Slatted floor reduces the welfare and increases the foot pad dermatitis and growth performance of Turkeys under Egyptian conditions.

Background: When Turkeys' legscome in contact with their dropping during the growing stage results in footpad dermatitis condition which affects the poult's welfare and productivity. Aim: Our experiment aimed to detect the impact of various bedding substrates on the wellbeing, and performance of growing Turkey under Egyptian conditions. Methods: 180-day-old Turkey poults were allocated into three treatments. In treatment I, the poults [60 each with three replicates (n = 20 birds)] were kept on wood shavings (WS); in the second treatment, the poults were housed on chopped wheat straw (CWS). However, in the third treatment, they kept on a plastic slatted floor (PSF). Results: The greater feed intake and body weight were recorded in poults reared in PSF compared with those kept in other treatments (WS and CWS). Feed conversion ratio did not show any significant difference. The mortality percentage was higher in the PSF group than in the WS one. The frequency of feeding and drinking behavior was higher in poults reared on WS treatment compared with other treatments CWS and PSF. On the other hand, resting behavior showed the highest frequency in poults kept in PSF. Contrary, the lowest frequency of walking behavior was recorded in poults reared in PSF treatment. In addition, the poults kept in WS had a longer tonic immobility reaction period followed by those kept in PSF and CWS. Concerning foot-pad dermatitis, the highest score of 0 was observed in the CWS group, while the highest score of 1 was recorded among poults kept in the WS group. On the other side, the highest score 2, 3, and 4 was observed in the poults reared in the PSF group. Heterophil/Lymphocyte ratio of Turkey poults was higher in PSF. While T3 and T4 concentrations in blood were not affected by using different bedding materials. Conclusion: It is concluded that the slatted floor was good for Turkey producers from the point of performance but, it is the worst from the point of welfare.

Assessing the relationship between somatic cell count and the milk mid-infrared spectrum in Chinese Holstein cows.

BACKGROUND: Milk produced by dairy cows is a complex combination of many components, but the effect of mastitis has only been investigated for a few of these components. Milk mid-infrared (MIR) spectra can reflect the global composition of milk, and this study aimed to detect the relationships between milk MIR spectral wavenumbers and milk somatic cell count (SCC)-a sensitive biomarker for mastitis. METHODS: Pearson correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between somatic count score (SCS) and spectral wavenumbers. A general linear mixed model was applied to investigate the effect of three different classes of SCC (low, middle and high) on spectral wavenumbers. RESULTS: The mean correlation coefficient between the 'fingerprint region' (wavenumbers 925-1582 cm-1 ) and the SCS was higher than that for other regions of the MIR spectrum, and the specific wavenumber with the strongest correlation with the SCS was within the 'fingerprint region'. SCC class had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on 639 spectral wavenumbers. In particular, some spectral wavenumbers within the 'fingerprint region' were highly affected by the SCC class. LIMITATION: The data were collected from only one province in China, so the generalisability of the findings may be limited. CONCLUSION: SCC had close relationships with milk spectral wavenumbers related to important milk components or chemical bonds.

Administration of melatonin prior to modified synchronization protocol improves the productive and reproductive efficiency of Chinese crossbred buffaloes in low breeding season.

Introduction: Melatonin is a neurohormone involving various biological processes, including restoration of cyclicity in animals with seasonal breeding patterns. The use of melatonin in different forms has gained broader acceptance in different species, particularly in summer anestrous buffaloes. Objectives: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the melatonin effect on the reproductive and productive performance of crossbred buffaloes during the low breeding season. Methods: Sixty-five cyclic and reproductively sound crossbred buffaloes were randomly allocated to three groups: the G1 (n = 20) served as the control group and received no single melatonin, G2 received melatonin (n = 22; 18 mg/50 kg, body weight) once prior to synchronization and G3 group was administered multiple melatonin injections (n = 23; 6 mg/50 kg body weight) for three consecutive days before the start of the synchronization protocol. The reproductive performance, milk yield traits, and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and melatonin levels were evaluated in treated and untreated crossbred buffaloes. Results: The results revealed that a single dose of melatonin administration has (p < 0.05) improved estrus response, ovulation occurrence and follicular growth in crossbred buffaloes compared to control groups. Higher pregnancy rates were observed in both melatonin-treated buffalo groups compared to the control. Following the administration of melatonin, serum IgM level increased in G2 and G3; however, an increment in melatonin level (p < 0.05) was detected in the G2 group only as compared to the control group subsequent day of melatonin administration. The milk compositions were not affected by melatonin administration except for milk urea nitrogen and somatic cell count (SCC). The melatonin administration (p < 0.05) decreased the somatic cell count in buffalo milk compared to untreated. Conclusion: In conclusion, single or multiple doses of melatonin before initiating the synchronization protocol improved the ovulation, ovulatory follicle diameter and pregnancy rates in crossbred buffaloes during the low breeding season. Moreover, the administration of melatonin enhanced the IgM values along milk traits in terms of milk protein, MUN and somatic cell count in treated buffaloes.

Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies host factors important for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus replication.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), a viral infection caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV) can result in severe reproductive failure, and respiratory disease in the pigs thus causing enormous economic losses to the global swine industry. Although the cellular receptors for PRRSV have been identified, but mechanisms underlying PPRSV replication remain obscure. Here, we have performed a genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in the pig kidney cells with PRRSV. Several genes were found to be highly enriched post-PRRSV selection, just like KxDL Motif Containing 1(KXD1), Proteasome 26S Subunit, Non-ATPase 3 (PSMD3) and Galectin 2 (LGALS2) and soon on. Importantly, we have identified that loss of KXD1 resulted in the restricted autophagy and inhibited replication of PRRSV. Therefore, our study demonstrates that CRISPR/Cas9 system can be effectively used for the screening of pig factors responsible for PRRSV replication.

Effect of different feed restriction regimens on performance, behaviors, blood cortisol, and carcass parameters of growing Sasso broilers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different feed restriction regimens on performance, behavioral patterns, blood cortisol, and carcass parameters in Sasso broilers. Sixty healthy 1-day-old unsexed Sasso chicks were randomly assigned to three groups (20 chicks per group) and each group was divided into 4 replicates with 5 chicks each based on feed restriction program during the rearing period (60 days). The first group (G1) is control in which birds were fed ad libitum had free access to feed (no restriction). The second group (G2) was subjected to temporary feed restriction at the first 2 weeks as birds had access to feed for 12 h only after that they had free access to feed until the end of the experimental period. The third one (G3) was subjected to continuous feed restriction as birds had free access to feed for 12 h only throughout the rearing periods. During the study period, growth performance and behavioral patterns were estimated. At the end of the study, blood samples for cortisol testing were taken. Three birds from each group were slaughtered at the end of the study to see how the feed restriction affected carcass parameters. Feed restriction had a substantial impact (P ≤ 0.05) on final body weight and carcass parameters. Feed restriction elevated blood cortisol significantly (P = 0.004). Feed restriction showed a significant impact on some behaviors as feeding, stretching, preening, and aggression. Overall, different feed restriction programs had a wide effect on growth performance, behaviors, cortisol concentration, and carcass parameters of Sasso broilers.

Evaluation of Ovsynch versus modified Ovsynch program on pregnancy rate in water buffaloes: a meta-analysis.

Ovsynch is a widely accepted estrus synchronization protocol for improving the reproductive performance of water buffaloes who manifest low reproductive efficiency. Recently, some modified protocols based on Ovsynch such as 2 injections of prostaglandin 14 days apart following the Ovsynch are also introduced to enhance the reproductive potential of this species. In the present study, a meta-analytical assessment was performed with the objective to evaluate the reproductive performance of water buffaloes synchronized with Ovsynch or modified Ovsynch programs. Meta-analysis of the fixed or random effects model was determined by the heterogeneity among the studies. Reproductive outcome of interest was pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) measured on day 25 (25-100). A total of 32 articles including 4003 buffaloes using either Ovsynch or modified Ovsynch protocol were reviewed. In the random effects model for buffaloes, the overall proportion of P/AI was 42.55% [95% confidence interval (CI): 37.48-47.70; n = 3,089] and 46.44% (95% CI: 39.63-53.31; n = 914) on day 25 after AI for Ovsynch and modified Ovsynch, respectively. Results for P/AI were then categorized by ovarian activity, where P/AI was available for 3575 cyclic buffaloes and 320 non-cyclic buffaloes. For cyclic buffaloes, the overall proportion of P/AI was 47.54% (95% CI: 42.72-52.38; n = 2911) and 57.97% (95% CI: 54.12-61.77; n = 664) on day 25 after AI for Ovsynch and modified Ovsynch, respectively. In the fixed effects model for non-cyclic buffaloes, the overall proportion of P/AI was 19.68% (95% CI: 13.48-26.58; n = 167) and 33.01% (95% CI: 25.50-40.94; n = 153) on day 25 after AI for Ovsynch and modified Ovsynch, respectively. In conclusion, a benefit for P/AI is detected in buffaloes with the modified Ovsynch protocol. Besides, whichever estrus synchronization protocols (Ovsynch or modified Ovsynch), cyclic buffaloes have higher P/AI compared with non-cyclic buffaloes.

Influence of Estrus on the Milk Characteristics and Mid-Infrared Spectra of Dairy Cows.

Milk produced by dairy cows is a complex combination of many components. However, at present, changes in only a few milk components (e.g., fat, protein, and lactose) during the estrus cycle in dairy cows have been documented. Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is a worldwide method routinely used for milk analysis, as MIR spectra reflect the global composition of milk. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the changes in milk MIR spectra and milk production traits (fat, protein, lactose, urea, total solids (TS), and solid not fat (SnF)) due to estrus. Cows that were successfully inseminated, leading to conception, were included. Cows confirmed to be pregnant were considered to be in estrus at the day of insemination (day 0). A general linear mixed model, which included the random effect of cows, the fixed classification effects of parity number, days in relation to estrus, as well as the interaction between parity number and days in relation to estrus, was applied to investigate the changes in milk production traits and 1060 milk infrared wavenumbers, ranging from 925 to 5011 cm-1, of 371 records from 162 Holstein cows on the days before (day -3, day -2, and day -1) and on the day of estrus (day 0). The days in relation to estrus had a significant effect on fat, protein, urea, TS, and SnF, whose contents increased from day -3 to day 0. Lactose did not seem to be significantly influenced by the occurrence of estrus. The days in relation to estrus had significant effects on the majority of the wavenumbers. Besides, we found that some of the wavenumbers in the water absorption regions were significantly changed on the days before and on the day of estrus. This suggests that these wavenumbers may contain useful information. In conclusion, the changes in the milk composition due to estrus can be observed through the analysis of the milk MIR spectrum. Further analyses are warranted to more deeply explore the potential use of milk MIR spectra in the detection of estrus.

Effects of parity and days in milk on milk composition in correlation with ß-hydroxybutyrate in tropic dairy cows.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of parity and days in milk on milk yield and milk production traits and their correlation with ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in milk of Chinese tropic Holstein dairy cows which are adapted to a humid subtropical climate in central China. About 3055 milking records of Holstein cows were obtained from three farms in the hot region in the center of China. The records were classified according to parity to 4 categories: first parity, second parity, third parity, and greater than third parity. According to days in milk, there were 4 groups, first group from (1-100 days), second group from (101-200 days), third group from (201-305 days), and fourth group (>305 days). Milk samples collected between April and November 2019 from the three farms were routinely checked for milk components including BHB using mid-infrared spectroscopy a MilkoScan FT+ (Foss, Hillerød, Denmark). Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance (generalized linear model, GLM). Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to measure the correlation between SCC and BHB with milk yield and milk production traits. Results showed the significant effect of parity and days in milk on milk yield and milk production traits. There was a negative effect of parity and days in milk on milk quality, with increasing parity and days in milk being associated with higher somatic cell count (SCC) (P <0.001). Days in milk significantly affected (P=0.001) BHB. It was concluded that with increasing parity and prolonged days in milk, there was a negative effect on milk quality and udder health of the tropic dairy cows in central China. Based on the results of the current study, sampling milk for specific metabolites, somatic cell count, and quality are sufficient to asses herd health.

Molecular characterization and analysis of the association of growth hormone 1 gene with growth traits in Chinese indigenous yak (Bos grunniens).

This study aimed to investigate the effects of polymorphisms in growth hormone 1 (GH1) gene on the growth traits in Chinese indigenous yak. Using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-PFLP) approach, one novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), termed as g.1721G>A, was identified in the exon 4 of GH1 gene in 423 individuals of yak population. Based on the chi-square (χ2) test, the frequencies of g.1721G>A alleles agreed with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) (P < 0.05). A significant association was observed between this SNP and several growth traits (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), in which the genotype GG exhibited the best values. The present study suggested that the identified SNP was a useful genetic marker for the improvement of growth traits in Chinese indigenous yak.

The genetic polymorphisms of melanocortin-4 receptor gene are associated with carcass quality traits in a Chinese indigenous beef cattle breed.

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was considered as an essential modifiers in feelings intake, the regulation of metabolism and body weight. This study aimed at identifying polymorphisms in MC4R gene that might associate with carcass quality traits in Chinese indigenous beef cattle breed. qPCR analysis showed that the MC4R gene was widely expressed in various tissues, with predominantly expression levels in heart. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, including a mutation (g.85A > G) in 5'untranslated regions (UTR) and two mutations (g.927C > T and g.1069C > G) in exon 1. Based on the χ2 test, both g.927C > T and g.1069C > G loci fitted with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > .05). Population genetic analysis showed that except for g.85A > G, the other detected SNPs strongly affected the bovine back fat thickness and intramuscular fat content (P < .05). The individuals with Hap1/4 diplotypes (ACC-ATG) were highly significantly associated with carcass quality traits than the other diplotypes (P < .01 or P < .05). Results indicated that the bovine MC4R gene polymorphisms were implicated as genetic markers of potential importance in marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies to improve carcass quality in Chinese Qinchuan cattle.

Genetic variants in MYF5 affected growth traits and beef quality traits in Chinese Qinchuan cattle.

Myogenic factor 5 plays actively roles in the regulation of myogenesis. The aims of this study are to identify the evolution information of MYF5 protein among 10 domestic and mammalian animals, to uncover the expression patterns of MYF5 gene in calves and adults of Qinchuan cattle, and to expose the genetic variants of the MYF5 gene and explore its effect on cattle growth traits and beef quality traits in Qinchuan cattle. The bioinformatics results showed that the MYF5 proteins highly conserved in different mammalian or domestic animals apart from chicken. The expression level of MYF5 gene in the heart, muscle, lung, large intestine and liver was greater than that of other tissues. PCR amplicons sequencing identified four novel SNPs at g.5738A>G, g.5785C>T and g.5816A>G in the 3rd exon region and g.6535A>G in the 3' UTR. Genotypic frequencies of g.5785C>T was harshly deviated from the HWE (P < .05). Genetic diversity was low or intermediate for the four SNPs and those SNPs were in the weak linkage disequilibrium. Association analysis results indicated g.5785C>T, g.5816A>G and g.6535A>G significant effect on growth performance and beef quality traits of Qinchuan cattle. H1H3 diplotype had greater body size and better beef quality. All the results implicate that the MYF5 gene might be applied as a promising candidate gene in Qinchuan cattle breeding.

Genetic Analysis of Milk Production Traits and Mid-Infrared Spectra in Chinese Holstein Population.

Milk composition always serves as an indicator for the cow's health status and body condition. Some non-genetic factors such as parity, days in milk (DIM), and calving season, which obviously affect milk performance, therefore, need to be considered in dairy farm management. However, only a few milk compositions are used in the current animal selection programs. The mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy can reflect the global composition of milk, but this information is currently underused. The objectives of this study were to detect the effect of some non-genetic factors on milk production traits as well as 1060 individual spectral points covering from 925.92 cm-1 to 5011.54 cm-1, estimate heritabilities of milk production traits and MIR spectral wavenumbers, and explore the genetic correlations between milk production traits and 1060 individual spectral points in a Chinese Holstein population. The mixed models procedure of SAS software was used to test the non-genetic factors. Single-trait animal models were used to estimate heritabilities and bivariate animal models were used to estimate genetic correlations using the package of ASReml in R software. The results showed that herd, parity, calving season, and lactation stage had significant effects on the percentages of protein and lactose, whereas herd and lactation stage had significant effects on fat percentage. Moreover, the herd showed a significant effect on all of the 1060 individual wavenumbers, whereas lactation stage, parity, and calving season had significant effect on most of the wavenumbers of the lactose-region (925 cm-1 to 1200 cm-1), protein-region (1240 cm-1 to 1600 cm-1), and fat-regions (1680 cm-1 to 1770 cm-1 and 2800 cm-1 to 3015 cm-1). The estimated heritabilities for protein percentage (PP), fat percentage (FP), and lactose percentage (LP) were 0.08, 0.05, and 0.09, respectively. Further, the milk spectrum was heritable but low for most individual points. Heritabilities of 1060 individual spectral points were 0.04 on average, ranging from 0 to 0.11. In particular, heritabilities for wavenumbers of spectral regions related to water absorption were very low and even null, and heritabilities for wavenumbers of specific MIR regions associated with fat-I, fat-II, protein, and lactose were 0.04, 0.06, 0.05, and 0.06 on average, respectively. The genetic correlations between PP and FP, PP and LP, FP, and LP were 0.78, -0.29, and -0.14, respectively. In addition, PP, FP, and LP shared the similar patterns of genetic correlations with the spectral wavenumbers. The genetic correlations between milk production traits and spectral regions related to important milk components varied from weak to very strong (0.01 to 0.94, and -0.01 to -0.96). The current study could be used as a management tool for dairy farms and also provides a further understanding of the genetic background of milk MIR spectra.

Sedative, analgesic, behavioral and clinical effects of intravenous nalbuphine-xylazine combination in camels (Camelus dromedarius).

This study examined the sedative, analgesic, behavioral, and clinical effects of a combination of xylazine (XY) and nalbuphine-xylazine (NA-XY) in camels. A total of five adult camels were used in a prospective randomized cross-over design with a wash out period of two weeks. Camels were allocated randomly to two treatment groups: the XY group (xylazine, 1.1mL/100 kg IV) and the NA-XY group (xylazine, 1.1mL/100 kg IV and nalbuphine, 1 mg/kg IV). The sedative, analgesic, behavioral, and clinical effects of XY and NA-XY combination were evaluated prior to administration (baseline) and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 minutes post-administration. The results showed that the NA-XY combination accelerates the onset of sedation and analgesia and prolongs the durations of both sedation (p < 0.001) and analgesia (p < 0.01). The behavioral parameters showed higher scores with a NA-XY combination than xylazine alone. Although a XY injection resulted in a significant decline in the heart and respiratory rate, the NA-XY combination group revealed a non-significant change in both clinical parameters compared to the baseline. In conclusion, the use of a NA-XY combination in camels improved the sedative and analgesic onset and duration with an improved outcome in the behavioral scores, as well as in both the heart and respiratory rates compared to XY alone.

Clinical, behavioral and biochemical alterations due to shearing stress in Ossimi sheep.

The effects of shearing on behavioral patterns, antioxidants, and inflammatory and stress biomarkers was investigated in Ossimi sheep. Clinical parameters and behavioral patterns were recorded, and serum samples were collected pre-shearing and 1, 5, 10 and 15 days post-shearing from 60 Ossimi sheep. The results revealed that grooming and standing idle frequencies were significantly (P<0.01) increased post-shearing. There were significant (P<0.01) increases in IL-6, cortisol, and MDA detected from the 1st to the 10th day post-shearing compared to pre-shearing values. IL-2 and TNF-α significantly (P<0.01) increased from the 1st until the 5th day post-shearing compared to pre-shearing values, while significant (P<0.01) decreases in the values of catalase from the 1st until the 5th day post-shearing compared to pre-shearing values were recorded. Regarding to glutathione reductase, there was a significant (P<0.01) decrease from the 1st until the 10th day post-shearing compared to pre-shearing values. Shearing leads to significant changes in antioxidants, inflammatory, stress biomarkers, and some behaviors in sheep.