with the rear feet ( | ϕ | = 0.89 , P < 0.01 ). The occurrence of WLDS is moderately positively associated with the occurrence of total non-infectious lesions in the front feet ( | ϕ | = 0.37 , P < 0.01 ), with a stronger correlation with the occurrence of non-infectious lesions in the rear feet ( | ϕ | = 0.46 , P < 0.01 ). The occurrence of non-infectious lesions in the rear feet is moderately associated with the occurrence of SU ( | ϕ | = 0.42 , P < 0.01 ) but strongly associated with SH ( | ϕ | = 0.57 , P < 0.01 ). Heritability estimates ranged from 0.02 for DDID to 0.08 for the total lesions category (representing the presence or absence of at least one claw lesion on any foot). Phenotypic correlations and heritability estimates indicate that claw lesion data have the potential to be used for genetic evaluation of hoof health; therefore, the simplification and standardization of hoof lesion data collection should be encouraged.
Genetic crossbreeding and advanced management have substantially improved swine productivity, yet reproductive outcomes in commercial herds remain strongly influenced by environmental and genetic factors. This study quantified these effects on key farrowing and lactation traits in multiparous sows under intensive production, identifying genetic lines that sustain high performance under variable conditions. Farrowing year (FY) and parity number (PN) significantly influenced all farrowing traits and most lactation traits ( P < 0.05 ). Genetic group (GG) affected total piglets born (TPBs), piglets born alive (PBAs), and total litter birth weight (TLBW) ( P < 0.05 ). Sow weight at farrowing (SWF) and gestation length (GL) exerted linear effects on TPBs ( β SWF = 0.01996 piglets per kg; β GL = - 0.5344 piglets per day) and PBAs ( β SWF = 0.01560; β GL = - 0.5248). Cross-fostering increased piglet weight at day 21 (LWW21) and number of piglets weaned (NPWs) ( P < 0.0001 ). Insemination season (IS) affected stillborn piglets (SPs) ( P = 0.0152 ) and average weaning piglet birth weight (AWPW) ( P = 0.0078 ), while season farrowing (SF) influenced AWPW and NPWs ( P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0447 , respectively). Estimates of heritabilities ( h 2 ) were low for most traits (0.00-0.07) but moderate for LWW21 (0.21) and AWPW (0.13). Farrowing year and parity number are dominant non-genetic drivers of prolificacy and litter growth in intensive systems. Integrating optimized reproductive management, cross-fostering protocols, and sow body condition control with targeted genetic selection and enhanced nutrition and climate regulation offers a strategic pathway to maximize reproductive efficiency and farm profitability.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious transboundary animal disease affecting cloven-hoofed livestock, with significant economic and trade implications. Armenia lies within the West Eurasia and Middle East epidemiological pool, where serotypes O, A, Asia-1, and occasionally SAT-2 circulate. Despite decades of control efforts, the historical epidemiology of FMD in Armenia has not been comprehensively documented. This study aimed to conduct a 65-year retrospective analysis of FMD in Armenia to characterize serotype distribution, outbreak patterns, vaccination strategies, and diagnostic advancements, and to identify priorities for progression in the progressive control pathway (PCP-FMD). Data from 1958 to 2023 were compiled from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) agricultural archives, national veterinary records, World Organization for Animal Health/World Reference Laboratory for FMD reports, and peer-reviewed literature. Serotype identification, outbreak frequency, and species involvement were analyzed using descriptive statistics, heatmaps, and geographic information system (GIS) mapping. Diagnostic evolution from complement fixation testing to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and viral protein 1 (VP1) sequencing was documented. Vaccination protocols were traced from early monovalent campaigns to current polyvalent strategies. Between 1958 and 2023, Armenia recorded over 1 million FMD cases, with peaks in 1966 (591,820 cases) and 1973 (471,263 cases). Serotypes O, A, Asia-1, and SAT-1 were detected, with serotype O predominating. Outbreaks declined significantly after the 1980s, coinciding with mass vaccination, improved diagnostics, and targeted biosecurity measures. Notable milestones included integration of the A/Armenia/98 strain into vaccines (1999) and adoption of polyvalent vaccines containing the A/ASIA/G-VII lineage (2016). No outbreaks have been reported since 2016. Armenia's sustained control of FMD reflects adaptive vaccination strategies, early serotype detection, and regional cooperation. Progression from PCP-FMD Stage 2 to Stage 3 will require enhanced vaccination coverage, expanded surveillance, and strengthened veterinary infrastructure. Historical lessons from Armenia's control strategies may inform FMD management in similar transboundary risk zones.
Indigenous breeds, such as the Balkan goat, represent valuable genetic resources due to their adaptation to specific ecological and socio-economic conditions. Goats are vital to rural livestock systems, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure, due to their resilience and low resource demands. This study presents a comprehensive genetic characterization of the Balkan goat in Serbia using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers. Nuclear variation was assessed using 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci, revealing a mean expected heterozygosity of 0.756 and a mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.721, indicating a high level of genetic diversity. The overall inbreeding coefficient (FIS = 0.042 ) was low. Maternal lineage diversity was analyzed by sequencing the mitochondrial DNA control region in 42 individuals, identifying 23 distinct haplotypes predominantly belonging to haplogroup A, with a rare occurrence of haplogroup C. Together, the results demonstrate substantial genetic variation within the population at both nuclear and mitochondrial levels, providing essential insights for conservation and sustainable management of this autochthonous breed.
In poultry production, biostimulants can replace antibiotics. These substances, made from plant extracts, improve animal growth and performance. This experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of biostimulants (NUQO©NEX) as a natural growth promoter on growth parameters and economic efficiency measurements. Unsexed 1 d old chicks ( n = 90 ) of a commercial meat type (Ross 308) were randomly equally allocated into three groups of six replicates (five chicks per replicate) in this study. Group G1 fed on the control diet (without additive), while groups G2 and G3 fed on the diet supplemented with 100 mg NUQO©NEX kg-1 (on top and (matrix value; this matrix reduced the nutrient requirement by 0.3 % crude protein and 30 kcal metabolizable energy, respectively) for 35 d. Results showed that broiler chicks of groups G2 and G3 showed a significant ( P < 0.05 ) improvement in the average feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chicks compared to the control group. Group G2 recorded the best value of FCR compared to group G3 and the control group. Cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in broiler serum were decreased ( P < 0.05 ) in group G3 and then in group G2 when compared to the control group. Groups G2 and G3 recorded significant ( P < 0.05 ) improvements in the antioxidant status of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared to the control group. The serum level of IgM was significantly ( P < 0.05 ) increased in group G3 and group G2 when compared to the control group. There were significant ( P < 0.05 ) increases in total return from chick sales / LE (livre égyptienne) and net profit (one chick) / LE and in the economic efficiency of group G3 and group G2 when compared to the control group. Broiler chickens fed the diet supplemented with NUQO©NEX showed a positive effect in terms of the FCR, cholesterol, antioxidant status (GPx and MDA) and immune status (IgM), carcass quality traits, and economic effectiveness measurements.
Native sheep breeds are important genetic resources for extensive livestock systems because of their adaptation to extreme conditions and low-input production. However, long-term data on their production performance remains limited. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the reproductive traits, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of the Morkaraman, Awassi, and Tuj native sheep breeds over a 10-year period under an extensive production system. The research was conducted at the Sheep Husbandry Unit, Food and Livestock Application and Research Center, Atatürk University, Erzurum (39° N, 41° E), Türkiye. The effects of breed, dam age, gender, and type of birth were analyzed using 5000 individual records. Sheep were managed under extensive conditions with flushing diets provided pre-mating, followed by natural mating and pasture-based grazing. Lamb growth performance data were recorded alongside slaughter and carcass traits. Morkaraman and Tuj breeds showed higher litter sizes at birth (1.06 and 1.08, respectively) than Awassi (1.02) ( P < 0.01). Morkaraman and Awassi lambs exhibited superior growth and carcass performance, with birth weights of 4.48 and 4.41 kg, weaning weights of 16.54 and 16.28 kg, slaughter weights of 36.7 and 36.1 kg, hot carcass weights of 16.7 and 16.6 kg, and cold dressing percentages of 47.2 % and 46.6 %, respectively, compared with Tuj lambs (4.05, 15.69, 33.2, 15.2 kg, and 42.7 %). Morkaraman lambs had the highest live weights in all measurement periods ( P < 0.01). In parallel with growth performance, higher carcass trait values were observed in Morkaraman lambs along with Awassi ( P < 0.01). These results suggest that the Morkaraman breed is suitable for weight- and carcass-oriented production for this study. Conversely, the Tuj breed showed comparatively lower carcass fat deposition and fat-related parameters, indicating leaner meat characteristics. This study provides a valuable long-term dataset on the reproductive, growth, and carcass traits that can be useful for improving breed-specific management and breeding programs.
The environment in which animals are kept must provide suitable conditions for their species. This includes ensuring that animals are healthy, well-fed, safe, able to exhibit species-specific behaviors, not experiencing fear or pain, and not under chronic or acute stress. Poultry welfare is achieved when birds are raised in environments that meet their physiological and ethological needs. Fear can significantly impact animal welfare. Chickens have been significantly altered by human artificial selection. Despite this, they exhibit reactivity towards humans and tend to avoid them. Poultry animals reared in environmentally controlled poultry houses and bred for superior productivity are more sensitive to fear factors and have lost their adaptability to a great extent. This study aimed to determine the effect of personnel clothing color on stress and fear in chickens in layer hen coops. The experiment involved 32-week-old laying hens of three different genotypes. A worker in the henhouse wore six respective different colors of workwear (dark blue, green, red, yellow, black, and white), and sound measurements were taken during this time. The results showed that the color of the worker's clothing influenced the sound intensity of the chickens ( P < 0.05 ). White clothing elicited the least reaction, whereas black and dark blue elicited the most. The other three colors showed similar reactions. In conclusion, workers in layer hen coops wearing dark clothing, such as dark blue and black, can induce stress and noise in the animals. Additionally, chickens showed similar reactions to green, red, and yellow colors, with white being the color around which they felt the most secure.
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serves as a reliable marker for ovarian reserve and reproductive potential in many species. However, there is limited information available on the factors influencing AMH levels in sheep. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of breed, age, body condition score (BCS), and parity on serum AMH concentrations in four commercial sheep breeds: Lacaune, Assaf, Île de France, and Merino. A total of 120 clinically healthy ewes aged between 19 and 34.5 months were included, with equal representation across breeds and lactation stages. AMH levels were measured using standardized laboratory techniques. Significant differences in serum AMH concentrations were observed among breeds ( p < 0.001 ). Île de France and Merino breeds exhibited significantly higher mean AMH levels (479.0 and 391.0 pg mL - 1 respectively) compared to Lacaune and Assaf breeds (261.3 and 205.3 pg mL - 1 , respectively), suggesting a larger ovarian follicular reserve in these breeds. The range of AMH values was widest in Île de France sheep, indicating considerable intra-breed variability. No statistically significant effects of age, BCS, or parity on serum AMH concentrations were detected ( p > 0.05 ). These findings highlight the predominant influence of genetic factors on ovarian reserve in sheep as reflected by serum AMH levels. The elevated AMH concentrations in Île de France and Merino breeds may be linked to superior reproductive potential. Understanding breed-specific variations in AMH could support selective breeding programs aimed at enhancing sheep reproductive efficiency and productivity.
The lighting regime significantly impacts poultry production, reproductive performance, health and welfare. This study aimed to test the effect of the intermittent light (IL) regime on reproductive organs and hormones, semen quality, and behavioral performance. Thus, 270 Rhode Island Red hens aged 20 weeks were distributed among three groups of six replicates and 15 birds each, housed in floor pens. The first group was used as a control (C) and was exposed to constant light for 16 h d-1, while birds in other groups were exposed to IL for 20 min h-1 (T20) and 40 min h-1 (T40) during the 16 h light period. The outcomes were that follicle number was higher for T20 compared to T40 but not the controls, while T40 is different from T20 but not the controls. The same is true for testosterone. The sperm concentration is lower for T40 compared to the controls, with no difference between T20 and the controls. Body temperature was not different among groups. Conversely, differences were not noticed for leg alterations; plumage conditions; and relative ovary, oviduct, and/or testes weight and hatchability. Thus, the IL T20 program should be further investigated as a lighting regimen for managing Rhode Island Red laying hens for stimulating follicle number and testosterone without negatively impacting the physiological response and health traits. From a practical point of view, the IL schedule of 20 min h-1 during 20-36 weeks of age can be economically viable due to saving 66 % of the light cost.
Dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation of chickens may be a tool to reduce heat stress and its associated consequences. This study aims to investigate the effect of supplementation with various levels of inorganic and organic Cr on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in broiler chickens subjected to cyclic heat stress. A total of 245 as-hatched, 1 d old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to seven treatments, each with seven replicates of five birds. The control group received a basal diet without Cr supplementation. In the six other groups, chickens were fed a basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, and 400 ppb of organic and inorganic Cr. From days 25 to 42 d of age, the birds were subjected to heat stress for 3 consecutive days per week. Within chromium-supplemented treatments, the interaction between source and level of Cr influenced body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) ( P < 0.01 ), with the best values obtained at 400 ppb of organic Cr and 100 ppb of inorganic Cr. Dietary supplementation with organic Cr resulted in higher apparent digestibility (AD) of organic matter (OM; P < 0.05 ) and crude protein (CP; P < 0.01 ), while Cr levels ( P < 0.01 ) affected AD of OM, CP, and ether extract (EE), with the best values observed at 200 and 400 ppb of Cr. Supplementation with 400 ppb of organic Cr or 100 ppb of inorganic Cr improved the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens raised under heat stress conditions. These findings align with the objective of the study and support the use of source-specific chromium supplementation strategies to mitigate cyclic heat stress in broilers.
Donggala cattle (Bos indicus), an indigenous Indonesian breed, possess strong adaptability to tropical stressors and favourable reproductive traits, making them a strategic focus for genetic improvement via artificial insemination (AI). However, optimizing AI success is constrained by variable semen quality following cryopreservation. This research examined the relationship between the abundance of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) at both the mRNA and protein levels and post-thaw sperm quality, aiming to assess its viability as a molecular marker of motility in Donggala bulls. A total of six Donggala bulls were included in this study, representing the entire available population at the study site. Based on progressive motility evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), the bulls were classified into two groups: good motility and poor motility. Comprehensive semen quality assessments were conducted, including viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation, and protamine deficiency. HSP70 abundance at both the transcript (RT-qPCR) and protein (enzyme immunoassay) levels was quantified in cryopreserved sperm. Bulls in the good-motility group demonstrated significantly higher values for progressive and total motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, and DNA integrity ( P < 0.05 ), as well as elevated HSP70 mRNA and protein abundance. Correlation analyses revealed strong positive associations between HSP70 expression and key sperm quality parameters, particularly progressive motility ( R 2 > 0.86 ) and acrosome integrity ( R 2 > 0.67 ). These findings suggest that HSP70 enhances sperm resilience to cryopreservation-induced oxidative stress by stabilizing membranes, proteins, and DNA. This study is the first to characterize HSP70 abundance in Donggala bulls, providing foundational evidence of its utility as a motility biomarker. Incorporating HSP70 profiling into sire selection may improve AI outcomes and support the sustainable propagation of this valuable native breed.
The DAZAP2 (Deleted in Azoospermia-associated Protein 2) gene encodes an azoospermia-related protein that plays key roles in spermatogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and transcriptional regulation. Here, we employed transcriptome sequencing to analyze porcine testis tissues using long-read and short-read sequencing and identified the DAZAP2 transcripts via RT-PCR. Protein interaction analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment, and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network construction were performed to elucidate its functional pathways. Furthermore, we assessed the multi-tissue expression of DAZAP2 and the subcellular localization of the DAZAP2 protein. We identified two spliceosomes of the DAZAP2 gene in Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI) testicular tissue, namely DAZAP2_X1 and DAZAP2_X2, with DAZAP2_X2 being the predominant transcript. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DAZAP2_X2 was associated with ubiquitin-protein ligase binding, positive regulation of protein monoubiquitination and Wnt signaling pathway, indicating its involvement in spermatogenesis. Additionally, we identified nine microRNAs (miRNAs) interacting with DAZAP2_X2, including ssc-miR-490-3p, ssc-miR-150, ssc-miR-107, ssc-miR-193a-3p, ssc-miR-497, ssc-miR-192, ssc-miR-383, ssc-miR-129a-5p, and ssc-miR-181a, most of which were associated with spermatogenesis. We found DAZAP2_X2 was highly expressed in the testis and bulbourethral glands and was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. These findings suggest that DAZAP2_X2 played a significant role in spermatogenesis and provide a reference for further research on spermatogenesis-related genes and regulatory pathways.
This study examined the effects of varying essential oil (EO) blend levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, villus histology and cecal microbiota in Hubbard male broiler chicks. Five groups of male chicks ( n = 1000) received diets with incremental EO blend levels: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mL kg-1 feed. Results showed no significant initial differences in feed intake or body weight gain. However, by week 3, the group supplemented with 2 mL kg-1 exhibited significantly higher feed intake and weight gain ( p < 0.05 ), sustaining these trends throughout weeks 4 and 5. The group supplemented with 2 mL kg-1 achieved a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) in weeks 4 and 5, culminating in the most favorable overall FCR across the trial period ( p = 0.04). Digestibility assessments revealed that supplementation of 2 mL kg-1 resulted in the highest dry matter, gross energy, ether extract, and crude protein digestibility levels ( p < 0.05 ), suggesting enhanced nutrient absorption. Immunological results indicated significantly elevated antibody titers in the group supplemented with 2 mL kg-1 against Newcastle disease (ND), infectious bronchitis (IB), and infectious bursal disease (IBD). The group supplemented with 2 mL kg-1 consistently achieved the highest antibody levels, notably with ND titers on day 35 ( p = 0.04). These findings suggest that a 2 mL kg-1 EO blend supplementation optimizes growth, nutrient utilization, and immune response, offering a natural alternative to promote broiler health and performance.