Objectives The problems of weak links, unstable production performance, and decreased purity in the current breeding system of Hulunbuir sheep were solved to protect local resources of purebred sheep and provide purebred livestock for breeding Hulunbuir sheep hybrid. Methods Hulunbuir ewes and rams with normal growth and development, healthy and disease-free, and good body size at Hadatu Farm, Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected for mating each year from 2019 to 2024. The birth weight, litter size, litter gender of all lambs experimented, and the weight, length, height and chest circumference of all sheep at 5 and 18 months of age experimented were measured and analyzed with successive breeding. Results The growth rate of 0-5-month-old rams and ewes after breeding increased by 14.95 and 13.72 percentages, respectively. The reproduction rate and the rate of twin lambing both increased by 8.3 percentages. The growth performance of ewes at the stage of early growth was significantly increased(P<0.05). A total of 5 core groups of Hulunbuir sheep were established, giving birth to 4 574 lambs. Conclusions The technology of breeding Hulunbuir sheep purebred can increase the growth rate, reproduction rate and the rate of twin lambing, enhance the growth performance, expand the core population, and strengthen market competitiveness.
Objectives The aquatic germplasm resources in Longchuan River, a key area within the Yangtze River Basin in Guizhou Province, were investigated to study the diversity and distribution patterns of these resources and to provide theoretical and practical guidance for the sustainable conservation and utilization of aquatic germplasm in the region, thereby promoting the healthy development of fishery ecology in the Yangtze River Basin. Methods Water samples were collected from the Longchuan River in April 2023. Aquatic organisms were detected with fixed gill nets and multi-gear methods in May 2020, December 2022, and May 2023. Data collected on indexes of water quality, body length and weight of aquatic species, population metrics, and biodiversity index were systematically analyzed. Results The overall water quality in the Longchuan River was good, with total nitrogen as the main pollutant, accounting for 3.21 mg/L, and total phosphorus accounting for 0.062 5 mg/L. The fish resources in this section were relatively abundant. In 2023, there were 55 species of fish, 2 protected species, 9 endemic species, and 6 invasive species detected. The number of fish species (indigenous fish), the Shannon Wiener index, and the proportion of representative species in the catch of this section in 2023 was 49, 2.58, and 31.09, an increase of 44.12%, 21.70%, and 33.49% compared to that in 2020, respectively. The final scores of post-moratorium assessments of aquatic biological integrity index in the key water area of Longchuan River in Guizhou Province in 2022 and 2023 were 46.67 and 40.00, respectively. Conclusions The overall post-moratorium abundance of fish resources in the key water areas of the Longchuan River in Guizhou Province has shown an increasing trend, and the overall integrity index of aquatic organisms has remained stable. The fishing moratorium policy can play an important role in protecting the aquatic ecosystems.
Objectives The protective mechanism of selenium against cellular damage in animals at the cellular level was reviewed to provide reference for the application of selenium in animal production. Methods The multiple physiological functions of selenium were summarized. The effects of selenium on alleviating oxidative stress, enhancing immune function, and antagonizing toxic elements in livestock and poultry under cellular damage were discussed. Results Selenium has the effects of antioxidant stress, enhancing immune function, and antagonizing toxic elements. It can be used as a good alternative to antibiotics to improve the production performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and the intestinal health of poultry. Conclusions Selenium can be used as an effective antidote and protector in animal production.Current studies on selenium regulation of cellular damage in animals are relatively less focused on livestock,and there are few reports on the synergistic and correlated regulatory mechanisms between signaling pathways and other signaling pathways, which require further in-depth study.
Objectives Different techniques for determining the content of mercury in feed were reviewed to provide a basis for selecting methods of detecting mercury in different types of feed to ensure the quality and safety of feed. Methods The development status, the advantages and disadvantages, and the application of the technique for detecting the content of mercury in feed were systematically analyzed by reviewing the relevant literature. Results Some methods commonly used for detecting mercury in feed currently have the advantages of high sensitivity and good accuracy, but they also have certain limitations including high requirements for pretreating sample and expensive cost of instrument and equipment. Conclusions The existing detection technology should be further optimized. The study and application of new detection methods should be strengthened to improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting and provide diversified options for detecting the content of mercury in feed to better meet the needs of feed quality and safety supervision.
Objectives The advantages of applying ultra-fine grinding technology in the processing of feeds for ruminants were studied to provide reference for improving the quality of feed and the production performance of animals. Methods The principles of ultra-fine grinding technology and the application of this technology in the processing of feeds for ruminants were summarized by reviewing relevant literatures. Results Ultra fine grinding technology has significant advantages in improving the utilization of feeds, enhancing the palatability of feeds and the effectiveness of additives, and promoting the fermentation function of rumen. It can effectively improve the digestion rate and utilization rate of feeds, promote the growth and development of ruminants, and improve the health of ruminants. Conclusions Ultra-fine grinding technology is widely used in the processing of feeds, has a significant effect on increasing the quality of feed, the growth performance of ruminants, and economic benefits. This technology holds prospects for developing.
Objectives The effects of preventing and treating diarrhea in weaned piglets were improved to reduce the incidence of diarrhea, improve gut microbiota, and promote healthy growth of weaned piglets. Methods Sixty weaned piglets aged 21 days without diarrhea, in good physical health, in good mental state, and weighing (6.46±0.58) kg in a large-scale farm in Fengning, Hebei Province were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 5 replicates in each group and 6 pigs in each replicate according to a single factor experimental design. The weaned piglets in the control group were fed with basic feed, while the weaned piglets in the experimental group were fed with 0.2% compound probiotic preparation (Bacillus subtilis∶Lactic acid bacteria=1∶1) added in the basic feed, and the experiment lasted 15 days. The indexes of growth performance, the incidence of diarrhea, and the content of gut microbiota in piglets were measured. Results The end weight, average daily gain weight, and average daily feed intake of weaned piglets in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, while the feed to weight ratio in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The diarrhea rate of weaned piglets in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the diarrhea rate of weaned piglets in the experimental group decreased by 74.15%. The content of E.coli in the feces of weaned piglets in the experimental group significantly decreased by 57.62%, while the content of Lactobacillus significantly increased by 42.91% compared with that in the control group. Conclusions The combination of Bacillus subtilis and lactobacilli can effectively improve the growth performance of weaned piglets, reduce the incidence of diarrhea, increase the content of lactobacilli in the intestine to improve the gut microbiota.
Objectives A rapid and sensitive method for detecting bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology was developed to provide reference for the diagnosis of bovine viral diarrhea. Methods Multiple sets of primers and probes were designed based on the conserved sequence of 5'-UTR gene of BVDV in GenBank, and a set of primers and probes with the best effect of amplification were screened. A method for detecting BVDV with LAMP was established by optimizing the reaction system and annealing temperature. The sensitivity and specificity of the method established were evaluated, and the method was used to detect clinical samples. Results The LAMP method established had high specificity, producing amplification signals only for BVDV and showing no cross-reaction with common bovine pathogens including foot-and-mouth disease and Salmonella. Its sensitivity of detection verified by gradient dilution of recombinant plasmids was 102 copies/µ L, 10 times higher than that of conventional PCR. The results of detecting clinical samples were completely consistent with that of PCR method, with a concordance rate of 100%. Conclusions The established method of detecting BVDV with LAMP has high sensitivity and strong specificity. It will provide technical support for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of bovine viral diarrhea.
Objectives The epidemic situation of parasitic diseases in sheep in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, and the awareness of prevention and control of farmers (farms) regarding these parasitic diseases was accurately understood to reduce the risk of parasitic diseases in sheep and promote the healthy development of local sheep industry. Methods A survey was conducted from June to July 2024 on 240 sheep farms (households) in 12 counties (cities, districts) of Yulin City with a combination of questionnaire survey and laboratory testing. Simultaneously, 360 samples of sheep feces and 360 samples of sheep blood were collected for laboratory analysis. Results All 240 sheep farms (households) conducted deworming work on their sheep. Among them, 237 farmers dewormed their sheep 1-3 times a year, mainly using western medicines such as ivermectin, administered by oral or intramuscular injection. The results of fecal examinations showed that the infection rate of nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and coccidia was 41%, 31%, 17%, and 76%, respectively. The infection of coccidia and nematodes was relatively severe, and no echinococcosis was detected in the serum testing. Conclusions Although the deworming rate of all livestock farms (households) in the city has reached 100%, most of them have a single choice of deworming drugs and insufficient knowledge of prevention and control. The infection situation of parasitic diseases in sheep is still complex, and knowledge training should be strengthened, management of farming should be optimized, and measures for prevention and control should be intensified.
Objectives A etiological investigation and effective diagnosis and treatment of acute deaths of goats in a goat farmer in Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, was conducted to provide references for disease diagnosis in farming goat. Methods Emergency epidemiological investigation, on-site investigation, pathological autopsy, and laboratory testing were conducted on 116 goats including 40 adult goats aged over 12 months and 76 lambs aged 6-9 months to make comprehensive analysis and diagnosis. Results The results of pathological autopsy showed that there were hemorrhages in the lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract of the sick goats, with the heart having changes similar to heart failure. The results of testing nucleic acid showed that all 5 samples of goats were positive for Clostridium welchii in nucleic acid. Conclusions The illness and death of goats this time was caused by Clostridium welchii, with a high possibility of infection from grazing in the wild. The illness and death were resulted from the low level of farming and management, the decrease in temperature, and the decline in immunity of goats without vaccination with the triple and four prevention vaccines. Proper management of farming and immunization should be implemented. Grazing on rainy days should be reduced. Early reporting of any unusual circumstances and timely isolation of sick goats are necessary to effectively control the spread of the diseases.
Objectives A knowledge associated network for the course of "Pig Farming and Prevention and Control of Pig Diseases" was constructed to provide intelligent support for key links including pig breeding, healthy farming, biosafety, prevention and control of diseases and to train technical and skilled talents with high-quality who can comprehensively apply their learned knowledge to solve problems in the production of pig farming and improve the efficiency of farming. Methods The knowledge map was used to integrate the value shaping, knowledge teaching, and ability training into a comprehensive system of assessment and evaluation that includes "dual mentors, dual levels, four links, and four elements". The digital learning resources for the course of "Pig Farming and Prevention and Control of Pig Diseases" were established on the online platform of Xuetang. Results The blended online and offline teaching mode of first-class core course in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine major was innovated. A personalized training program was developed. The fruitful teaching results were achieved. It provide a good resource platform and innovative examples for sister colleges and enterprises of pig farming. Conclusions The use of knowledge map as a teaching strategy can effectively improve the quality of course teaching and the innovation ability of students.
Objectives The path of collaboratively training talents in modern animal husbandry majors in higher vocational education by integrating industries with institutes under the background of digital transformation was studied to address the disconnection between traditional models of training talents and the demands from industries to promote the development of the animal husbandry industry with high-quality. Methods A community of deeply integrating industries with institutes was constructed. The digital technology was empowered to jointly develop the plan for training talents to meet the needs of the digital transformation of the animal husbandry industry. Collaborative efforts were made to build digital platforms of teaching and practice, and a teaching team with digital and diverse mentor. A diversified, whole-process, and comprehensive system for evaluating talents in animal husbandry was established to improve the quality of training talents. Results The quality of training talents, the level of education, the capabilities of social service, and the influence of international education in animal husbandry majors were effectively improved by implementing the path of collaboratively training talents in modern animal husbandry majors with integrating industries with institutes and empowering with digital technology. Conclusion The model of collaboratively training talents in animal husbandry by integrating industries with institutes will provide a reference for vocational colleges to improve the quality of training talents and to serve the digital development of the animal husbandry industry under the background of digital transformation.
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