ASReml-based estimation of early genetic parameters in hybrid mutton sheep populations.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of non-genetic factors on the estimation of genetic parameters of early growth traits in hybrid mutton sheep using ASReml software, in order to provide theoretical basis for screening the optimal hybriding combinations and accelerating the breeding process of new breeds of specialized housed-feeding mutton sheep. We selected the wellgrown hybrid Southhu (Southdown × Hu sheep) and Dorhu (Dorset × Hu sheep) sheep as the research objects, constructed weight correction formulae for SH and DH sheep at 60 and 180 days; and used ASReml software to investigate the effects of non-genetic factors on the estimation of genetic parameters of early growth traits in hybrid sheep. The results showed that the birth month and birth type were found significant for all traits (p < 0.001); the heritability of maternal effects ranged from 0.0709 to 0.1859. It was found that both SH and DH sheep emerged the potential for rapid early growth and development, early growth traits are significantly affected by maternal genetic effects, thereby the maternal effect should be taken into consideration for the purpose of improving accuracy in parameter estimations and therefore increasing the success of breeding programs.

Hybridization promotes growth performance by altering rumen microbiota and metabolites in sheep.

Hybridization can substantially improve growth performance. This study used metagenomics and metabolome sequencing to examine whether the rumen microbiota and its metabolites contributed to this phenomenon. We selected 48 approximately 3 month-old male ♂Hu × â™€Hu (HH, n = 16), ♂Poll Dorset × â™€Hu (DH, n = 16), and ♂Southdown × â™€Hu (SH, n = 16) lambs having similar body weight. The sheep were fed individually under the same nutritional and management conditions for 95 days. After completion of the trial, seven sheep close to the average weight per group were slaughtered to collect rumen tissue and content samples to measure rumen epithelial parameters, fermentation patterns, microbiota, and metabolite profiles. The final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI) values in the DH and SH groups were significantly higher and the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) significantly lower than the value in the HH group; additionally, the papilla height in the DH group was higher than that in the HH group. Acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the DH group were higher than those in the HH group, whereas NH3-N concentration decreased in the DH and SH groups. Metagenomic analysis revealed that several Prevotella and Fibrobacter species were significantly more abundant in the DH group, contributing to an increased ability to degrade dietary cellulose and enrich their functions in enzymes involved in carbohydrate breakdown. Bacteroidaceae bacterium was higher in the SH group, indicating a greater ability to digest dietary fiber. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the concentrations of rumen metabolites (mainly lysophosphatidylethanolamines [LPEs]) were higher in the DH group, and microbiome-related metabolite analysis indicated that Treponema bryantii and Fibrobacter succinogenes were positively correlated with the LPEs. Moreover, we found methionine sulfoxide and N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid were characteristic metabolites in the DH and SH groups, respectively, and are related to oxidative stress, indicating that the environmental adaptability of crossbred sheep needs to be further improved. These findings substantially deepen the general understanding of how hybridization promotes growth performance from the perspective of rumen microbiota, this is vital for the cultivation of new species and the formulation of precision nutrition strategies for sheep.

Antifungal activity of montmorillonite/peptide aptamer nanocomposite against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Stylosanthes.

Chemical agents are effective treatment methods for anthracnose induced by pathogenic Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Stylosanthes. However, excess consumption of chemical agents destroys the environment, synthetic biology was capable of conquering the issue. The antifungal agent is developed by enclosing a bio-synthesized peptide aptamer with layered montmorillonite via electrostatic interaction. Compared with free peptide aptamer, the nanocomposite exhibits higher antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, further improving the utilization of peptide aptamer. The nanocomposite killed Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by releasing peptide aptamer after they entered the spore. Moreover, montmorillonite enhances the adhesion ability of peptide aptamer via hydrophobic interactions between nanomaterials and leaves, prolonging the extension time of nanocomposite on leaves. Consequently, 0.1 mg of nanocomposite demonstrates a comparable effect to commercial carbendazim (1 %) to prevent anthracnose on leaves of Stylosanthes induced by HK-04 at room temperature. This work demonstrates an alternative to commercial antifungal agents and proposes a versatile approach to preparing environmental-friendly antifungal agents to inhibit fungal infections on crops.