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.
To obtain genetic parameters relevant for the management of animal genetic resources, this study provides a comparative characterization of the Trakehner (TRAK) horse population in relation to four other horse populations maintained in Lithuania - Arabian (ARAB), Baltic Warmblood (BW), Lithuanian Warmblood (LW), and Zemaitukai (ZEM). These populations represent diverse histories, selection goals, and breeding practices. Pedigree data ( n = 22 666) and parentage verification genetic data based on blood group markers ( n = 1293) were used to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure, and inter-population relationships. Despite a 25 % population decline in recent years, the TRAK population maintained moderate inbreeding ( F = 0.037) and a balanced genetic structure. The effective population size ( N e ) was lower than in BW and LW but higher than in the endangered ZEM population. TRAK retained a high number of alleles ( N a = 3.83), with observed heterozygosity ( H o = 0.460) slightly lower than that observed in open sport horse populations. Comparison of all individuals and the Lithuanian reference populations revealed stable or increased heterozygosity in currently breeding individuals, particularly within TRAK. Genetic distances and assignment tests confirmed close relationships among TRAK, BW, and LW, reflecting shared ancestry. In contrast, ARAB and ZEM populations remained genetically distinct. PCA and heatmap analyses further supported the separation between closed and open populations in the current breeding context. These findings highlight that population structure, historical gene flow, and management practices jointly shape genetic variability. The results can be used to optimize mating plans by balancing sire and dam contributions, monitor inbreeding and effective population size trends, manage gene flow between related populations (TRAK, BW, LW), and develop targeted conservation strategies for genetically distinct breeds such as ZEM and ARAB.
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.
This study advocates for the strategic repositioning of local animal genetic resources, re-evaluating them not merely as remnants of cultural heritage but as critical biological archives essential for ensuring future food security. The contemporary livestock sector is navigating a precarious transition as global production systems encounter an ecosystem based bottleneck induced by decades of intensive monoculture. By contrasting the physiological and genetic characteristics of high yield industrial breeds with the inherent resilience of local genotypes, the research highlights a fundamental trade-off between short-term productivity and long-term environmental adaptation. Research suggests that while industrial populations face potential metabolic weakness under escalating Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) thresholds, indigenous breeds maintain superior homeostatic capacity through specialized mechanisms such as Heat Shock Protein (HSP) synthesis and complex MHC polymorphisms. Furthermore, the emergence of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and CRISPR based biotechnologies has transformed the conservation of these resources into a protean struggle for biosovereignty and intellectual property. In this context, repositioning indigenous breeds moving beyond the constraints of laboratory centric breeding paradigms is imperative. For regions with ancient livestock cultures, establishing a resistance line between the land and the animal is a matter of geopolitical vision and national defense. Ultimately, the synthesis of survival and yield determination modeling in climate scenarios up to 2050 confirms that the genetic adaptation shaped by long term evolutionary processes of local genotypes constitutes the most reliable biological insurance against next generation pathogens and resource scarcity in the 21st century.
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.
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.
Backcrossing is a widely used crossbreeding strategy for transferring desirable traits from a donor line into a recurrent parent population. Although genomic selection can accelerate genetic improvement in these populations, traditional models such as G-BLUP (genomic best linear unbiased prediction) often assume marker independence and uniform variance contributions - simplifications that can affect the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs). To address these shortcomings, we developed three models: covariance-adjusted genomic BLUP (CAG-BLUP), which accounts for correlated markers, and two genomic-architecture-specific BLUP variants (GASI-BLUP for independent markers and GASC-BLUP for correlated markers), both assuming unequal variance contributions. Evaluated against the conventional G-BLUP using simulated and empirical mouse datasets, these models demonstrated superior performance in predicting GEBVs and in capturing genetic-architecture nuances. Specifically, GASI-BLUP significantly outperformed G-BLUP in scenarios involving independent quantitative trait loci (QTLs), improving GEBV prediction accuracy by up to 12 % and reducing underestimation of genetic variance by 12 %-34 %. CAG-BLUP showed enhanced performance in dependent QTL scenarios, particularly at lower heritabilities, with an improvement of up to 2 % in GEBV accuracy. These findings highlight the importance of selecting genomic prediction models tailored to the specific genetic architecture of traits to enhance prediction accuracy. By doing so, we pave the way for more effective breeding programs, promising substantial genetic improvements and contributing to the overarching goal of bolstering global food security. Future research will focus on expanding these models to incorporate non-additive genetic effects and on testing their applicability across different species and breeding contexts, aiming to further refine genomic prediction methodologies.
The impact of social rank among hair rams on reproductive efficiency has been extensively studied, particularly regarding its influence on ewes and rams under various lambing scenarios, both within and outside the breeding season. However, limited information exists on the specific effects of social rank on lamb paternity. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of social rank during a 35 d mating period on paternity outcomes and the postnatal development of lambs during the breeding season. A total of 108 adult ewes were divided into six groups, with 18 ewes per group. Each group was paired with two rams: one dominant ram (DRam) and one subordinate ram (SRam). Lamb development was monitored from birth through weaning and up to 150 d of age. Paternity was determined for 107 lambs using a panel of 116 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to assign sires from among the 12 rams included in the study. Social rank showed significant differences in lambing outcomes depending on the type of birth ( P < 0.05 ). DRams sired 67 % of lambs, while SRams sired 33 %. DRams exhibited a significantly higher proportion of twin births (52.9 %) compared to SRams (32.4 %; P < 0.01 ). However, no significant differences were observed between the ram groups for other lambing types. Lambing type also significantly influenced lamb weight gain, with single-born lambs achieving greater weight gain than twins and triplets ( P < 0.05 ). Additionally, lamb sex ratios differed significantly between ram groups, with DRams producing a higher proportion of male lambs (50.7 %) compared to SRams (41.2 %; P < 0.05 ). This study demonstrates that social rank significantly affects reproductive outcomes, including lamb paternity, lambing type, birth weight and body weight at 3 months of age. These findings highlight the importance of considering social hierarchy when managing breeding programs to optimize reproductive efficiency in hair sheep production systems.
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.
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.
Molecular characterization and identification of selection signals at the genome-wide level facilitate the enhancement of ongoing conservation and selection studies in farm animals. This study aimed to reveal genomic diversity and selection signatures in Anatolian Merino sheep via 351 539 bi-allelic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from the double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) technique. Genetic variability parameters such as minor-allele frequency (MAF), nucleotide diversity ( π ), observed heterozygosity ( H O ), and expected heterozygosity ( H E ) were estimated to be 0.340, 0.235, 0.258, and 0.235, respectively, while the inbreeding coefficient was 0.027 based on runs of homozygosity (ROH). A decreasing trend was detected in the effective population size of Anatolian Merino sheep, the current population of which turned out to be descendants of an ancestral population covering 2500 individuals 400 generations ago. Significant selection signals were detected in 464 SNPs within 14 genomic intervals via the ROH approach, whereas 259 SNPs were categorized into 79 genomic intervals by integrated haplotype score (iHS) statistics. A total of 37 and 72 protein-coding genes overlapped with detected genomic intervals in ROH and iHS approaches, respectively. A survey of a sheep QTL database confirmed that selection signals covered 66 QTL-associated SNPs. A large part of the protein-coding genes under selection pressure were mainly associated with milk production (ROBO1, FSIP2, COBLL1, PTPN12, GSAP, CCDC146, FGL2, FAM185A, FBXL13, LOXL2, R3HCC1, CHMP7, RHOBTB2, PEBP4, SRGAP3, and RAD18) and udder morphology (SYT1, GFPT2, MAPK9, and RASGEF1C), while numerous genes turned out to have effects on total muscle area (PCDH7), bone density (SDK2), carcass traits (MBL2), fecal egg count (LGSN), and immunoglobulin A level in blood circulation (RFXAP, SERTM1, BEND7, PRPF18, FRMD4A, and GRAMD1B). The results of this study confirm that high-density next-generation sequencing (NGS) data could be utilized to characterize local sheep breeds to shape conservation programs and shed light on the past breeding practices of the populations whose phenotypic records are absent.
Dietary supplementation with feed additives may influence intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in grazing cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with capsaicin and/or monensin on intake, nutrient digestibility, energy balance, blood parameters, ruminal kinetics, ingestive behavior, and ruminal fermentation of grazing bulls. Four crossbred (Holstein × Zebu) bulls (375 ± 14 kg body weight (BW); 24 ± 1 months of age), fitted with rumen cannulas, were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design and maintained on 1.2 ha of Pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) pasture with supplementation at 0.3 % of BW. The bulls were allocated to the following treatments: (1) control (CON): supplementation without additives; (2) capsaicin (CAP): supplementation including 100 mg kg-1 of total dry matter (DM) of capsaicin (CAPCIN®, NutriQuest, São Paulo, Brazil); (3) monensin (MON): supplementation including 20 mg kg-1 of total DM of sodium monensin (Poulcox 40®, Huvepharma, Bulgaria); and (4) capsaicin + monensin (CAPMON): supplementation including sodium monensin (20 mg kg-1 DM) and capsaicin (100 mg kg-1 DM). Supplementation with CAP and MON increased the total tract digestibility of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) compared with CAPMON supplementation. A tendency toward a greater ruminal DM pool was observed in bulls supplemented with CAPMON compared with those receiving CAP and MON, whereas bulls supplemented with MON showed higher passage and turnover rates of potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber (tdNDF) than those supplemented with CAP. Bulls receiving CAPMON spent more time grazing (min d-1) compared with those supplemented with CAP and MON. In addition, bulls supplemented with CAP and MON exhibited higher ruminal pH and lower propionate concentration than those supplemented with CAPMON. The use of capsaicin and/or monensin at the evaluated doses may be applied in animal production.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Chinese Simmental-cross steers, carcass and meat quality traits are investigated by identifying SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in the RNF34 and RNF128 genes. Statistical analysis showed that for 3' UTR-588 G > A, a SNP of RNF34 was significantly associated with kidney weight, testis weight, and tare weight ( P < 0.05 ), and for I1-2380C > T, a SNP of RNF128 was significantly related to forepaw weight, dressed weight, carcass brisket depth, carcass depth, and hind leg length ( P < 0.05 ). This study highlights the importance of polymorphism, suggesting that RNF34 and RNF128 polymorphisms could be important genetic factors that affect carcass and meat quality in beef cattle. Therefore, in beef cattle production and breeding, these SNPs might be valuable marker in future marker-assisted selection programs to determine meat quality traits. However, validation in a larger sample size of the Simmental-cross steers is necessary to verify these findings across a broader population. Background: This research aims to explore the potential influence of really interesting new gene (RING) finger protein (RNF34) 3' UTR-588G > A and RING finger protein (RNF128) I1-2380C > T polymorphisms associated with carcass and meat quality traits in Chinese Simmental-cross steers. Methods: Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing is employed to detect genotypes of RNF34 3' UTR-588 G > A and RNF128 I1-2380C > T in Chinese Simmental-cross steers. Then, the association of novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3' UTR region of RNF34 and the intron regions of the RNF128 gene is analyzed to determine the meat quality traits of the animals. Results: This study revealed a significant association between RNF34 3' UTR-588 G > A and kidney weight, testis weight, and tare weight ( P < 0.05 ). Furthermore, the RNF128 I1-2380C > T variant exhibited a significant link to multiple carcass measurements, indicating its potential association with forepaw weight, dressed weight, carcass depth, hind leg length, and carcass brisket depth ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of genetic factors that link the variations in RNF34 and RNF128 and their influence on carcass and meat quality in beef cattle. Thus, these variants might be novel valuable markers for meat quality traits in future marker-assisted selection programs in beef cattle breeding and production.
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.
Buffalo milk is favoured by consumers due to its higher nutritional components, as well as its rich and mellow flavour. However, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of lactation traits in buffalo remains limited. In this study, we systematically investigated the regulatory effects of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) on lactation-related functions in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) using overexpression and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing strategies. Our results demonstrated that ESR1 knockdown via siRNA significantly suppressed BMEC viability and proliferation and downregulated the expression of genes associated with lipid transport and secretion (PPARG, LPL, PLIN2, VLDLR, ADFP, CD36), milk protein synthesis (CSN1S1, CSN1S2, RPS6, RHEB, EIF4E, AKT1), and cell proliferation (STAT5A, MTOR, ELF5, CCND1, EGF, IGF1). Concurrently, silencing ESR1 markedly upregulated pro-apoptotic genes (BAX, CASP9) and downregulated the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2. Conversely, ESR1 overexpression exerted opposite effects on BMECs, further validating the critical role of ESR1 in modulating BMEC proliferation and milk component synthesis. In conclusion, ESR1 expression enhances buffalo lactation traits by promoting milk fat and milk protein synthesis, stimulating BMEC proliferation, and inhibiting cellular apoptosis. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing buffalo lactation and offer valuable references for the development and utilization of lactation-related genetic resources in buffalo breeding.