The reproductive performance of female chickens is critical for determining the efficiency of production and productivity and thus profitability.Studies have shown that the reproductive performance of female chickens ...The reproductive performance of female chickens is critical for determining the efficiency of production and productivity and thus profitability.Studies have shown that the reproductive performance of female chickens is mainly regulated by the feed,hormones,genes,and light conditions.Herein,we review the major factors regulating female chicken reproductive performance and assess the reproductive organs and their functions.In the current review,we highlight how the interconnections of hormones,candidate genes,and photo-stimulation regulate female chicken reproductive hormones and thus regulate the reproductive organ performance.In this regard,the roles of main hormones[gonadotropinreleasing hormone(GnRH)and genes(GnRH-Ⅰ)]in regulating sexual maturation and ovarian development and maintenance by influencing the survival and function of follicular granulosa cells were also reviewed.In addition,the current review also highlights how feeding female chickens with diets and artificial light-emitting diodes(LEDs)support the effective functioning of their reproductive capacity through the stimulation of sexual maturity at an appropriate age and regeneration of aged reproductive organs.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the successive morphological stages of spermatogenesis,hormonal regulation,and testosterone profile in dromedary camel reproduction.Methods:Testicular tissue samples were obtained from 12 drom...Objective:To investigate the successive morphological stages of spermatogenesis,hormonal regulation,and testosterone profile in dromedary camel reproduction.Methods:Testicular tissue samples were obtained from 12 dromedary bull camels aged 7 to 8 at a local abattoir.The histological assessment involved tissue processing,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,and examination under a microscope.Stereological analysis,germ cell identification,and assessment of seminiferous tubules and maturation were conducted.Testosterone assay was performed by radioimmunoassay using blood samples collected at regular intervals.Results:The study revealed 12 phases of the dromedary camel's seminiferous epithelium cycle,highlighting distinct morphological characteristics and cellular processes.Acrosomal migration,maturation,cap formation,and the Golgi-mediated synthesis of proacrosomal vesicles were also explained in dimension,as were the steps of acrosome biogenesis.Spermatids and mature sperm cells were present when spermatogenesis phases were examined.An analysis of the dimensions of seminiferous tubules revealed specific measures for diameter,area,and epithelial height about luminal characteristics.Moreover,there were noticeable variations in the serum testosterone concentrations during the study period,indicating temporal dynamics.Conclusions:This study outlines the spermatogenesis process in dromedary camels across 12 stages,emphasizing cellular dynamics and acrosomal biogenesis.It also provides seminiferous tubule measurements and observes seasonal testosterone fluctuations,offering insights into reproductive regulation and potential strategies for camel breeding conservation.展开更多
The major royal jelly proteins(MRJPs)are the central constituents responsible for the specific activities of royal jelly.Here MRJPs via oral administration daily for 45 consecutive days were evaluated the effects on t...The major royal jelly proteins(MRJPs)are the central constituents responsible for the specific activities of royal jelly.Here MRJPs via oral administration daily for 45 consecutive days were evaluated the effects on the reproductive parameters in immature female mice(FM).Neonatal FM were divided into four groups fed MRJPs with doses of 0,125,250 and 500 mg/kg/body weight(M125,M250 and M500).The results in M125,M250 and M500 showed that the times of estrus were accelerated by 10.7%,15.5%and 10.7%,the secondary follicles number were increased by 50.7%,78.8%and 38.6%,the Graafian follicles were increased by 600.0%and 774.0%and 150.0%,respectively.M500 induced multi-oocyte follicles.The serum estradiol levels of the three groups were increased by 47.1%,64.9%and 31.1%,the action of MRJPs raising hormone secretion level is mainly via upregulating expression of ERˇgene.Antioxidant parameters of ovarian tissue showed that the malondialdehyde levels in M125 and M250 were decreased,the superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione peroxidase activities in M125 and M250 were increased.In conclusion,MRJPs may accelerate onset of puberty and promote follicular development in FM.Our findings would facilitate better understanding of the benefit effect of MRJPs as the key ingredient in royal jelly on promoting fertility performance.展开更多
The development of skeletal muscle is a crucial factor in determining the meat yield and economic benefits of broiler production.Recent research has shown that mulberry leaves and their extracts can be used to signifi...The development of skeletal muscle is a crucial factor in determining the meat yield and economic benefits of broiler production.Recent research has shown that mulberry leaves and their extracts can be used to significantly improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry.The present study aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle development in broiler offspring by dietary mulberry-leaf flavonoids(MLF)supplementation from the perspective of maternal effect theory.A total of 270 Qiling broiler breeder hens were randomly assigned to 3 treatments with different doses of MLF(0,30,60 mg/kg)for 8 weeks before collecting their fertilized eggs.The chicken offspring at 13 and 19 d of embryonic stage,and from 1 to 28 d old after hatching were included in this study.The results showed that maternal supplementation increased the breast muscle weight and body weight of the offspring at the embryo and chick stages(P<0.05).This was followed by increased cross-sectional area of pectoral muscle fibres at 14 d(P<0.05).Further determination revealed a tendency towards increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)(P=0.092)and muscle fibre count(P=0.167)at 1 d post-hatching following maternal MLF treatment,while serum uric acid(UA)was decreased at 14 d after hatching(P<0.05).Moreover,maternal MLF supplementation significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the myogenic regulatory factor Myf5 in skeletal muscle at the both embryonic and growth stages(P<0.05).The relative abundance of the downstream protein of BMPR2,Smad1 and p-Smad1/5/9 in the TGFβsignalling pathway was significantly increased by maternal MLF treatment.Meanwhile,the increased expression of the target protein p-mTOR in the breast muscle of the offspring chicks is in accordance with the improved growth rate of the breast and the body.In conclusion,maternal MLF supplementation can promote muscle protein metabolism and muscle fibre development of chick embryos through upregulation of Myf5 expression and BMP/p-Smad1/5/9 axis,thereby improving growth performance of slow growing broiler.展开更多
During the growth and development of mammalian ovarian follicles, the activation and deactivation of mass genes are under the synergistic control of diverse modifiers through genetic and epigenetic events. Many factor...During the growth and development of mammalian ovarian follicles, the activation and deactivation of mass genes are under the synergistic control of diverse modifiers through genetic and epigenetic events. Many factors regulate gene activity and functions through epigenetic modification without altering the DNA sequence, and the common mechanisms may include but are not limited to： DNA methylation, histone modifications （e.g., acetylation, deacetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, and ubiquitination）, and RNA- associated silencing of gene expression by noncoding RNA. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been achieved in studies involving the epigenetic alterations during mammalian germ cell development. A number of candidate regulatory factors have been identified. This review focuses on the current available information of epigenetic alterations （e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding-RNA-mediated regulation） during mammalian folliculogenesis and recounts when and how epigenetic patterns are differentially established, maintained, or altered in this process. Based on different types of epigenetic regulation, our review follows the temporal progression of events during ovarian folliculogenesis and describes the epigenetic changes and their contributions to germ cell-specific functions at each stage （i.e,, primordial folliculogenesis （follicle formation）, follicle maturation, and follicular atresia）.展开更多
The intestinal immune function of chickens is limited during the early growing stage.Maternal nutritional intervention has been suggested to affect the innate immunity of offspring.The present study aimed to investiga...The intestinal immune function of chickens is limited during the early growing stage.Maternal nutritional intervention has been suggested to affect the innate immunity of offspring.The present study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal stevioside supplementation on the intestinal immune function of chicken offspring.A total of 120 Jinmao yellow-feathered breeder hens were fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg stevioside for 5 weeks.During the last week,200 breeding eggs from each group were collected for incubation.After hatching,80 male offspring(40 chickens from each group)were randomly selected and fed the same basal diet for 28 d.In addition,90 well-shaped fertile eggs of non-treated breeder hens were incubated for the in ovo injection experiment.Steviol dissolved in 20%glycerol was injected at 7 d of incubation.The results showed that maternal stevioside supplementation could improve embryonic development,jejunal integrity and proliferation in the jejunal crypt(P<0.05).Maternal stevioside supplementation could also increase the innate transcription levels of cytokines and endotoxin tolerance-related factors in the jejunum of chicken offspring(P<0.05).At 28 d of age,the offspring following maternal stevioside supplementation exhibited higher jejunal secretory immunoglobulin A and serum interferons levels(P<0.05).A higher abundance of Lactobacillales induced by maternal stevioside supplementation was positively correlated with intestinal immunerelated factors(P<0.05).The in ovo injection with steviol did not alter either embryonic development or intestinal immune function of hatching chickens(P>0.05).Furthermore,maternal stevioside supplementation could induce hypo-methylation on the promoter region of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1(SOCS1).In conclusion,maternal stevioside supplementation could improve the intestinal immune function of chicken offspring potentially via modulating the gut microbiota and downregulating the promoter methylation level of SOCS1.展开更多
基金supported by Jiangsu Provincial Seed Industry Revitalization Project [JBGS(2021)108].
文摘The reproductive performance of female chickens is critical for determining the efficiency of production and productivity and thus profitability.Studies have shown that the reproductive performance of female chickens is mainly regulated by the feed,hormones,genes,and light conditions.Herein,we review the major factors regulating female chicken reproductive performance and assess the reproductive organs and their functions.In the current review,we highlight how the interconnections of hormones,candidate genes,and photo-stimulation regulate female chicken reproductive hormones and thus regulate the reproductive organ performance.In this regard,the roles of main hormones[gonadotropinreleasing hormone(GnRH)and genes(GnRH-Ⅰ)]in regulating sexual maturation and ovarian development and maintenance by influencing the survival and function of follicular granulosa cells were also reviewed.In addition,the current review also highlights how feeding female chickens with diets and artificial light-emitting diodes(LEDs)support the effective functioning of their reproductive capacity through the stimulation of sexual maturity at an appropriate age and regeneration of aged reproductive organs.
文摘Objective:To investigate the successive morphological stages of spermatogenesis,hormonal regulation,and testosterone profile in dromedary camel reproduction.Methods:Testicular tissue samples were obtained from 12 dromedary bull camels aged 7 to 8 at a local abattoir.The histological assessment involved tissue processing,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,and examination under a microscope.Stereological analysis,germ cell identification,and assessment of seminiferous tubules and maturation were conducted.Testosterone assay was performed by radioimmunoassay using blood samples collected at regular intervals.Results:The study revealed 12 phases of the dromedary camel's seminiferous epithelium cycle,highlighting distinct morphological characteristics and cellular processes.Acrosomal migration,maturation,cap formation,and the Golgi-mediated synthesis of proacrosomal vesicles were also explained in dimension,as were the steps of acrosome biogenesis.Spermatids and mature sperm cells were present when spermatogenesis phases were examined.An analysis of the dimensions of seminiferous tubules revealed specific measures for diameter,area,and epithelial height about luminal characteristics.Moreover,there were noticeable variations in the serum testosterone concentrations during the study period,indicating temporal dynamics.Conclusions:This study outlines the spermatogenesis process in dromedary camels across 12 stages,emphasizing cellular dynamics and acrosomal biogenesis.It also provides seminiferous tubule measurements and observes seasonal testosterone fluctuations,offering insights into reproductive regulation and potential strategies for camel breeding conservation.
基金The authors are grateful to Dr.Quanwei Wei from Nanjing Agricultural University,Nanjing,China for his technical assistance.This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(no.31271848)。
文摘The major royal jelly proteins(MRJPs)are the central constituents responsible for the specific activities of royal jelly.Here MRJPs via oral administration daily for 45 consecutive days were evaluated the effects on the reproductive parameters in immature female mice(FM).Neonatal FM were divided into four groups fed MRJPs with doses of 0,125,250 and 500 mg/kg/body weight(M125,M250 and M500).The results in M125,M250 and M500 showed that the times of estrus were accelerated by 10.7%,15.5%and 10.7%,the secondary follicles number were increased by 50.7%,78.8%and 38.6%,the Graafian follicles were increased by 600.0%and 774.0%and 150.0%,respectively.M500 induced multi-oocyte follicles.The serum estradiol levels of the three groups were increased by 47.1%,64.9%and 31.1%,the action of MRJPs raising hormone secretion level is mainly via upregulating expression of ERˇgene.Antioxidant parameters of ovarian tissue showed that the malondialdehyde levels in M125 and M250 were decreased,the superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione peroxidase activities in M125 and M250 were increased.In conclusion,MRJPs may accelerate onset of puberty and promote follicular development in FM.Our findings would facilitate better understanding of the benefit effect of MRJPs as the key ingredient in royal jelly on promoting fertility performance.
基金supported by National Natural Science Founda-tion of China (No.32202724)Beijing Natural Science Foundation (No.6222036)China Agriculture Research System program (CARS-40 and CARS 41-G11).
文摘The development of skeletal muscle is a crucial factor in determining the meat yield and economic benefits of broiler production.Recent research has shown that mulberry leaves and their extracts can be used to significantly improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry.The present study aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle development in broiler offspring by dietary mulberry-leaf flavonoids(MLF)supplementation from the perspective of maternal effect theory.A total of 270 Qiling broiler breeder hens were randomly assigned to 3 treatments with different doses of MLF(0,30,60 mg/kg)for 8 weeks before collecting their fertilized eggs.The chicken offspring at 13 and 19 d of embryonic stage,and from 1 to 28 d old after hatching were included in this study.The results showed that maternal supplementation increased the breast muscle weight and body weight of the offspring at the embryo and chick stages(P<0.05).This was followed by increased cross-sectional area of pectoral muscle fibres at 14 d(P<0.05).Further determination revealed a tendency towards increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)(P=0.092)and muscle fibre count(P=0.167)at 1 d post-hatching following maternal MLF treatment,while serum uric acid(UA)was decreased at 14 d after hatching(P<0.05).Moreover,maternal MLF supplementation significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the myogenic regulatory factor Myf5 in skeletal muscle at the both embryonic and growth stages(P<0.05).The relative abundance of the downstream protein of BMPR2,Smad1 and p-Smad1/5/9 in the TGFβsignalling pathway was significantly increased by maternal MLF treatment.Meanwhile,the increased expression of the target protein p-mTOR in the breast muscle of the offspring chicks is in accordance with the improved growth rate of the breast and the body.In conclusion,maternal MLF supplementation can promote muscle protein metabolism and muscle fibre development of chick embryos through upregulation of Myf5 expression and BMP/p-Smad1/5/9 axis,thereby improving growth performance of slow growing broiler.
基金supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation (No.30901027)the National Key Scientific Program (No.2007CB947403)+1 种基金funded,in part,by the grants for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (No.20090097120043)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.Y0201100257)
文摘During the growth and development of mammalian ovarian follicles, the activation and deactivation of mass genes are under the synergistic control of diverse modifiers through genetic and epigenetic events. Many factors regulate gene activity and functions through epigenetic modification without altering the DNA sequence, and the common mechanisms may include but are not limited to： DNA methylation, histone modifications （e.g., acetylation, deacetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, and ubiquitination）, and RNA- associated silencing of gene expression by noncoding RNA. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been achieved in studies involving the epigenetic alterations during mammalian germ cell development. A number of candidate regulatory factors have been identified. This review focuses on the current available information of epigenetic alterations （e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding-RNA-mediated regulation） during mammalian folliculogenesis and recounts when and how epigenetic patterns are differentially established, maintained, or altered in this process. Based on different types of epigenetic regulation, our review follows the temporal progression of events during ovarian folliculogenesis and describes the epigenetic changes and their contributions to germ cell-specific functions at each stage （i.e,, primordial folliculogenesis （follicle formation）, follicle maturation, and follicular atresia）.
基金Jiangsu Agriculture Science and Technology Innovation Fund(JASTIF,CX(18)2002).
文摘The intestinal immune function of chickens is limited during the early growing stage.Maternal nutritional intervention has been suggested to affect the innate immunity of offspring.The present study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal stevioside supplementation on the intestinal immune function of chicken offspring.A total of 120 Jinmao yellow-feathered breeder hens were fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg stevioside for 5 weeks.During the last week,200 breeding eggs from each group were collected for incubation.After hatching,80 male offspring(40 chickens from each group)were randomly selected and fed the same basal diet for 28 d.In addition,90 well-shaped fertile eggs of non-treated breeder hens were incubated for the in ovo injection experiment.Steviol dissolved in 20%glycerol was injected at 7 d of incubation.The results showed that maternal stevioside supplementation could improve embryonic development,jejunal integrity and proliferation in the jejunal crypt(P<0.05).Maternal stevioside supplementation could also increase the innate transcription levels of cytokines and endotoxin tolerance-related factors in the jejunum of chicken offspring(P<0.05).At 28 d of age,the offspring following maternal stevioside supplementation exhibited higher jejunal secretory immunoglobulin A and serum interferons levels(P<0.05).A higher abundance of Lactobacillales induced by maternal stevioside supplementation was positively correlated with intestinal immunerelated factors(P<0.05).The in ovo injection with steviol did not alter either embryonic development or intestinal immune function of hatching chickens(P>0.05).Furthermore,maternal stevioside supplementation could induce hypo-methylation on the promoter region of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1(SOCS1).In conclusion,maternal stevioside supplementation could improve the intestinal immune function of chicken offspring potentially via modulating the gut microbiota and downregulating the promoter methylation level of SOCS1.
