Mapping multitissue regulatory variants reveals a liver-centric coexpression network associated with duck egg-laying performance.

Poultry egg production is shaped by the intertwined action of multiple physiological systems, greatly magnifying the complexity of its underlying genetic regulation. Although multitissue mapping of regulatory variants offers a powerful route to untangle this complexity, comprehensive data sets in ducks remain scarce. Meanwhile, the contributions of peripheral systems beyond neuroendocrine regulation on poultry egg production are still largely unexplored.

Blocking T-type calcium channels disrupts spermatogenesis in vivo and adversely affects spermatocytes in vitro by impairing mitochondrial function and autophagic flux.

T-type calcium channels are pivotal in spermatogenesis. To evaluate the molecular mechanisms by which T-type calcium channels regulate spermatogenesis, we constructed animal and cellular models using T-type calcium channel inhibitor flunarizine (FNZ). Intraperitoneal administration of FNZ (30mg/kg) significantly impaired sperm motility, inhibited testicular germ cell proliferation, and disrupted sperm mitochondrial function in male mice.

Revisiting brown adipose tissue whitening: physiological mechanisms and pathophysiological consequences.

This review aims to explore the various factors that contribute to the whitening of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and to summarize the key regulatory mechanisms involved. The goal is to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for obesity that delay or inhibit BAT whitening. The development of obesity is often linked to changes in adipose tissue (AT) and metabolic disorders, with BAT whitening emerging as a chronic obesity-related complication.

Evaluation of the C protein of BVDV as a vaccine candidate: Immunoprotective studies in mice.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) is a major pathogen associated with calf diarrhea and reproductive disorders in cattle. This study evaluated the immune-protective potential of a subunit vaccine based on the capsid C protein of the BVDV HNL-1 strain. In mice model, the C protein subunit vaccine exhibits a favorable safety and elicits robust immune-protective efficacy comparable to commercial inactivated vaccines.

Can myostatin editing together with gut microbiota modulation produce more and tastier meat?

The growing global population and economic development have increased the demand for meat with desired texture and flavor requirements. While intensive breeding and advancements in nutrition and management practices have driven significant improvements in meat production, sustainable solutions are still needed to further enhance both meat yield and quality. The Myostatin (MSTN) gene, which acts as an inhibitor of muscle growth and differentiation, has been extensively studied.

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection inhibits scavenger receptor A-mediated phagocytosis of Pasteurella multocida in alveolar macrophages.

Background: A secondary Pasteurella multocida (Pm) infection following Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (Mo) challenge in sheep results in severe respiratory disease. Scavenger receptor A (SRA) is a key phagocytic receptor on macrophages, which facilitates microbial clearance. However, the role of sheep SRA in Mo-associated secondary Pm infection is less understood.

Development of duplex crystal digital PCR (dPCR) assay for detection and differentiation of NDRV and MDRV.

Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV) and Novel duck reovirus (NDRV) are highly infectious diseases of waterfowl, causing significant harm to the global poultry industry. Early detection and diagnosis of NDRV and MDRV in clinical samples are crucial for effectively preventing and controlling these diseases. This study developed a duplex crystal digital PCR (dPCR) assay for the differential detection of NDRV and MDRV.

Treatment of Aquaculture Wastewater by Utilizing Single and Symbiotic Systems of Microalgae-Based Technology and Strigolactone Induction.

This study investigated the efficacy of two microalgae treatment systems (Chlorella vulgaris monoculture and a Chlorella vulgaris-S395-2-Clonostachys rosea symbiotic system) in treating aquaculture wastewater, under varying concentrations of synthetic strigolactone analog (GR24). By exposing the systems to four GR24 doses (0, 10, 10, and 10 M), we examined the impact on biomass growth, photosynthesis, and wastewater treatment. Elevated GR24 concentrations bolstered metabolism and photosynthesis in the systems, fostering rapid symbiont growth and enhanced treatment efficiency.

Unlocking the nutritional and bioactive potential of sheep milk: implications for food and health.

Sheep milk has gained increasing attention for its compositional similarity to human milk and its abundance of bioactive compounds with nutritional and therapeutic potential. It is rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, immunoglobulins, and hormones, as well as peptides and oligosaccharides with antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory effects. Despite these benefits, the literature remains fragmented, with limited integration of data on the mechanisms by which these components influence health outcomes, and few comprehensive comparisons with other mammalian milks.

Establishment and optimization of the two-step induction system for generating primordial germ cell-like cells from chicken embryonic stem cells.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the progenitor cells of sperm and eggs. Xenotransplantation of chicken PGCs can achieve germline transmission. However, there are still challenges in obtaining many PGCs from endangered birds in vitro.

A BtpB-Deleted Brucella Vaccine Strain Provides Dual Advantages: Enhanced Protection and Diagnostic Differentiation Capability in Mice.

The Brucella abortus A19 attenuated live vaccine poses potential infection risks during practical applications and interferes with serological diagnostics, thereby affecting quarantine measures and the establishment of disease-free zones. Consequently, this study aimed to reduce its potential virulence, enhance its protective efficacy and differentiate it from wild-type strains by knocking out the immunosuppressive virulence gene btpB in the A19 strain. Using homologous recombination, we successfully obtained the A19ΔBtpB deletion strain.

Venetoclax-induced degradation of VP8* lectin domain disrupts group A rotavirus replication.

Group A Rotavirus (RVA) poses a significant health risk. Unfortunately, there are currently no the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved antiviral compounds available for treating RVA-induced diarrhea. The lectin-like domain of VP8* plays an important role in the RVA lifecycle.

Small-scale in situ Hi-C protocol for early embryos to resolve the three-dimensional genome structure.

High-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) provides genome-wide insights into chromatin interactions within the three-dimensional structure of the nucleus, making it a powerful tool for studying genome architecture. Here, we provide a modified in situ Hi-C protocol for small cell numbers, utilizing 50-100 embryonic cells at the 8-cell stage to investigate chromatin organization during bovine early embryonic development. This protocol overcomes the challenges of limited sample availability and offers valuable insights into chromatin dynamics during bovine early embryogenesis.

Landscape genomics analysis reveals the genetic basis underlying cashmere goats and dairy goats adaptation to frigid environments.

Understanding the genetic mechanism of cold adaptation in cashmere goats and dairy goats is very important to improve their production performance. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively analyze the genetic basis of goat adaptation to cold environments, clarify the impact of environmental factors on genome diversity, and lay the foundation for breeding goat breeds to adapt to climate change. A total of 240 dairy goats were subjected to genome resequencing, and the whole genome sequencing data of 57 individuals from 6 published breeds were incorporated.

Serum-free media for cultured meat: insights into protein hydrolysates as proliferation enhancers.

Cultured meat represents an innovative alternative to conventional livestock-derived meat, yet faces challenges in establishing efficient, safe, and sustainable culture systems. Although traditional supplements such as fetal bovine serum and bovine eye fluid provide essential growth factors for cell proliferation, their high cost, ethical concerns, and biosafety risks significantly hinder large-scale industrialization. In recent years, protein hydrolysates have emerged as promising components in serum-free media.

Effects of fermented soybean meal on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and fecal microbiota of piglets.

Background: Dry-fermented soybean meal (DFSBM) and wet-fermented soybean meal (WFSBM) were evaluated as alternatives to conventional soybean meal in piglet diets, focusing on growth performance, antioxidant function and fecal microbiome modulation. A total of 225 male piglets (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)) aged 40 days with a body weight of 13.01 ± 0.

Research Progress on Ferroptosis Regulation of Female Reproduction.

Ferroptosis is a form of iron-regulated cell death that plays a critical role in various aspects of female reproductive system development. These processes include the normal estrous cycle, ovarian formation, follicular maturation, ovulation, and pregnancy, all of which are essential for maintaining reproductive health in female animals. However, excessive iron leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species within cells, disrupting intracellular redox balance, inducing mitophagy, membrane rupture, and lipid peroxidation, which can damage tissues and cells, ultimately resulting in ferroptosis.

EcSnx27 facilitates in vitro release of Singapore grouper iridovirus and interacts with its major capsid protein.

Sorting nexin 27 (Snx27), a member of the sorting nexin (SNX) family, plays crucial roles in cell signaling, organelle motility, protein sorting and membrane remodeling/trafficking. While existing studies have focused on the functions of SNXs in mammalian viral diseases and immune regulation, little is known about fish-encoded SNXs, particularly their regulatory roles in aquatic virus infection. In this study, we characterized the Snx27 from the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) and found that it facilitates the in vitro release of Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), as evidenced by the detection of viable virions in the culture supernatants of SGIV-infected grouper spleen (GS) cells.

Maternal β-carotene addition has long-term effects on intestinal health of offspring chicks.

Background: Maternal dietary intervention utilizing complex additives rich in β-carotene has demonstrated the capacity to enhance embryonic intestinal development and influence microbial composition in offspring. Nevertheless, the extended impact of maternal β-carotene inclusion on the intestinal health of post-hatching chicks is still not fully elucidated.

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the impacts of maternal β-carotene supplementation on the intestinal development and microbial communities in chicks after hatching.

Effect of adding Georgi to feed on the microbial diversity in cattle feces.

Introduction: Inflammation and oxidative stress can seriously endanger the health and growth of beef cattle. Georgi (SB) has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, studies on the application of SB stems and leaves as roughage in animal husbandry are limited.

Transcriptomic analysis of immune and metabolic responses in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) challenged with Citrobacter freundii.

Citrobacter freundii, a common zoonotic pathogen affecting humans, livestock and fish, is recognized for its substantial impact on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) mortality. However, the mechanisms of C. freundii infection in largemouth bass remain poorly understood.

Aluminum exposure disturbs epigenetic modification and organelle function during early embryo development.

Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal element that is widely used in industries, construction, food, and pharmaceuticals, and it can adversely affect multiple organ systems including the nervous system, skeletal system, reproductive system, blood system, and immune system. In present study, we investigated the effects of aluminum exposure on mammalian embryo development. Our data demonstrate that aluminum exposure induces mouse early embryo development defects, including those at the zygotes and 2-cell stages, causing a decrease in general transcription activity.

Uncovering the protective mechanisms of Bacillus subtilis fmbj against LPS-induced hepatic immune stress and redox imbalance in broilers through transcriptomic profiling.

This study investigated the protective effects of Bacillus subtilis fmbj (BS) in alleviating hepatic immune stress and redox imbalance induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in broilers. A total of 240 chickens were randomly assigned to three groups, each consisting of ten replicates with eight birds per replicate. Birds in the LPS and BSLPS groups received intraperitoneal injections of LPS (1 mg/kg body weight), whereas the CON group was administered an equivalent volume of 0.

Analysis of egg consumption trends: Gen Z egg consumption preferences and the classification of pink-shell eggs in China.

Analyzing consumers' preferences and perceptions of eggs can provide data support for the egg industry to produce products that better meet consumer preferences. The study evaluated consumers' egg consumption preferences based on an online survey from 2022 to 2024 of 3,434 consumers of different ages. The results showed that Generation Z (Gen Z), referred to the people born after 1997, was more concerned about the topic of eggs and was willing to purchase eggs through e-commerce platforms.

T-2 Toxin Exploits Gut-Derived Staphylococcus Saprophyticus to Disrupt Hepatic Macrophage Homeostasis.

T-2 toxin, a mycotoxin that frequently causes hidden contamination in food and animal feed, poses a substantial threat to both human and animal health. Staphylococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus) is an opportunistic pathogen that widely infects humans and various animals.