ABSTRACT
Males and females have long shown disparities in body weight and height; yet, the underlying mechanisms influencing growth and development remain unclear. Male and female Zhedong White Geese (ZDW) geese have long been selected for large body size and egg production, respectively. This led to a large difference in body weight between males and females, making them a unique model for studying the effects of sex on growth and development. This study aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by comparing the transcriptomes of muscle and pituitary tissues in male and female ZDW geese to identify the critical genes responsible for the effects of sex on growth performance. Our analysis revealed 1101 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leg musculature (507 upregulated, 594 downregulated), 773 DEGs in breast musculature (311 upregulated, 462 downregulated), and 517 DEGs in the pituitary gland (281 upregulated, 236 downregulated) between male and female geese. These DEGs were significantly enriched in gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with endocrine metabolism (e.g., hormonal activities), muscle formation (e.g., sarcomere and myofibril), and bone formation (e.g., bone morphogenesis and cartilage formation). The upregulated genes in males were enriched in KEGG pathways involving nutrient digestion and absorption (vitamin and protein), as well as the secretion of digestive juices (gastric acid and bile). Through protein-protein interaction analyses, we also observed high-density gene networks related to muscle fiber development, calcium ion metabolism, mitochondrial respiratory chain, and bone development. Therefore, our multi-tissue transcriptome analysis provides a deeper understanding of the complex and systematic gender-driven effects on growth and development in geese. IGF1, GHRHR, and NCAPG-LCORL and pathways related to myogenesis might play vital roles in gender differences before hormones exert their effect.
Subject(s)
Geese , Muscle Development , Transcriptome , Animals , Female , Male , Geese/genetics , Geese/growth & development , Muscle Development/genetics , Gene Expression Profiling , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Muscle, Skeletal/growth & development , Gene OntologyABSTRACT
Goose creates important economic value depending on their enrich nutrients of meat. Our previous study investigates potential candidate genes associated with variations in meat quality between Xianghai Flying (XHF) Goose and Zi Goose through genomic and transcriptome integrated analysis. Screening of 5 differential expression candidate genes related to muscle development identified by the FST, XP-EHH and RNA-seq in breast muscle from various geese. Among them, C1QTNF1 (C1q and TNF related protein 1), a gene of unknown function in goose, which observed mutations in coding sequence regions in sequencing data. Its function was explored after overexpression and knockdown which designed depending on the genetic sequence of the goose, respectively. Results showed that over-expression of C1QTNF1 significantly enhances cell proliferation and viability. In addition, the expression levels of the fusion marker gene Myomaker and the differentiation marker gene MyoD are significantly upregulated in cells. Knock-down C1QTNF1 leads to down regulated Myomaker and MyoD which involved muscle formation. But, the expression level of muscle atrophy marker MuRF is not significantly changed among different transfection groups. Since protein structures and interactions are closely related to their functions, we further analyzed the C1QTNF1 for physicochemical properties, structural predictions, protein interactions and homology. It can be reasonably inferred that C1QTNF1 has a similar effect to collagen, which may affect muscle development. In summary, we first speculate that C1QTNF1 may play an important regulatory role in muscle growth and development and thereby contributes to the further understanding of the genetic mechanisms that underlie meat quality traits of goose.
Subject(s)
Avian Proteins , Cell Proliferation , Geese , Meat , Animals , Geese/genetics , Geese/growth & development , Geese/physiology , Avian Proteins/genetics , Avian Proteins/metabolism , Meat/analysis , Muscle Development , Muscle, Skeletal/growth & development , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolismABSTRACT
A 28-d experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed-conditioning temperature on the pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal development, and blood parameters of geese. A total of 180 one-day-old White Yuzhou goslings were randomly allotted to 5 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing 6 birds each. Five diets were conditioned at 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85°C. Body weight and feed intake per pen basis were recorded from the arrival to the end of the trial. Blood and small intestine samples were collected on d 28 for analysis. The results showed that the pellet durability index (PDI), pellet hardness, and gelatinisation degree of starch (GDS) increased with increasing conditioning temperature (P < 0.05). The final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of goslings significantly increased when conditioning temperature increased from 65 or 70°C to 80 or 85°C (P < 0.05), accompanied by unaffected feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P > 0.05). The villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) in the duodenum and ileum improved with increasing conditioning temperature (P < 0.05). Additionally, trypsin and amylase activity were enhanced when the conditioning temperature increased from 65 to 85°C (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the carcass traits and blood parameters of goslings were observed among the groups (P > 0.05). Overall, under the present experimental conditions, increasing the steam-conditioning temperature of pelleted feed improved pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity in goslings. Based on broken-line regression analysis, the lower critical conditioning temperature for ADG in geese from 1 to 28 d of age was 80.95°C.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed , Diet , Geese , Animals , Geese/physiology , Geese/growth & development , Geese/blood , Animal Feed/analysis , Diet/veterinary , Temperature , Random Allocation , Intestines/physiology , Animal Nutritional Physiological PhenomenaABSTRACT
1. Melanin distribution typically exhibits a gradient dilution along the dorsal-ventral axis of the body, including in domestic geese. However, the specific genes and molecular mechanisms responsible for this melanin distribution pattern remain incompletely understood.2. The transcriptomic comparisons were conducted at three embryonic stages, specifically on embryonic d 15 (E15), 22 (E22), and 29 (E29), between the pigmented dorsal skin and the depigmented distal foot.3. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with melanin synthesis were identified, particularly TYR, TYRP1, and EDNRB2, which exhibited significantly higher expression levels in the dorsal skin at E15 and E22. However, expression levels significantly decreased in later stages (E29).4. The ASIP gene showed remarkably high-expression levels in the distal feet compared to the dorsal skin post-E22 stage (log2FC: 5.31/6.88 at E22/E29). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis detected eight terms associated with melanin synthesis and melanosome formation (p < 0.05), including melanosome membrane (GO: 0033162) and melanin biosynthetic process (GO: 0042438). Additionally, KEGG pathway analysis showed significant enrichment of the melanogenesis pathway (hsa004916) at d 22 (E22).
Subject(s)
Embryonic Development , Geese , Gene Expression Profiling , Melanins , Transcriptome , Animals , Melanins/metabolism , Melanins/genetics , Geese/genetics , Geese/growth & development , Geese/embryology , Geese/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling/veterinary , Embryonic Development/genetics , Avian Proteins/genetics , Avian Proteins/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, DevelopmentalABSTRACT
Goose is one of the most economically valuable poultry species and has a distinct appearance due to its possession of a knob. A knob is a hallmark of sexual maturity in goose (Anser cygnoides) and plays crucial roles in artificial selection, health status, social signaling, and body temperature regulation. However, the genetic mechanisms influencing the growth and development of goose knobs remain completely unclear. In this study, histomorphological and transcriptomic analyses of goose knobs in D70, D120, and D300 Yangzhou geese revealed differential changes in tissue morphology during the growth and development of goose knobs and the key core genes that regulate goose knob traits. Observation of tissue sections revealed that as age increased, the thickness of the knob epidermis, cuticle, and spinous cells gradually decreased. Additionally, fat cells in the dermis and subcutaneous connective tissue transitioned from loose to dense. Transcriptome sequencing results, analyzed through differential expression, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and pattern expression analysis methods, showed D70-vs.-D120 (up-regulated: 192; down-regulated: 423), D70-vs.-D300 (up-regulated: 1394; down-regulated: 1893), and D120-vs.-D300 (up-regulated: 1017; down-regulated: 1324). A total of 6243 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, indicating varied expression levels across the three groups in the knob tissues of D70, D120, and D300 Yangzhou geese. These DEGs are significantly enriched in biological processes (BP) such as skin morphogenesis, the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation, and epidermal cell differentiation. Furthermore, they demonstrate enrichment in pathways related to goose knob development, including ECM-receptor interaction, NF-kappa B, and PPAR signaling. Through pattern expression analysis, three gene expression clusters related to goose knob traits were identified. The joint analysis of candidate genes associated with goose knob development and WGCNA led to the identification of key core genes influencing goose knob development. These core genes comprise WNT4, WNT10A, TCF7L2, GATA3, ADRA2A, CASP3, SFN, KDF1, ERRFI1, SPRY1, and EVPL. In summary, this study provides a reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of goose knob growth and development and provides effective ideas and methods for the genetic improvement of goose knob traits.
Subject(s)
Geese , Gene Expression Profiling , Transcriptome , Animals , Geese/genetics , Geese/growth & development , Gene Regulatory Networks , Gene Expression Regulation, DevelopmentalABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of solid-state fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) inclusion levels on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism in geese from 28 to 70 d of age. A total of 288 twenty-eight-d-old male geese were randomly divided into 4 treatments with FCSM levels of 0, 5, 15 and 25% including 0, 22.74, 67.33, 111.27 mg FG/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment contained 6 replicates and 12 birds per replicate. Treatments of FCSM inclusions from 0 to 25% had no effect on growth rate and feed intake in geese during d 28 to 70. The F/G ratio was increased (P < 0.05) in geese fed the diet with 25% FCSM compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Treatment with 25% FCSM levels had no effect on the contents of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, but increased (P < 0.05) AST and ALT activities in serum of geese at d 70. Treatment with 25% FCSM increased the contents of FG, HDL-C, TC, C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and PUFA and decreased (P < 0.05) the contents of NEFA, SFA, MUFA in liver compared with treatment of 0% FCSM inclusion. Additionally, treatment with 25% FCSM decreased (P < 0.05) the PPARα, AMPK, and LXR mRNA expression related to lipid deposition, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARγ and ACC mRNA expression related to lipolysis in liver compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Overall, treatment with 0 to 15% FCSM (<=67.33 mg FG/kg diet) had no adverse effects on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of geese. However, treatment fed 25% FCSM (111.27 mg FG/kg diet) decreased feed efficiency and promoted hepatic lipid deposition associated with the alteration of related gene expression in geese at 28 to 70 d of age.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed , Diet , Geese , Lipid Metabolism , Liver , Animals , Geese/growth & development , Male , Animal Feed/analysis , Diet/veterinary , Liver/metabolism , Fermentation , Random Allocation , Cottonseed Oil/metabolism , Cottonseed Oil/administration & dosage , Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Dietary Supplements/analysisABSTRACT
This experiment aimed to study the effect of 1% Artemisia annua added to the diet on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity and intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota of geese. Seventy-two 35-day-old male geese (Zi goose) with similar body weight were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. Each treatment group of 36 geese was divided into 6 subgroups, each having 6 male geese. The experiment lasted for 21 d. Control group (CON) was fed a basal diet and the experimental group (AAL) was fed a basal diet + 1% Artemisia annua. BW, ADG, and ADFI of the AAL group increased (p < 0.05) and the FCR decreased (p < 0.05) compared with the CON group. The addition of Artemisia annua to the diet increased catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities, increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum and jejunum of geese (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, serum IgA, IgG, IgM, and lysozyme (LZM), increased at different time points in the AAL group compared to the CON group (p < 0.05), and decrease in the content of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) , IL-6 (p < 0.05), but no effect on complement C3 and C4. Morphological observation of the small intestine showed that the jejunal crypt depth was decreased in the AAL group (p < 0.05) while elevating the jejunal villus height/crypt depth (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing results showed the Artemisia annua increased the diversity of cecum microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Fecalibacterium, and Paraprevotella. In conclusion, the addition of 1% Artemisia annua to the diet could improve the growth performance, antioxidant and immune ability of geese, as well as improve the development of the jejunum intestinal tract of geese, and change the structure of the cecum microbiota, which had a positive effect on the growth and development of geese. Artemisia annua can be further developed as a feed additive.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed , Antioxidants , Artemisia annua , Diet , Dietary Supplements , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Geese , Random Allocation , Animals , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects , Artemisia annua/chemistry , Geese/growth & development , Geese/physiology , Animal Feed/analysis , Male , Diet/veterinary , Antioxidants/metabolism , Dietary Supplements/analysis , Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/drug effectsABSTRACT
The hypothalamus-pituitary axis is involved in digest processing, stress response, energy storage and many other processes. In birds, this control differs from in mammals, such as regulation of appetite and satiety centre. The transcriptomics analyses of both brain structures can explain and identify the molecular processes related to body growth and development and nutritional status. Many reports describe chicken transcriptome in literature, but gene expression studies in the other poultry species are extremely rare. Therefore, the present research undertook the attempt to explain hypothalamus-pituitary processes in domestic geese-Polish White Koluda®, main Polish line. After 16 weeks of fattening, significant differences in geese weight were observed. Therefore, transcriptome of pituitary and hypothalamus profiles could be compared between low and high growth rate geese groups. Due to the lack of domestic geese genome assembly in the public databases, we used three mapping approaches: de novo analysis, mapping to two other pink-footed and swan geese genomes. The functional examination showed that the most enriched biological process in the geese hypothalamus covered the immune response. Moreover, in the hypothalamus, proteins typical for the pituitary such as PRL and GH were differentially expressed (DE). Our study recommends one gene as a candidate for growth rate in geese-the FOS gene, which encodes Fos proto-oncogene-DE in both analysed tissues. The FOS gene is involved in regulating feeding behaviour, immune regulation, stimulating cellular proliferation and controlling growth hormone synthesis. Moreover, the present investigation indicates DE genes involved in gene expression regulation. The study delivers new information about the changes in the pituitary-hypothalamic axis in geese dependent on growth rate differences.
Subject(s)
Geese/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism , Transcriptome , Animals , Geese/growth & development , Gene Expression Profiling/veterinary , MaleABSTRACT
Growth performance is a complex economic trait for avian production. The swan goose (Anser cygnoides) has never been exploited genetically like chickens or other waterfowl species such as ducks. Traditional phenotypic selection is still the main method for genetic improvement of geese body weight. In this study, specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) with bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was conducted for discovering and genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with marketing weight trait in male geese. A total of 149,045 SNPs were obtained from 427,093 SLAF tags with an average sequencing depth of 44.97-fold and a Q30 value of 93.26%. After SNPs' filtering, a total of 12,917 SNPs were included in the study. The 31 highest significant SNPs-which had different allelic frequencies-were further validated by individual-based AS-PCR genotyping in two populations. The association between 10 novel SNPs and the marketing weight of male geese was confirmed. The 10 significant SNPs were involved in linear regression model analysis, which confirmed single-SNP associations and revealed three types of SNP networks for marketing weight. The 10 significant SNPs were located within or close to 10 novel genes, which were identified. The qPCR analysis showed significant difference between genotypes of each SNP in seven genes. Developed SLAF-seq and identified genes will enrich growth performance studies, promoting molecular breeding applications to boost the marketing weight of Chinese geese.
Subject(s)
Geese/genetics , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Animals , Body Weight , Breeding , Geese/growth & development , Geese/physiology , MaleABSTRACT
Goose meat is increasingly popular among consumers because of its good quality. The fiber characteristics have been well demonstrated to be key contributing factors of meat quality, and the marketable ages are also closely related to meat quality. However, little is known about the effect of different marketable ages on the quality of goose meat through its fiber characteristics. Here, fiber characteristics of Yangzhou geese of different marketable ages (70, 90, and 120 d) and their effect on meat quality were investigated. The results showed that only fast-twitch fibers were present in breast muscle, irrespective of age, and that few slow-twitch fibers could be identified in leg muscle, especially in gastrocnemius and extensor digitorum longus. Fiber diameter in breast muscle increased rapidly from age 70 d to 90 d, from 19.88 to 26.27 µm, and remained stable for 90 d thereafter. The diameter and cross-sectional area of muscle fiber continue to grow with day increasing in leg muscle. In addition, we measured the proximate composition and physical properties at different ages. Among the 3 marketable ages investigated, the 120-day-old geese had higher intramuscular fat and protein content, as well as lower moisture content, both in breast and leg meat. Greater lightness and pressing loss, with lower redness and shear force, were observed in the breast and leg meat of 70-day-old geese when compared with 90- or 120-day-old geese. Taken together, although older marketable age hardly affected muscle fiber type in geese, it would contribute to larger muscle fiber area, higher intramuscular fat and protein content, as well as redder and chewier meat. As a result, the reasonable marketable age should be taken into account to improve quality in goose meat production, and the marketable age of 90 or 120 d was recommended and it could potentially improve meat quality in goose meat production.
Subject(s)
Dietary Fiber/standards , Geese , Meat/standards , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/physiology , Age Factors , Animal Feed/standards , Animals , Female , Geese/growth & development , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Immunohistochemistry/veterinary , Lower Extremity/anatomy & histology , Meat/analysis , Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch/physiology , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/classification , Muscle, Skeletal/anatomy & histology , Myosin Heavy Chains/classification , Pectoralis Muscles/anatomy & histology , Pectoralis Muscles/growth & development , PigmentationABSTRACT
Thymic involution is a sign of immunosenescence, but little is known about it in goose. miRNAs and lncRNAs are critical factors regulating organ growth and development. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs during the development and involution of the thymus in Magang goose. The results showed that 2436 genes, 16 miRNAs and 417 lncRNAs were differentially co-expressed between the developmental (20-embryo age, 3-day post-hatch and 3-month age) and degenerative (6-month age) stages. The functional analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in cell proliferation, cell adhesion, apoptotic signaling pathway, and Notch signaling pathway. In addition, we established a gene-gene network through the STRING database and identified 50 key genes. Finally, we constructed a miRNA-mRNA network followed by a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. These results suggest that lncRNAs and miRNAs may be involved in the regulation of thymic development and involution in goose.
Subject(s)
Geese/genetics , Gene Regulatory Networks , Transcriptome , Animals , Geese/growth & development , Geese/immunology , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics , RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Thymus Gland/growth & development , Thymus Gland/metabolismABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding frequency on growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in geese from 28 to 70 D of age. In experiment 1, a total of 240 geese were distributed in a completely randomized design into 4 treatments and 6 replicates of 10 birds each. The treatments were free access to the feeder (ad libitum) and access to the feeder 3, 4, and 5 times daily. Geese fed 3 times daily had a lower (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, and ADFI and a higher (P = 0.064) feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 28 to 41 D of age compared with the other groups. Geese fed 4 times daily had a higher (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and a lower (P < 0.05) FCR from 42 to 55 D of age compared with ad libitum fed geese. Geese fed 3 times daily had a higher (P < 0.05) ADG from 56 to 69 D of age than geese fed ad libitum and 4 times daily. No differences (P > 0.05) in BW, ADFI, ADG, and FCR were observed between ad libitum and feeding frequency groups from 28 to 69 D of age. Carcass traits and gastrointestinal development were not affected (P > 0.05) by feeding frequency. In experiment 2, the apparent nutrient digestibility in geese from 71 to 77 D of age fed using different feeding frequencies was determined using the total fecal collection method. Feeding frequency did not affect (P > 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, crude ash, calcium, phosphorous, or ether extract in geese. Our study demonstrates for the first time that compensatory growth can be gained by enhancing feed intake when a lower feeding frequency is imposed on geese. Both ad libitum feeding and fixed feeding frequency for 3 to 5 times daily are suitable for geese from 28 to 70 D of age to achieve optimum production.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed , Animal Husbandry , Digestion , Feeding Methods , Geese , Animal Feed/analysis , Animal Husbandry/methods , Animals , Body Constitution/physiology , Diet/veterinary , Digestion/physiology , Feeding Methods/standards , Feeding Methods/veterinary , Geese/growth & development , Geese/metabolism , Nutrients/metabolism , Random AllocationABSTRACT
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is known to be an important rate-limiting enzyme in the production of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). However, the role of this enzyme in goose follicular development is poorly understood. To investigate the metabolic mechanism of SCD during goose follicular development, we observed its expression patterns in vivo and in vitro using quantitative reverse-transcription (qRT)-PCR. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine a cellular model of SCD function in granulosa cells (GCs) via SCD overexpression and knockdown. qRT-PCR analysis showed that SCD was abundantly expressed in the GC layer, and was upregulated in preovulatory follicles. Peak expression was found in F1 and prehierarchal follicles with diameters of 4-6 mm and 8-10 mm, respectively. We further found that mRNA expression and corresponding enzyme activity occur in a time-dependent oscillation pattern in vitro, beginning on the first day of GC culture. By LC-MS/MS, we identified numerous changes in metabolite activation and developed an overview of multiple metabolic pathways, 10 of which were associated with lipid metabolism and enriched in both the overexpressed and knockdown groups. Finally, we confirmed cholesterol and pantothenol or pantothenate as potential metabolite biomarkers to study SCD-related lipid metabolism in goose GCs.
Subject(s)
Geese/growth & development , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Lipid Metabolism , Metabolome , Ovarian Follicle/cytology , Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase/metabolism , Animals , Chromatography, Liquid , Female , Geese/metabolism , Ovarian Follicle/metabolism , Tandem Mass SpectrometryABSTRACT
This present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan (CS) on carcass composition and meat quality in growing Huoyan geese. A total of 320 (28-day-old) growing Huoyan geese (sex balance) with similar body weight were randomly divided into the following 4 main groups: basal diet (control), basal diet + 100 mg/kg CS (CS100), basal diet + 200 mg/kg CS (CS200), and basal diet + 400 mg/kg CS (CS400) groups. Each group includes 4 replicates with 20 geese per replicate, and the feeding trail lasted for 4 wk. The results showed that the geese in CS200 group had lower abdominal fat percentage, b∗ value, shear force, crude fat content, and drip loss of breast and thigh muscle than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the CS200 group had higher glutamic acid, glycine, lysine, valine, total nonessential amino acids, total essential amino acids, total amino acids, C22:0, C16:1, C18:1, C20:1, C20:2, C20:5, total monounsaturated fatty acids concentration and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio and lower total SFA, total PUFA concentration, and total n-6:n-3 ratio in breast muscle than the control group (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicated that addition of 200 mg/kg CS improved meat quality in growing Huoyan geese through altering slaughter performance, meat traits, amino acids, and fatty acids composition.
Subject(s)
Amino Acids/metabolism , Chitosan/metabolism , Fatty Acids/metabolism , Geese/physiology , Meat/analysis , Animal Feed/analysis , Animals , Chitosan/administration & dosage , Diet/veterinary , Dietary Supplements/analysis , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Geese/growth & development , Male , Random AllocationABSTRACT
Dietary chitosan (CS) supplementation could improve the growth rate, small intestinal morphology, nutrients apparent digestibility and digestive enzyme activities in pigs, broiler chickens, rats and fish, whereas no data has been reported about the effect of CS on the growing Huoyan geese. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of CS on growth rate, small intestinal morphology, nutrients apparent utilization and digestive enzyme activities of growing Huoyan geese. Three hundred and twenty (28 days of age, gender balance) Huoyan geese were randomly divided into control, CS100, CS200 and CS400 groups (based on BW) with 20 geese per pen and 4 replicates pen per group, and the feeding experiment lasted for 4 weeks. The 4 diets contained 0, 100, 200 and 400 mg CS per kg feed, respectively. The results showed that CS200 groups had higher average daily gain, final BW, apparent utilization of DM and CP, and lower feed/gain ratio compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, CS100 and CS200 groups had higher villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio and lower crypt depth in duodenum and jejunum than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The geese in CS100 and CS200 groups had higher villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio and lower crypt depth of ileum compared with those in control and CS400 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, CS200 group has higher trypsin activities and lower lipase activities in duodenal, jejunal and ileal contents (P < 0.05). The results suggested that addition of 200 mg/kg CS had positive effects on growth rate, small intestinal morphology, nutrients apparent utilization and digestive enzyme activities of growing Huoyan geese.
Subject(s)
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Chitosan , Geese , Animal Feed/analysis , Animals , Chitosan/pharmacology , Diet/veterinary , Geese/growth & development , Geese/metabolism , NutrientsABSTRACT
This present experiment was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan (CS) on immune function in growing Huoyan geese. A total of 320 28-day-old healthy growing Huoyan geese (sex balance) with similar body weight were randomly allotted into control, CS100, CS200, and CS400 groups. Each group includes 4 replicates with 20 geese per replicate, and the feeding trial lasted for 4 wk. The 4 diets contained 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg CS per kg feed, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, the relative weight of thymus, serum concentrations of IGF-I, INS, GH, T3, T4, IgM, IgG, IgA, complement C3, and IL-2 in CS200 group were significantly higher at both 42 and 56 D of age, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, relative weight of bursa of fabricius (BF), spleen, serum complement C4, and TNF-a concentrations in CS200 group were higher at 56 D of age (P < 0.05), no differences were observed at 42 D of age (P > 0.05). These results indicated that addition of 200 mg/kg CS enhanced immune organs weight, serum concentrations of immunoglobulins, complements, hormone, as well as cytokines, and improved immune function of growing Huoyan geese.
Subject(s)
Blood Proteins/metabolism , Chitosan/metabolism , Geese/immunology , Hormones/blood , Immune System/drug effects , Animal Feed/analysis , Animals , Chitosan/administration & dosage , Diet/veterinary , Dietary Supplements/analysis , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Geese/growth & development , Geese/metabolism , Male , Random AllocationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Wingless-types/beta-catenin (Wnt/ß-catenin) signaling pathway is one of the most extensively studied transcriptional cascades involved in various types of organogenesis including embryonic and postnatal development. Downy feather quantity is primarily affected by follicular development and gene regulations. OBJECTIVE: This research was aimed to investigate the role of catenin beta-1(CTNNB1) and lymphoid enhancerbinding factor-1 (LEF1) on feather follicles development at different developmental stages. METHODS: Fluorescence quantitative PCR, Western-blot and immunohistochemical methods were used in Anser cygnoides and Anser anser embryos (E12, E13 E18, and E28) and after birth gosling stages (G18, G48, G88) for gene expression analysis. RESULTS: CTNNB1 and LEF1 genes were expressed in Anser cygnoides and Anser anser at different embryonic and after-birth gosling developmental stages and the expression levels were significantly different in different stages (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of CTNNB1 and LEF1 genes reached the highest level at D88 in Anser cygnoides, while the highest expression levels were at D18 and D88 in Anser anser, and the expression levels of CTNNB1 genes at D88 in all embryonic stages were significantly lower than after-birth stages. CTNNB1 and LEF1 protein expression were the highest at E12 and E28 for Anser cygnoides feather follicles development. While at a similar stage for Anser anser, the expression of CTNNB1 and LEF1 protein was the highest at D48 and D18. Protein expression at embryonic stages was in the epidermis (E) and the hair basal plate (P), the expression site for after-birth stages was in the dermal papilla (DP). CONCLUSION: Our study illustrated that CTNNB1 and LEF1 has an impact on Anser cygnoides and Anser anser feather follicles growth and development.
Subject(s)
Feathers/growth & development , Geese/growth & development , Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1/physiology , beta Catenin/physiology , Animals , Feathers/metabolism , Geese/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1/metabolism , Organogenesis , Wnt Signaling Pathway , beta Catenin/metabolismABSTRACT
Besides on the reproductive performance, the light also has an important effect on the growth in birds. In the present study, we for the first time investigated effects of colored light-emitting diodes (LED) on both growth performance and fecal microbiota in meat geese. We randomly selected a total of 120 geese at birth (0-day), divided them into 3 groups evenly (i.e., 40 geese each group), and then reared them under 3 colored light-emitting diodes (i.e., blue, red, and white) with the same photoperiod for 9 wk, respectively. We collected fecal samples at the experimental day 35 and 63, respectively. We observed that geese in blue light had higher body weight than those in red and white lights at the early stage of the experiment but showed lower body weight at the late stage, particularly at day 63 (P < 0.05). Interestingly, we found that the relative abundances of 3 dominant bacteria phyla, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria, were comparable among 3 groups at day 35, while at day 63, the blue light group had the significantly (P < 0.05) lowest and highest abundance for Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, respectively. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that the fecal microbiota in the red light group was mainly involved in metabolism at day 35, whereas at day 63, the fecal microbiota were engaged into membrane transportation and transcription. In contrast, the blue light group had more enriched pathways relevant with membrane transportation at day 63 than day 35 and had several pathways involved in metabolism at day 63 as well. Collectively, our results revealed that the light with different colors affects the growth performance of geese via the gut microbiota, which in turn influences the digestion and absorption of geese.
Subject(s)
Cyanobacteria/metabolism , Firmicutes/metabolism , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Geese/growth & development , Geese/microbiology , Lighting , Proteobacteria/metabolism , Animals , Color , Feces/microbiology , Light , Random AllocationABSTRACT
A total of 702 1-day-old male Jiangnan White goslings were used to study the effects of varying levels of Na+ and Cl- on their growth performance and blood parameters. In this experiment, goslings were randomly allotted to nine treatments, with six pens per treatment in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, and fed diets with three concentrations of added Na+ (0.10%, 0.15% and 0.20%) and three concentrations of added Cl- (0.15%, 0.20% and 0.25%). The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the sensitivity of goslings to Na+ and Cl- during brooding to determine the appropriate levels of Na+ and Cl- in their feed. The results are as follows: (a) Different levels of Na+ and Cl- in the diet, especially low Na+ and Cl- , significantly affected the body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and feed/gain ratio (F/G) of the 28-day-old goslings (p < .05). But Na+ × Cl- has no significant effect on water consumption (p > .05). (b) Serum concentrations of urea increased linearly with Na+ content (p < .05). Serum concentrations of creatinine (CR) and uric acid (UA) increased linearly with Cl- content (p < .05). (c) Na+ × Cl- has a significant impact on the serum sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl; p < .05). The content of serum Na and Cl increased linearly with increasing levels of Na+ and Cl- . These results show that low levels of Na+ and Cl- had significant adverse effects on the growth of 1- to 28-day-old goslings. The results of the experiment support a recommendation to supplement the diet of goslings with 0.20% Cl- and not <0.15% Na+ .
Subject(s)
Chlorides/administration & dosage , Geese/blood , Sodium, Dietary/administration & dosage , Animal Feed/analysis , Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Animals , Chlorides/blood , Diet/veterinary , Drinking , Geese/growth & development , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Male , Sodium/blood , WaterABSTRACT
Moringa stem meal (MSM) with a high level of crude fibre (CF) might be developed and utilized in herbivorous geese as an unconventional feedstuff. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the MSM level in the diet on the growth performance, slaughter performance, breast meat quality and serum biochemical parameters in geese from 22 to 70 days of age. A one-factor completely randomized design was adopted in our study. A total of one thousand eight 21-day-old geese were randomly divided into six groups, with six replicates per group and 28 birds per replicate. The geese were fed diets containing MSM levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 g/kg during day 22-70. The dietary MSM level had no effect (p > .05) on the final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). The feed/gain ratio (F/G) increased linearly (p < .001) as the dietary MSM level increased. No differences (p > .05) were observed in the slaughter performance, meat quality and the relative organ weight (except for thymus) of the geese (p > .05). The relative weight of the thymus in the geese fed diets with supplementation of MSM was higher than that in the non-supplemented MSM control group (p < .05). In addition, 100 g MSM/kg of diet decreased the serum glucose (GLU) level (p < .05) and increased the alanine transaminase (ALT) enzyme activity (p = .03). Dietary MSM levels of no more than 60 g/kg had no effects on the growth performance and slaughter performance, whereas diets with 100 g MSM/kg increased the F/G and serum ALT enzyme activity, as well as decreasing the serum GLU level. Therefore, MSM provided at a reasonable level could be developed as an unconventional feedstuff for geese at the finisher period.