Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department

Worldwide, billions of day-old male chicks are culled each year in the egg industry due to the low market value of layer-type males. As a result of public pressure on this ethical issue, some countries banned the practice, leading to changes in animal welfare legislation. In addition to the use of dual-purpose chicken for egg and meat production, technologies for in-ovo sex determination, aiming to cull male embryos during early development and prior to the onset of pain perception, are feasible alternatives. However, the temporal onset of pain perception in chick embryos is still unknown, and its determination is challenging. Here we embed a review of the existing literature of in-ovo pain research under the country-specific umbrella of societal discussions and culling alternatives. Recently, a study on nociception measured first signs of responses by the embryo at day 13 of incubation. Still, neither the depiction of nociceptive pathways nor an EEG, which includes signals of general muscle contraction, provide definitive proof of the perception of pain. We urge that more knowledge about the development of pain perception in chick embryos is key to the ethical framework that should underpin policy decisions.

The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological variation of somatic cell count (SCC) and milk somatic cell subsets in relation to total bacterial count and milk production parameters, in mastitis-free local Greek ewes. To this end, we studied the SCC, daily milk yield and composition, milk somatic cell subset distribution and total bacterial count in the milk of first and second parity Frizarta ewes, at different lactation stages. As there is a total lack of evidence for differential milk somatic cell distribution in local Greek ewes, we chose to study the Frizarta breed, one of the most promising local sheep breeds, extensively reared in Western Greece, highly productive and well adapted to geoclimatic conditions. Partial correlation analysis was performed between SCC and somatic cell subtype populations with milk yield, composition and total bacterial count. Total SCC in Frizarta ewes ranged between 35 and 74×103 cells/ml and was significantly influenced by lactation stage and parity number. Neutrophils and lymphocytes were the most abundant immune cell types followed by mammary epithelial cells and macrophages. A positive association of bacterial count with neutrophils and macrophages and a negative association with lymphocytes were observed. Finally, a negative association between total bacterial count with daily milk yield was detected. Our data forms the basis for understanding how parity and stage of lactation affects different immune and epithelial cell populations in the milk of healthy Frizarta ewes and can be used in future studies investigating the effect of the health status on differential cell count in ewe milk.

Cypripedium franchetii, a plant of ornamental and medicinal value, is designated as a Grade II Protected Species in China. The C. franchetii population inhabiting the fragile ecosystem at Galongla Pass exhibits unclear patterns in microbial composition across rhizosphere soil, root, stem, and leaf tissues, as well as metabolite distribution and plant tissue-specific microbe-metabolite relationships. This study focused on C. franchetii, a plant growing in the fragile ecosystem of Galongla Pass in Tibet. We employed an integrated approach combining high-throughput amplicon sequencing (targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS regions) and untargeted metabolomics (LC-MS/MS) to systematically analyze the microbial community structure and metabolite distribution in its rhizosphere soil and root, stem, and leaf tissues. We further explored the associations between endophytic microorganisms and metabolites within plant tissues. The results revealed significant differences in microbial composition across plant compartments: distinct variations were observed between rhizosphere soil and plant tissues, while stem and leaf microbial communities exhibited greater similarity. At the phylum level, Pseudomonadota dominated among bacteria, while Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were the predominant fungal phyla. At the genus level, dominant taxa showed tissue specificity: Cronobacter and Lactobacillus were dominant bacterial genera in roots, whereas Acinetobacter dominated in stems, and Acinetobacter and Agrobacterium were prominent in leaves. For fungi, Tulasnella was the dominant genus in rhizosphere soil and roots, while Dioszegia prevailed in stems and leaves. Metabolite analysis indicated significant differences in metabolic profiles among tissues, with stem and leaf metabolite compositions being relatively similar. Correlation analysis further revealed statistically significant correlations between differential microorganisms and differential metabolites in roots and stems, identifying 31 microbial genera significantly correlated with 48 high-abundance metabolites. This study systematically unveils the tissue-specific microecological and metabolic characteristics of C. franchetii during its post-flowering nutrient accumulation phase. Key findings include: microbial community assembly involves cooperative mechanisms between core conserved taxa (e.g., Tulasnella) and habitat-specific taxa; microbial diversity exhibits a gradient decline from the rhizosphere into plant tissues accompanied by functional group succession; and extensive yet specific potential interaction networks (based on statistical covariation) exist between microorganisms and host metabolites, indicating potential microbial involvement in regulating plant secondary metabolism. These findings not only provide guidance for the conservation of C. franchetii (requiring consideration of both core symbiotic and habitat-specific taxa) and constructing synthetic microbial communities during artificial propagation, but also offer a new theoretical basis for the targeted regulation of medicinal active ingredient synthesis through the microbiome.

As a core pastoral region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Qinghai Province faces substantial threats to livestock production from tick-borne diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of six bacterial pathogens in dominant tick species from Qinghai Province, to provide baseline epidemiological data for local tick-borne disease surveillance. A total of 1025 questing ticks were collected from key pastoral regions of Qinghai Province during April to May in 2024 and 2025. All ticks were morphologically identified as belonging to 1 family (Ixodidae), 2 genera, and 4 species. Dermacentor nuttalli was the dominant species with a relative dominance of 66.83% (685/1025, 95% CI: 63.92-69.61%), followed by Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis at 30.83% (316/1025, 95% CI: 28.11-33.69%), Dermacentor silvarum at 1.95% (20/1025, 95% CI: 1.27-2.98%), and Dermacentor niveus at 0.39% (4/1025, 95% CI: 0.15-1.01%). PCR detection was performed for six target pathogens, with an overall Brucella spp. DNA detection rate of 0.78% (8/1025, 95% CI: 0.40-1.53%) and an overall Rickettsia spp. detection rate of 16.29% (167/1025, 95% CI: 14.16-18.67%). Statistical analysis showed that the prevalence of Brucella spp. and Rickettsia spp. differed significantly between the two dominant tick species (Fisher's exact test/χ2 test, all p < 0.001). No Brucella or Rickettsia pathogens were detected in D. silvarum and D. niveus. Notably, detection of Brucella spp. DNA does not confirm the presence of viable bacteria or tick vector competence. This study fills the regional data gap of tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai, and provides reference for the prevention and control of local tick-borne zoonotic diseases.

Winter freezing injury is a critical factor limiting wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) productivity in northern China. Since freeze tolerance (FT) correlates with seedling growth traits, this study investigated the relationship between FT and plant architecture (PA) in winter wheat at the tillering stage. We evaluated 550 wheat varieties and advanced lines from the Huang and Huai River Valleys Winter Wheat Zone of China. Seedling PA was classified using the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) standards, while FT was evaluated through two parameters: severity of leaf necrosis (SLN) and mortality rate of shoots (MRS). The results showed that the PA distribution across germplasms approximated a normal distribution. The relationships between SLN and MRS under freezing stress were highly variable across years with differing winter conditions. SLN and MRS-derived FT levels showed a positive correlation within the same growing season but were inconsistent across different years. PA and MRS showed no correlation whereas correlation between seedling PA and SLN varied substantially across years. Due to inadequate cold acclimation in 2022-2023 and heavy snow cover in 2023-2024, there was no significant correlation between FT levels and seedling PA during these periods. A significant negative correlation was observed between PA and SLN during the 2024-2025 season, indicating that more prostrate growth habits were associated with a reduction in leaf necrosis. These results indicate that architectural traits may contribute to FT only within certain environmental contexts. Thus, enhancing freezing tolerance should focus on direct survival tests in various environments, with secondary traits like SLN and PA considered as context-dependent factors.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacterial isolates from sheep and goats in Hyderabad and Tandojam, Pakistan. A total of 100 samples (nasal swabs, fecal matter, wound exudates, and milk) were collected from clinically healthy and diseased small ruminants. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using morphological, cultural, and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against 11 commonly used antibiotics. Results revealed an overall bacterial prevalence of 42%. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (48%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (45%), Bacillus cereus (32%), Streptococcus pyogenes (30%), Pasteurella multocida (28%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25%), and Micrococcus luteus (18%). High antimicrobial resistance was observed against ampicillin, enrofloxacin, and ofloxacin among most isolates, whereas gentamicin and tetracycline remained largely effective. The findings highlight the significant presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in small ruminants, posing potential zoonotic risks and emphasizing the need for prudent antimicrobial use in veterinary practice in the region.

This study evaluated the effects of traditional Chinese herbal medicine compounds (TCHMCs) on gut microbiota, maternal health, and calf performance in perinatal yaks. Thirty-two yaks with expected calving dates (two months pre-calving to one month post-calving) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8). Groups WA, WB, and WC received normal diets supplemented with different TCHMC formulations, while group WD served as the control. High-throughput sequencing revealed that TCHMC supplementation significantly increased gut microbial diversity and altered community composition. Compared with controls, supplemented yaks exhibited higher abundances of Bacteroidetes and enrichment of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing genera, including Phascolarctobacterium, Butyricicoccus, Bulleidia, and Blautia. Potentially beneficial taxa with anti-inflammatory properties, such as Adlercreutzia, Akkermansia, Odoribacter, Dehalobacterium, and Sporosarcina, were also enriched. Calves born to treated yaks demonstrated significantly greater birth weights, reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and improved antioxidant capacity, as indicated by increased T-AOC and SOD activity. Among the three formulations, TCHMCⅡ (WB) exerted the most pronounced effects, enhancing microbial shifts, maternal physiological resilience, and neonatal health outcomes. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with TCHMCs during the perinatal period modulated gut microbiota, reduced maternal inflammation, strengthened antioxidant defenses, and improved calf growth performance. These findings provide new evidence supporting the use of TCHMCs as practical nutritional interventions to improve reproductive performance and offspring vitality in yak husbandry under high-altitude conditions.

As a vital livestock breed, yaks provide meat, hides, yak milk, and other economic resources that drive economic development in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region. However, yak survival and productivity face challenges during cold seasons due to scarce grassland resources in the area. To maximize energy and nutrient accumulation in yaks during the green pasture period, we investigated the effects of supplementing yeast culture (YC) during this period on growth performance, immune and antioxidant capacity, rumen microbiota, and metabolites in grazing yak calves. Twelve 2-year-old calf yaks of similar body weight were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CON) received only grazing management, while the experimental group (YEC) received 50 g/head/day of YC after grazing for 45 days. Compared with the control group, YC supplementation significantly increased the ADG of calves (P < 0.01). And significantly reduced serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels (P ≤ 0.001) and MDA content (P < 0.05), while significantly increasing serum GSH-Px, CAT, and T-AOC activities (P < 0.01). YC supplementation also significantly increased rumen TVFA and acetate content while reducing NH₃-N levels, promoting rumen fermentation (P < 0.05). YC supplementation reduced ruminal α-diversity, significantly increased the abundance of Proteobacteria, and decreased the abundance of Planctomycetota. These changes may indicate a decline in rumen stability. (P < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed that YC supplementation significantly altered rumen metabolite levels, primarily in glycerophospholipids, fatty acyls, prenol lipids, and steroids and steroid derivatives (P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, some metabolites showed strong associations with microorganisms, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and F082 significantly correlated with multiple metabolites (P < 0.05). Results indicate that YC supplementation improves antioxidant status and reduces systemic inflammation in calf yaks, alters rumen microbial communities and metabolites, and promotes growth and development. While YC supplementation reduced the α-diversity and stability of the rumen microbiota in yaks, it concurrently increased total volatile fatty acid production. This structural reshaping, characterized by enhanced functional efficiency, warrants further investigation in future studies to assess the reversibility of such changes and their potential for practical regulation through strategies such as post-supplementation monitoring or exploring combinations with different forage types.

IntroductionFibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), a pleiotropic growth factor, promotes the elongation of mammary ducts and therefore contributes to the morphological development of mammary. It plays a crucial role in the development of mammary gland and lactation processes. However, the impact of FGF2 on milk production traits in sheep remains unexplored.MethodsIn the study, the effects of FGF2 on the characteristics of ovine mammary epithelial cells (OMECs) were investigated. Meanwhile, penta-primer amplification refractory mutation system (PARMS) was used to look for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine regions of ovine FGF2. Additionally, the associations of sequence variations in FGF2 with variations in average daily milk yield and seven milk composition traits were also investigated in 449 Yuansheng Aite dairy sheep.ResultsAmong seven ovine tissues expressed by FGF2, it had the highest expression levels in liver and mammary gland tissue. Over-expressed of ovine FGF2 increased the viability, proliferation number and ratio of OMECs, as well as triglyceride content of OMECs. Conversely, silencing of ovine FGF2 produced the opposite effect to over-expression. A total of four novel SNPs were identified, with three located in intron 1 and one in intron 2. The genotypes and presence (or absence) of alleles from FGF2 were found to affect milk production traits in sheep. Ewes with the genotype AA at c.282 + 11,288 G/A had higher milk protein percentage, milk fat percentage, dry matter content and ash content. The presence of allele G at the c.282 + 11,288 G/A locus were associated with milk production traits described above in sheep.DiscussionThese findings indicate that FGF2 may serve as a potential molecular marker for improving milk production traits in sheep.