Animal Science Research Institute

This study evaluated changes in nutritional components and antinutritional factors in rapeseed meal before and after microbial fermentation. It further investigated the enhancements in its nutritional value and the growth-promoting effects of fermented rapeseed meal on broiler chickens. A total of 180 one-day-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups, with 6 replicates per group and 10 birds per replicate. The broilers were fed a basal diet (CON), a diet with 5% soybean meal (SBM) replaced by RSM (RSM-5), or a diet with 5% SBM replaced by FRSM (FRSM-5). The date of the experiment was 28 June 2025. The results showed that FRSM improves protein quality and reduces the levels of antinutritional factors, including glucosinolates (GSL), phytic acid (PA), and condensed tannins (CT), compared with unfermented RSM. Additionally, FRSM enhances antioxidant capacity in vitro, significantly enhancing the scavenging rates of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and superoxide anion radicals (O2•-). In the broiler feeding trial, the FRSM-5 group had significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) during the periods of 22-42 d and 1-42 d (p < 0.05), along with a significantly lower feed to gain ratio (F/G) (p < 0.05), compared with the CON and RSM-5 groups. Compared to the CON group, the FRSM-5 group showed a significantly higher slaughter rate (SR), full eviscerated rate (FER), and breast muscle rate (BMR) (p < 0.05), whereas the RSM-5 group had significantly lower SR and FER (p < 0.05). The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum and liver of the FRSM-5 group were significantly higher than those in the CON and RSM-5 groups (p < 0.05), and the serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the CON and RSM-5 groups, the FRSM-5 group exhibited a significant increase in duodenal villus height (VH) (p < 0.05), a significant reduction in duodenal crypt depth (CD) (p < 0.05), and a consequent significant increase in the VH/CD (p < 0.05). In conclusion, microbial fermentation effectively enhances the nutritional value of RSM by improving its nutrient composition and reducing antinutritional factors. Replacing 5% SBM with FRSM in broiler diets significantly improves growth performance, enhances antioxidant capacity and immune function, and optimizes intestinal morphological structure, thereby replacing part of the soybean meal in broiler diets.

The use of plant-derived polyphenols in ruminant nutrition has garnered attention as a natural approach to enhance fermentation efficiency, mitigate methane emissions, and improve animal health. This study evaluated the effects of sugarcane‐derived polyphenol supplementation on ruminal fermentation, methane emission, blood parameters, and the ruminal microbiome of lactating Holstein cows. Sixteen cows were assigned to two treatments: Control (50 mL/d placebo) or Polyphenol (50 mL/d sugarcane polyphenol extract). Ruminal fluid was analyzed for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and ammonia-N, blood was analyzed for selected metabolites, methane emissions were measured using the SF6 technique, and microbial diversity and composition were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Polyphenol supplementation increased total SCFA concentration from 58.44 to 66.44 ± 3.00 mM (P = 0.08) and raised the molar proportion of propionate from 18.13 to 18.89 ± 0.29 mM/100 mM (P = 0.08). Blood glucose concentrations were significantly higher in supplemented cows, whereas other blood parameters were unaffected. Methane emissions did not differ between groups. Microbial community analyses revealed no effect on alpha diversity measures (Shannon index and richness), but an impact of treatment and time in beta diversity, with polyphenol supplementation associated with selective shifts in bacterial taxa, including greater relative abundance of Planctomycetota. These findings indicate that sugarcane‐derived polyphenols can beneficially modulate ruminal fermentation and microbial community structure without compromising microbial diversity. The increase in propionate and blood glucose suggests enhanced glucogenic potential, while unchanged methane emissions highlight the need for further studies to clarify the conditions under which sugarcane polyphenols may mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

This study investigated the application of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) extract nanoemulsion as a natural and sustainable strategy to improve the physicochemical quality and molecular stability of duck breast meat during 21 days of refrigerated storage at 4 °C. Treatments included 5% and 3% nanoemulsions and an untreated control (T0). The 3% nanoemulsion (NEp 3%) was most effective in maintaining pH, water activity (aw) and color parameters (L*, a*, b*). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that NEp 3% preserved higher intensities of C = C and C–O functional groups, suggesting protection against oxidative degradation of phenolic compounds and unsaturated fats. These results support the potential of nutmeg nanoemulsion as a green preservation approach for extending meat shelf life. Further studies are encouraged to evaluate its sensory performance and consumer acceptance under industrial conditions.

BackgroundUnderstanding the rumen microbiota’s development in calves is essential for optimizing breed-specific feeding strategies. This study aimed to comparatively investigate the dynamic changes in the rumen microbial community structure and function in Wagyu and Holstein calves.MethodsFive 3-month-old Wagyu calves and five age-matched Holstein calves were selected. All animals received the same diet consisting of concentrate and hay, with free access to feed and water. Rumen fluid samples were collected monthly from 3 to 6 months of age. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to assess microbial composition (phylum and genus levels), alpha diversity (Shannon, Simpson, ACE, and Chao1 indices), and functional pathway (KEGG-based).ResultsThe cumulative relative abundance of dominant taxa at both phylum and genus levels declined with age in both breeds, more markedly in Wagyu calves than in Holsteins. From 3 to 6 months of age, the top five phyla combined dropped by 3.25% in Wagyu and 0.87% in Holstein calves, whereas the top ten genera combined decreased by 1.63% and 0.63%, respectively. Alpha diversity in Wagyu calves increased significantly with age. At 5 and 6 months, the Shannon, ACE, and Chao1 indices were significantly higher than those at 3 months (P < 0.05). Moreover, from 4 to 6 months, Wagyu calves consistently exhibited significantly higher diversity indices than Holsteins (P < 0.05). At 6 months, Wagyu calves showed a significant reduction in metabolism-related microbial genes and an increase in genes related to cellular processes and genetic information processing compared to earlier ages and Holstein calves (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest potential breed-specific differences in the succession and functional maturation of rumen microbiota. Holstein calves developed earlier and more stable metabolic functions, while Wagyu calves underwent a more dynamic microbial selection process.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-025-12392-1.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) Cap protein serves as the primary structural component and plays multiple roles in viral infection. Previous studies have shown that Cap predominantly localizes to the nucleus, but the molecular mechanisms governing its nuclear import remain unclear. This study demonstrates that PCV2 Cap undergoes an active nuclear transport process dependent on Ran-GTP and importin α, but not transportin-1. Co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed interactions between Cap and several host nuclear transport receptors (NTRs), including all importin α subunits, importin 4, 5, 7, and 11. Furthermore, the small molecule inhibitor importazole (IPZ) partially inhibits the nuclear translocation of Cap and suppresses Cap expression, as well as PCV2 replication. While ivermectin (IVM) only impedes transport without affecting viral replication. These findings provide significant insights into the molecular mechanisms of PCV2-Cap nuclear import and highlight potential therapeutic targets for antiviral strategies aimed at disrupting viral capsid transport.

This study was conducted to assess the potential interactions of different levels of hydrolyzable tannin (HT) and organic acids (OA) on the selected ileal microbiota and histology, immunological responses, and growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 1092 one-day-old female Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to six experimental treatments with seven replicates of 26 chicks each. Treatments consisted of a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of 0 and 1 g HT/kg of diet (0HT, and 1HT) and 0, 1, and 2 g OA/kg of diet (0OA, 1OA, and 2OA). Dietary administration of 1HT + 2OA led to a significant enhancement (P < 0.01) in average daily weight gain (ADWG) during the finisher phase (25–42 days), as well as a notable reduction (P < 0.01) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) during both the finisher phase and the overall trial period. This treatment resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the relative weight of abdominal fat, while concurrently enhancing (P < 0.01) the partial weight of the bursa of Fabricius, the thickness of ileal lamina propria lymphoid follicles (LLF), the ratio of ileal villi length to crypt depth, and the apparent villus surface area. The main effects of feeding either 1HT or 2OA resulted in significantly lower pH levels in the ileum and gizzard (P < 0.01), as well as the highest relative weights of the spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus (P < 0.05). Additionally, the dietary inclusion of these concentrations of HT or OA led to a reduction (P < 0.05) in the ileal population of E. coli, a decrease in the relative weights of the pancreas, liver, and abdominal fat, and an enhancement (P < 0.05) in selected hematological parameters, humoral immunity, the thickness of LLF, and FCR during the starter phase (1–10 days). The main effect of 2OA resulted in significantly elevated numbers of either Lactobacillus or LLF in the ileum (P < 0.05). In general, feeding 1HT + 2OA, without an adverse effect on the microbial population, manifested positive effects on the growth performance of broiler chickens via refinement of the ileal histology, the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius, and the ileal absorptive surface area.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has always been a major concern for researchers due to its deadly nature. One of the microbial metabolites found in the gut is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have the ability to regulate the immune system and exert protective effects against CRC. In this study, we investigated the effects of SCFAs on the expression of the CYP1A1 gene in Caco-2 cells at varying concentrations. The Caco-2 cell line and HDF control cell line were treated with three concentrations (7.5, 15, and 30 mM) of NaA(sodium acetate), NaB(sodium butyrate), and NaP(sodium propionate) for three different time periods (24, 48, and 72 h). Additionally, two concentrations (2.5 and 10 μM) of CH223191 (an AhR gene antagonist) alone and a concentration of 10 μM of CH223191 in combination with the mentioned concentrations of NaA, NaB and NaP were applied to the cells for 48 h. The gene expression of CYP1A1 was examined using Real-time PCR. The expression of the CYP1A1 gene increased with concentrations of NaA and NaB at all time points, and with 30 mM of NaP at 24 h (p < 0.05). However, increasing the concentration of NaB and NaP led to decreased expression of the CYP1A1 gene. These findings suggest the potential use of SCFAs as epigenetic drugs for the prevention and treatment of CRC.

Early testicular development is vital for adult male fertility but remains highly vulnerable to stress during the suckling stage. Fermented Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is known for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, yet its role in testicular development remains unclear. In this study, Songliao Black piglets received 3‰ fermented Chinese chive (LK group) mixed with starter feed and compared to a control (OD group). Testicular samples at weaning (28 days) underwent transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Although no significant differences were observed in gross testicular morphology, the LK group significantly increased individual (13.85%) and litter (15.11%) weaning weights (p < 0.05), with elevated serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and a 32.2% rise in IgG levels (p < 0.05). Integrated analysis identified 76 shared pathways, including ferroptosis, insulin resistance, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and cAMP signaling. Upregulated genes in the LK group were mainly related to energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, immune regulation, steroidogenesis, and neuroendocrine signaling, suggesting improved metabolic activity, reduced oxidative stress, and accelerated reproductive maturation. Molecular docking indicated that kaempferol and isorhamnetin from Chinese chive bind strongly to proteins involved in testicular development. Overall, fermented Chinese chive supplementation enhances early testicular development in suckling piglets via integrated modulation of metabolic, immune, and signaling pathways, providing a nutritional strategy to optimize reproductive potential in breeding boars.