Background Previous investigations into the effect of dietary forage on calf performance have been inconsistent,and there is a paucity of information exploring the effect of age on the growth performance and ruminatio...Background Previous investigations into the effect of dietary forage on calf performance have been inconsistent,and there is a paucity of information exploring the effect of age on the growth performance and rumination of calves.Eighty-four female Holstein calves(41.5±4.2 kg)were enrolled at birth,a subset of the calves were fed calf starter only(CON,n=21)while the rest(n=63)were classified into three treatment groups:the early(EHAY,n=26,5.1±0.8 d),the middle(MHAY,n=21,7.9±0.8 d)and the late(LHAY,n=16,12.1±1.4 d)hay consumers.The short-term effect of the age at first forage consump-tion(AFF)on calves’feed intake was monitored until d 84.In addition,the long-term effects of AFF on body weight,structural growth and rumination behavior were recorded until d 196.Rumen samples were collected on d 1,7,35,84 and 196 to ana-lyze the rumen fermentation,while fecal samples were collected from d 78 to 84 to estimate digestibility parameters.Results Treatment had no effect on feed intake.While,the EHAY calves tended to have lower BW and ADG compared to LHAY and CON calves.Several total-tract apparent digestibility parameters and digestible nutrients intake were significantly lower in EHAY calves compared with CON and LHAY calves.Calves in the EHAY group tended to begin ruminating ealier,while CON calves were the latest(12.3 vs.15.5 days of age).A treatment and time interaction was present for rumination time due to greater rumination in calves consuming hay compared to CON calves in week 10 to 12,the differences in rumination disappeared afterwards,no long-lasting significant differences in the rumina-tion and rumen fermentation parameters were found between treatments.Conclusions In conclusion,this study showed that hay consumption earlier in life(in the first week,around 5 days of life)could negatively affect the growth of the calf in the short and long term.Compared to consuming hay from the second week(around 12 days of life)or feeding concentrate only without hay,starting to consume hay from the first week could compromise nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient intake independent of developing rumination behaviour and rumen fermentation.展开更多
Background: The present experiment was performed to assess the effects of different sources of milk on the growth performance, serum metabolism, immunity, and intestinal development of calves. Eighty-four Holstein mal...Background: The present experiment was performed to assess the effects of different sources of milk on the growth performance, serum metabolism, immunity, and intestinal development of calves. Eighty-four Holstein male neonatal calves were assigned to one of the following four treatment groups: those that received bunk tank milk(BTM), untreated waste milk(UWM), pasteurized waste milk(PWM), and acidified waste milk(AWM) for 21 d.Results: Calves in the BTM and AWM groups consumed more starter(P < 0.05) than those in the UWM group.Average daily gain in the UWM group was the highest(P < 0.05). Calves exhibited the highest(P < 0.05) serum total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides, growth hormone, immunoglobulin(Ig) A and Ig M concentrations in the UWM group, highest malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α in the PWM group(P < 0.05), and highest glutathione peroxidase and Ig G in the BTM group(P < 0.05). The jejunum and ileum of the calves in all treatments presented a slight inflammatory response. The jejunal inflammation scores were higher(P < 0.05) in the UWM and AWM groups than the BTM group; the ileal inflammation scores increased more(P < 0.05) in the AWM group than the BTM group. Jejunal immunohistochemical scores(IHS) were higher(P < 0.05) in the PWM and AWM groups than the BTM group. Compared to the other three groups, calves feeding on BTM had lower(P < 0.05) ileal IHS. Jejunal interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNA expression in the UWM group was the highest(P < 0.05). Calves fed AWM increased(P < 0.05) mRNA expression of IL-8 and toll like receptor 4(TLR-4) in the jejunum and IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in the mesenteric lymph nodes.Conclusions: Overall, bunk tank milk is the best choice for calf raising compared to waste milk. The efficiency of feeding pasteurized and acidified waste milk are comparable, and the acidification of waste milk is an acceptable labor-saving and diarrhea-preventing feed for young calves.展开更多
Yeast of Saccharomyces cerevisiae(SCY) origin has over long time been incorporated into domestic animal diets. In calves, several products have offered improved performance and health. Although several types of resear...Yeast of Saccharomyces cerevisiae(SCY) origin has over long time been incorporated into domestic animal diets. In calves, several products have offered improved performance and health. Although several types of research have been completed, the mode of action of SCY is not clear in calves. Under this review, we have highlighted the works available in the literature on the use of SCY in calves performance, health, immunity, and the gut environment. Both active live yeast and yeast culture have positive effects on growth, rumen, small intestines, immunity and general health of the calf. Specifically, SCY can improve DMI, growth, feed efficiency and reduce diarrhea in calves. Furthermore, subtle improvements are seen in rumen fermentation(increased butyrate production) and rumen papillae growth. These positive results are, however, more pronounced in calves that are under stress or exposed to significant levels of disease-causing agents. There is a need for further research in areas such as gut morphology, gut microbiology and immunity using latest molecular methods to fully understand how SCY helps the growth and development of calves.展开更多
The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the variation of nutrient digestion, plasma metabolites and oxidative stress parameters triggered by induced subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA); and 2) evaluate the abili...The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the variation of nutrient digestion, plasma metabolites and oxidative stress parameters triggered by induced subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA); and 2) evaluate the ability of pelleted beet pulp(BP) as a replacement for ground corn to alleviate SARA. Eight Holstein-Friesian cows were fed four diets during four successive17-day periods: 1) total mixed ration(TMR) containing 0% finely ground wheat(FGW)(W0); 2) TMR containing 10% FGW(W10); 3) TMR containing 20% FGW(W20); and 4) TMR containing 10% BP as a replacement for 10% ground corn(BP10). The SARA induction protocol reduced the mean ruminal pH from6.37 to 5.94, and the minimum ruminal pH decreased from 5.99 to 5.41 from baseline to challenge period. Mean ruminal pH increased from 5.94 to 6.05, and minimum daily ruminal pH increased from 5.41 to 5.63, when BP was substituted for corn. The apparent digestibility of nutrients was not affected by the dietary treatments, except that the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre(NDF) and acid detergent fibre(ADF) was reduced in cows fed the W20diet compared with cows fed the W0 and W10 diets, and cows fed the BP10 diet had higher NDF and ADF digestibility than the cows fed the W20 diet. Cows fed the W20 diet had a lower plasma concentration ofβ-hydroxybutyrate(BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids(NEFA), cholesterol, triglyceride, and total antioxidative capacity(TAC), and a higher plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, malonaldehyde(MDA), super oxygen dehydrogenises(SOD), and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) than cows fed the W0 diet. Substitution of BP for corn increased concentrations of plasma BHBA and TAC, but decreased concentrations of plasma MDA. Our results indicate that reduction of fibre digestion; the concomitant increase of plasma glucose and insulin; the decrease of plasma BHBA, NEFA, cholesterol, and triglyceride; and changes of plasma oxidative stress parameters are highly related to SARA induced by W20 diets. These variables may be alternative candidates for SARA diagnosis. We also suggest that the substitution of BP for corn could reduce the risk of SARA, increase fibre digestion, and improve the antioxidant status in dairy cows.展开更多
Background: Original rumen digesta, rumen liquid and solid fractions have been frequently used to assess the rumen bacterial community. However, bacterial profiles in rumen original digesta, liquid and solid fractions...Background: Original rumen digesta, rumen liquid and solid fractions have been frequently used to assess the rumen bacterial community. However, bacterial profiles in rumen original digesta, liquid and solid fractions vary from each other and need to be better established.Methods: To compare bacterial profiles in each fraction, samples of rumen digesta from six cows fed either a high fiber diet(HFD) or a high energy diet(HED) were collected via rumen fistulas. Rumen digesta was then squeezed through four layers of cheesecloth to separate liquid and solid fractions. The bacterial profiles of rumen original digesta, liquid and solid fractions were analyzed with High-throughput sequencing technique.Results: Rumen bacterial diversity was mainly affected by diet and individual cow(P > 0.05) rather than rumen fraction. Bias distributed bacteria were observed in solid and liquid fractions of rumen content using Venn diagram and LEf Se analysis. Fifteen out of 16 detected biomarkers(using LEf Se analysis) were found in liquid fraction, and these 15 biomarkers contributed the most to the bacterial differences among rumen content fractions.Conclusions: Similar results were found when using samples of original rumen digesta, rumen liquid or solid fractions to assess diversity of rumen bacteria; however, more attention should be draw onto bias distributed bacteria in different ruminal fractions, especially when liquid fraction has been used as a representative sample for rumen bacterial study.展开更多
Background: High-altitude pulmonary hypertension(HAPH) is a life-threating condition for animals in high altitude,and disturbance of endothelial nitric oxide(NO) synthesis contributes to its pathogenesis. N-carbamylgl...Background: High-altitude pulmonary hypertension(HAPH) is a life-threating condition for animals in high altitude,and disturbance of endothelial nitric oxide(NO) synthesis contributes to its pathogenesis. N-carbamylglutamate(NCG), which enhances arginine synthesis, promotes endogenous synthesis of NO. In this study, we determined the effects of NCG on alleviating HAPH in Holstein heifers that ascended to Tibet(Lhasa, 3,658 m).Methods: Exp. 1, 2,000 Holstein heifers were transported from low elevation(1,027 m) to Lhasa. After being exposed to hypoxia for 1 yr, Holstein heifers were assigned to a healthy group(Control, n = 6) with mean pulmonary hypertension(mPAP) < 41 mmHg, and an HAPH affected group(HAPH, n = 6) with mPAP > 49 mmHg.Lung tissues were collected to evaluate histopathological changes and the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS). Exp. 2, ten healthy heifers and 10 HAPH affected heifers were supplemented with NCG(20 g/d per heifer) for 4 wk. Physiological parameters were determined and blood samples were collected on d-1 and d 28 of the feeding trial.Results: Expression of e NOS in small pulmonary arteriole intima was higher in the healthy than HAPH group(P = 0.006), whereas HAPH group had significantly thicker media and adventitia than healthy group(all P < 0.05). The mRNA of eNOS and protein level of eNOS were higher in the lungs of heifers in the healthy group than in the HAPH group(both P < 0.001), whereas endothelin-1 protein levels were higher in HAPH group than in the healthy group(P = 0.025). NCG supplementation decreased mPAP and ammonia(both P = 0.001), whereas it increased the expression of eNOS, arginine, and plasma NO(all P < 0.05).Conclusions: The expression of eNOS was decreased in Holstein heifers with HAPH. NCG supplementation decreased m PAP through the restoration of eNOS and endogenous NO synthesis.展开更多
Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health,milk performance,and profitability of dairy cows.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry mat...Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health,milk performance,and profitability of dairy cows.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake(DMI),lactation performance and energy balance(EB) in multiparous Holstein cows which were housed in a free-stall bam and fed for ad libitum intake.Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet[HD,n = 13;6.8 MJ of net energy for lactation(NE_L)/kg;14.0%crude protein(CP)],or a middle energy density diet(MD,n = 13;6.2 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP),or a low energy density diet(LD,n = 13;5.4 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP) from d 21 before expected day of calving.After parturition,all cows were fed the same lactation diet to d 70 in milk(DIM).The DMI and NE_L intake prepartum were decreased by the reduced energy density diets(P< 0.05).The LD group consumed 1.3 kg/d(DM) more diet compared with HD group in the last 24 h before calving.The milk yield and the postpartum DMI were increased by the reduced energy density diet prepartum(P< 0.05).The changes in BCS and BW prepartum and postpartum were not affected by prepartum diets.HD group had higher milk fat content and lower lactose content compared with LD group during the first 3 wk of lactation(P< 0.05).The energy consumption for HD,MD and LD groups were 149.8%,126.2%and 101.1%of their calculated energy requirements prepartum(P< 0.05),and 72.7%,73.1%and 75.2%during the first 4 wk postpartum,respectively.In conclusion,the low energy density prepartum diet was effective in controlling NE_L intake prepartum,and was beneficial in increasing DMI and milk yield,and alleviating negative EB postpartum.展开更多
The current review is designed with aims to highlight the impact of heat stress(HS) on calves and heifers and to suggest methods for HS alleviation. HS occurs in animals when heat gain from environment and metabolism ...The current review is designed with aims to highlight the impact of heat stress(HS) on calves and heifers and to suggest methods for HS alleviation. HS occurs in animals when heat gain from environment and metabolism surpasses heat loss by radiation, convection, evaporation and conduction. Although calves and heifers are comparatively heat resistant due to less production of metabolic heat and more heat dissipation efficiency, they still suffer from HS to some degree. Dry matter intake and growth performance of calves and heifers are reduced during HS because of redistributing energy to heat regulation through a series of physiological and metabolic responses, such as elevated blood insulin and protein catabolism. Enhanced respiration rate and panting during HS accelerate the loss of CO2, resulting in altered blood acid-base chemistry and respiratory alkalosis. HS-induced alteration in rumen motility and microbiota affects the feed digestibility and rumen fermentation. Decreased luteinizing hormone, estradiol and gonadotrophins due to HS disturb the normal estrus cyclicity, depress follicular development, hence the drop in conception rate. Prenatal HS not only suppresses the embryonic development by the impaired placenta, which results in hypoxia and malnutrition, but also retards the growth, immunity and future milk production of newborn calves. Based on the above challenges, we attempted to describe the possible impacts of HS on growth, health, digestibility and reproduction of calves and heifers. Likewise, we also proposed three primary strategies for ameliorating HS consequences. Genetic development and reproductive measures, such as gene selection and embryo transfers, are more likely long-term approaches to enhance heat tolerance. While physical modification of the environment, such as shades and sprinkle systems, is the most common and easily implemented measure to alleviate HS. Additionally, nutritional management is another key approach which could help calves and heifers maintain homeostasis and prevent nutrient deficiencies because of HS.展开更多
Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing every year and their effect on the environment is becoming increasingly serious. In 2009, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere reached 387 μL/L, the h...Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing every year and their effect on the environment is becoming increasingly serious. In 2009, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere reached 387 μL/L, the highest level in recorded history. This paper summarizes the global carbon emission situation, sources of greenhouse gases, and the contribution of agriculture to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. Several scientific measures are proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from ruminant production such as improving animal performance, regulating the rumen environment, and reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from livestock manure.展开更多
It is hard to compute the competition number for a graph in general and characterizing a graph by its competition number has been one of important research problems in the study of competition graphs. Sano pointed out...It is hard to compute the competition number for a graph in general and characterizing a graph by its competition number has been one of important research problems in the study of competition graphs. Sano pointed out that it would be interesting to compute the competition numbers of some triangulations of a sphere as he got the exact value of the competition numbers of regular polyhedra. In this paper, we study the competition numbers of several kinds of triangulations of a sphere, and get the exact values of the competition numbers of a 24-hedron obtained from a hexahedron by adding a vertex in each face of the hexahedron and joining the vertex added in a face with the four vertices of the face, a class of dodecahedra constructed from a hexahedron by adding a diagonal in each face of the hexahedron, and a triangulation of a sphere with 3n (n≥2) vertices.展开更多
For any graph?G,?G?together with sufficiently many isolated vertices is the competition graph of some acyclic digraph. The competition number?k(G)?of a graph?G?is defined to be the smallest number of such isolated ver...For any graph?G,?G?together with sufficiently many isolated vertices is the competition graph of some acyclic digraph. The competition number?k(G)?of a graph?G?is defined to be the smallest number of such isolated vertices. In general, it is hard to compute the competition number?k(G)?for a graph?G?and chara-cterizing a graph by its competition number has been one of important research problems in the study of competition graphs. A 2-connected planar graph?G?with minimum degree at least 3 is a pseudo-Halin graph if deleting the edges on the boundary of a single face?f0?yields a tree. It is a Halin graph if the vertices of?f0?all have degree 3 in?G. In this paper, we compute the competition numbers of a kind of pseudo-Halin graphs.展开更多
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and there are currently no approved drugs for its treatment.Hyperactivation of mTOR complex1(mTORCl) and subsequent ...Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and there are currently no approved drugs for its treatment.Hyperactivation of mTOR complex1(mTORCl) and subsequent impairment of the transcription factor EB(TFEB)-mediated autophagy-lysosomal pathway(ALP) are implicated in the development of NAFLD.Accordingly,agents that augment hepatic TFEB transcriptional activity may have therapeutic potential against NAFLD.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nuciferine,a major active component from lotus leaf,on NAFLD and its underlying mechanism of action.Here we show that nuciferine activated ALP and alleviated steatosis,insulin resistance in the livers of NAFLD mice and palmitic acid-challenged hepatocytes in a TFEB-dependent manner.Mechanistic investigation revealed that nuciferine interacts with the Ragulator subunit hepatitis B X-interacting protein and impairs the interaction of the Ragulator complex with Rag GTPases,thereby suppressing lysosomal localization and activity of mTORC1,which activates TFEB-mediated ALP and further ameliorates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance.Our present results indicate that nuciferine may be a potential agent for treating NAFLD and that regulation of the mTORCl-TFEB-ALP axis could represent a novel pharmacological strategy to combat NAFLD.展开更多
A study using four Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas was conducted to evaluate the degradability of different moisture content or particle size of maize silage and alfalfa haylage. The maize silage(MS; 20-mm length)...A study using four Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas was conducted to evaluate the degradability of different moisture content or particle size of maize silage and alfalfa haylage. The maize silage(MS; 20-mm length) and alfalfa haylage(AH; 40-mm length) samples were wet(wet maize silage, MSW;wet alfalfa haylage, AHW), dried(dried maize silage, MSD; dried alfalfa haylage, AHD), or ground to pass through a 2.5-mm screen(dried ground maize silage, MSG; dried ground alfalfa haylage, AHG). Samples were incubated in the rumen for 2, 6.12, 24.36.48, and 72 h. Cows were fed ad libitum and allowed free access to water. High moisture content treatment of MSW expressed a lower rinsing NDF and ADF degradability at 2 h(P < 0.05) compared with dried samples(MSD and MSG). Different moisture content and particle size had a significant impact(P < 0.05) on the NDF degradability at 72 h, ADF degradability at36.48, and 72 h, and ruminally degradable ADF. All of the highest values were observed in small particle size and low moisture content AHG treatment. Based on this study, sample processing, such as drying and grinding, should be considered when evaluating nutritive values of forages.展开更多
Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignancies,with an everincreasing incidence and high mortality rate.Chromobox4(CBX4),also named hPC2,is a small ubiquitin-related modifier(SUMO)E3 ligase.Previous studies ...Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignancies,with an everincreasing incidence and high mortality rate.Chromobox4(CBX4),also named hPC2,is a small ubiquitin-related modifier(SUMO)E3 ligase.Previous studies have found that high CBX4 expression is associated with tumor size,pathologic differentiation and decreased patient survival in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,the expression and prognostic value of CBX4 in GC have not been clarified.In our study,ONCOMINE,UALCAN,KaplanMeier Plotter,cBioPortal,DAVID 6.8 and TIMER were utilized.RT-PCR,immunohistochemistry(IHC),Western blot,CCK-8 assay,cell apoptosis assay,cell cycle assay were used to further verify in GC tissue samples or cell line.The transcriptional and protein level of CBX4 in GC tissues was found significantly elevated and a significant association between the expression of CBX4 and clinicopathological parameters was found in GC patients.Low expression of CBX4 in GC patients were correlated with a significantly improved prognosis.The functions of CBX4 are primarily related to the stem cell pluripotency signaling pathway,Hippo signaling pathway,HTLV-I infection,Notch signaling pathway,and N-glycan biosynthesis.Our results may provide novel insights for the selection of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for GC.展开更多
The in vitro organoid model is a major technological breakthrough that has been established as an important tool in many basic biological and clinical applications.This near-physiological 3D culture system accurately ...The in vitro organoid model is a major technological breakthrough that has been established as an important tool in many basic biological and clinical applications.This near-physiological 3D culture system accurately models various biological processes,including tissue renewal,stem cell/niche functions and tissue responses to drugs,mutations or damage.Organoids have the potential value of being an accurate model for disease predictions or drug screening applications and to identify the ideal treatment for that patient.Carcinogenesis can be modeled by mutating specific cancer genes in wild-type organoids;and patient-derived organoids provide an important resource in the development of personalized cancer treatment.Organoids from cancer patients could be used to identify the ideal treatment for a specific patient by growing matched healthy and diseased organoids from human cancer patients which additionally enables clinical screens for drug combinations.Organoids could also provide autologous cells ordin the futuredtissue for transplantation.In this review,we discuss the current advances,challenges and potential applications of this technique in gastrointestinal neoplasms.展开更多
Butyrate and its derivatives possess various nutritional and biological benefits for mammals,whereas its effects on dairy calves have not been well characterized.This study evaluated the effects of tributyrin administ...Butyrate and its derivatives possess various nutritional and biological benefits for mammals,whereas its effects on dairy calves have not been well characterized.This study evaluated the effects of tributyrin administration on blood immune,intestinal immune and barrier functions,and microbial composition of pre-weaned dairy calves.Twenty newborn Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned into a control group(no tributyrin supplementation,CON;n=10)or a treatment group(supplemented with tributyrin at 2 g/L of milk,TRB;n=10).The results showed that diarrhea frequency was decreased significantly by tributyrin administration from d 29 to 56(P<0.001)and the whole period(P=0.003,d 1 to 56)though no significant effects were observed on growth performance.For blood metabolites,tributyrin administration significantly reduced the concentration of interleukin-1b(IL-1b)on d 28(P=0.001)and tended to reduce the concentration of serum amyloid A on d 56(P=0.079),whereas serum oxidative status parameters were not affected.For intestinal development,tributyrin administration increased the villus height(P<0.001)and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P=0.046)in the jejunum,and the villus height in the ileum(P=0.074).Furthermore,toll-like receptor 2(TRL2,P=0.045)and IL-1b(P=0.088)gene expressions were downregulated,while claudin-4(P=0.022)gene expression was upregulated in the jejunum following tributyrin administration.In the ileum,claudin-4(P=0.029)and G-protein coupled receptor 41(P=0.019)gene expressions were upregulated in the TRB group compared to CON.No significantly higher abundances of microbiota were found in the jejunum or ileum of calves in the CON group.In the TRB group,supplementing tributyrin significantly increased the abundance of shortchain fatty acid(SCFA)-producing bacteria,including Ruminococcaceae,Lachnospiraceae,Prevotella and Rikenellaceae(LDA>3.5,P<0.05),which was negatively associated with inflammatory gene expression(TLR2 and IL-1b)but positively associated with intestinal barrier genes(claudin-4)and morphological parameters(P<0.05).In conclusion,supplementing tributyrin in milk replacer could improve intestinal development and health of pre-weaned dairy calves by stimulating SCFA-producing bacteria colonization,enhancing intestinal barrier functions and suppressing inflammatory responses.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(No.2021YFF1000703,NKPs)funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China.
文摘Background Previous investigations into the effect of dietary forage on calf performance have been inconsistent,and there is a paucity of information exploring the effect of age on the growth performance and rumination of calves.Eighty-four female Holstein calves(41.5±4.2 kg)were enrolled at birth,a subset of the calves were fed calf starter only(CON,n=21)while the rest(n=63)were classified into three treatment groups:the early(EHAY,n=26,5.1±0.8 d),the middle(MHAY,n=21,7.9±0.8 d)and the late(LHAY,n=16,12.1±1.4 d)hay consumers.The short-term effect of the age at first forage consump-tion(AFF)on calves’feed intake was monitored until d 84.In addition,the long-term effects of AFF on body weight,structural growth and rumination behavior were recorded until d 196.Rumen samples were collected on d 1,7,35,84 and 196 to ana-lyze the rumen fermentation,while fecal samples were collected from d 78 to 84 to estimate digestibility parameters.Results Treatment had no effect on feed intake.While,the EHAY calves tended to have lower BW and ADG compared to LHAY and CON calves.Several total-tract apparent digestibility parameters and digestible nutrients intake were significantly lower in EHAY calves compared with CON and LHAY calves.Calves in the EHAY group tended to begin ruminating ealier,while CON calves were the latest(12.3 vs.15.5 days of age).A treatment and time interaction was present for rumination time due to greater rumination in calves consuming hay compared to CON calves in week 10 to 12,the differences in rumination disappeared afterwards,no long-lasting significant differences in the rumina-tion and rumen fermentation parameters were found between treatments.Conclusions In conclusion,this study showed that hay consumption earlier in life(in the first week,around 5 days of life)could negatively affect the growth of the calf in the short and long term.Compared to consuming hay from the second week(around 12 days of life)or feeding concentrate only without hay,starting to consume hay from the first week could compromise nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient intake independent of developing rumination behaviour and rumen fermentation.
文摘Background: The present experiment was performed to assess the effects of different sources of milk on the growth performance, serum metabolism, immunity, and intestinal development of calves. Eighty-four Holstein male neonatal calves were assigned to one of the following four treatment groups: those that received bunk tank milk(BTM), untreated waste milk(UWM), pasteurized waste milk(PWM), and acidified waste milk(AWM) for 21 d.Results: Calves in the BTM and AWM groups consumed more starter(P < 0.05) than those in the UWM group.Average daily gain in the UWM group was the highest(P < 0.05). Calves exhibited the highest(P < 0.05) serum total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides, growth hormone, immunoglobulin(Ig) A and Ig M concentrations in the UWM group, highest malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α in the PWM group(P < 0.05), and highest glutathione peroxidase and Ig G in the BTM group(P < 0.05). The jejunum and ileum of the calves in all treatments presented a slight inflammatory response. The jejunal inflammation scores were higher(P < 0.05) in the UWM and AWM groups than the BTM group; the ileal inflammation scores increased more(P < 0.05) in the AWM group than the BTM group. Jejunal immunohistochemical scores(IHS) were higher(P < 0.05) in the PWM and AWM groups than the BTM group. Compared to the other three groups, calves feeding on BTM had lower(P < 0.05) ileal IHS. Jejunal interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNA expression in the UWM group was the highest(P < 0.05). Calves fed AWM increased(P < 0.05) mRNA expression of IL-8 and toll like receptor 4(TLR-4) in the jejunum and IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in the mesenteric lymph nodes.Conclusions: Overall, bunk tank milk is the best choice for calf raising compared to waste milk. The efficiency of feeding pasteurized and acidified waste milk are comparable, and the acidification of waste milk is an acceptable labor-saving and diarrhea-preventing feed for young calves.
基金supported by Beijing Agricultural Committee(20160146)Tianjin Commission of Science and Technology(15YFXQNC00020)+1 种基金National Dairy Industry and Technology System(CARS-37)Key Technologies R&D Program of China(2012BAD12B06)
文摘Yeast of Saccharomyces cerevisiae(SCY) origin has over long time been incorporated into domestic animal diets. In calves, several products have offered improved performance and health. Although several types of research have been completed, the mode of action of SCY is not clear in calves. Under this review, we have highlighted the works available in the literature on the use of SCY in calves performance, health, immunity, and the gut environment. Both active live yeast and yeast culture have positive effects on growth, rumen, small intestines, immunity and general health of the calf. Specifically, SCY can improve DMI, growth, feed efficiency and reduce diarrhea in calves. Furthermore, subtle improvements are seen in rumen fermentation(increased butyrate production) and rumen papillae growth. These positive results are, however, more pronounced in calves that are under stress or exposed to significant levels of disease-causing agents. There is a need for further research in areas such as gut morphology, gut microbiology and immunity using latest molecular methods to fully understand how SCY helps the growth and development of calves.
基金financially supported by funds from the National Key Basic Research Program of China(Project No.2011CB100801)
文摘The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the variation of nutrient digestion, plasma metabolites and oxidative stress parameters triggered by induced subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA); and 2) evaluate the ability of pelleted beet pulp(BP) as a replacement for ground corn to alleviate SARA. Eight Holstein-Friesian cows were fed four diets during four successive17-day periods: 1) total mixed ration(TMR) containing 0% finely ground wheat(FGW)(W0); 2) TMR containing 10% FGW(W10); 3) TMR containing 20% FGW(W20); and 4) TMR containing 10% BP as a replacement for 10% ground corn(BP10). The SARA induction protocol reduced the mean ruminal pH from6.37 to 5.94, and the minimum ruminal pH decreased from 5.99 to 5.41 from baseline to challenge period. Mean ruminal pH increased from 5.94 to 6.05, and minimum daily ruminal pH increased from 5.41 to 5.63, when BP was substituted for corn. The apparent digestibility of nutrients was not affected by the dietary treatments, except that the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre(NDF) and acid detergent fibre(ADF) was reduced in cows fed the W20diet compared with cows fed the W0 and W10 diets, and cows fed the BP10 diet had higher NDF and ADF digestibility than the cows fed the W20 diet. Cows fed the W20 diet had a lower plasma concentration ofβ-hydroxybutyrate(BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids(NEFA), cholesterol, triglyceride, and total antioxidative capacity(TAC), and a higher plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, malonaldehyde(MDA), super oxygen dehydrogenises(SOD), and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) than cows fed the W0 diet. Substitution of BP for corn increased concentrations of plasma BHBA and TAC, but decreased concentrations of plasma MDA. Our results indicate that reduction of fibre digestion; the concomitant increase of plasma glucose and insulin; the decrease of plasma BHBA, NEFA, cholesterol, and triglyceride; and changes of plasma oxidative stress parameters are highly related to SARA induced by W20 diets. These variables may be alternative candidates for SARA diagnosis. We also suggest that the substitution of BP for corn could reduce the risk of SARA, increase fibre digestion, and improve the antioxidant status in dairy cows.
基金supported by National Dairy Industry and Technology System(CARS-37)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31402099)
文摘Background: Original rumen digesta, rumen liquid and solid fractions have been frequently used to assess the rumen bacterial community. However, bacterial profiles in rumen original digesta, liquid and solid fractions vary from each other and need to be better established.Methods: To compare bacterial profiles in each fraction, samples of rumen digesta from six cows fed either a high fiber diet(HFD) or a high energy diet(HED) were collected via rumen fistulas. Rumen digesta was then squeezed through four layers of cheesecloth to separate liquid and solid fractions. The bacterial profiles of rumen original digesta, liquid and solid fractions were analyzed with High-throughput sequencing technique.Results: Rumen bacterial diversity was mainly affected by diet and individual cow(P > 0.05) rather than rumen fraction. Bias distributed bacteria were observed in solid and liquid fractions of rumen content using Venn diagram and LEf Se analysis. Fifteen out of 16 detected biomarkers(using LEf Se analysis) were found in liquid fraction, and these 15 biomarkers contributed the most to the bacterial differences among rumen content fractions.Conclusions: Similar results were found when using samples of original rumen digesta, rumen liquid or solid fractions to assess diversity of rumen bacteria; however, more attention should be draw onto bias distributed bacteria in different ruminal fractions, especially when liquid fraction has been used as a representative sample for rumen bacterial study.
基金provided by the National Dairy Industry and Technology System(Beijing,P.R.China)
文摘Background: High-altitude pulmonary hypertension(HAPH) is a life-threating condition for animals in high altitude,and disturbance of endothelial nitric oxide(NO) synthesis contributes to its pathogenesis. N-carbamylglutamate(NCG), which enhances arginine synthesis, promotes endogenous synthesis of NO. In this study, we determined the effects of NCG on alleviating HAPH in Holstein heifers that ascended to Tibet(Lhasa, 3,658 m).Methods: Exp. 1, 2,000 Holstein heifers were transported from low elevation(1,027 m) to Lhasa. After being exposed to hypoxia for 1 yr, Holstein heifers were assigned to a healthy group(Control, n = 6) with mean pulmonary hypertension(mPAP) < 41 mmHg, and an HAPH affected group(HAPH, n = 6) with mPAP > 49 mmHg.Lung tissues were collected to evaluate histopathological changes and the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS). Exp. 2, ten healthy heifers and 10 HAPH affected heifers were supplemented with NCG(20 g/d per heifer) for 4 wk. Physiological parameters were determined and blood samples were collected on d-1 and d 28 of the feeding trial.Results: Expression of e NOS in small pulmonary arteriole intima was higher in the healthy than HAPH group(P = 0.006), whereas HAPH group had significantly thicker media and adventitia than healthy group(all P < 0.05). The mRNA of eNOS and protein level of eNOS were higher in the lungs of heifers in the healthy group than in the HAPH group(both P < 0.001), whereas endothelin-1 protein levels were higher in HAPH group than in the healthy group(P = 0.025). NCG supplementation decreased mPAP and ammonia(both P = 0.001), whereas it increased the expression of eNOS, arginine, and plasma NO(all P < 0.05).Conclusions: The expression of eNOS was decreased in Holstein heifers with HAPH. NCG supplementation decreased m PAP through the restoration of eNOS and endogenous NO synthesis.
基金financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(31272469,31372334)China Agriculture Research System(CARS-37)
文摘Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health,milk performance,and profitability of dairy cows.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake(DMI),lactation performance and energy balance(EB) in multiparous Holstein cows which were housed in a free-stall bam and fed for ad libitum intake.Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet[HD,n = 13;6.8 MJ of net energy for lactation(NE_L)/kg;14.0%crude protein(CP)],or a middle energy density diet(MD,n = 13;6.2 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP),or a low energy density diet(LD,n = 13;5.4 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP) from d 21 before expected day of calving.After parturition,all cows were fed the same lactation diet to d 70 in milk(DIM).The DMI and NE_L intake prepartum were decreased by the reduced energy density diets(P< 0.05).The LD group consumed 1.3 kg/d(DM) more diet compared with HD group in the last 24 h before calving.The milk yield and the postpartum DMI were increased by the reduced energy density diet prepartum(P< 0.05).The changes in BCS and BW prepartum and postpartum were not affected by prepartum diets.HD group had higher milk fat content and lower lactose content compared with LD group during the first 3 wk of lactation(P< 0.05).The energy consumption for HD,MD and LD groups were 149.8%,126.2%and 101.1%of their calculated energy requirements prepartum(P< 0.05),and 72.7%,73.1%and 75.2%during the first 4 wk postpartum,respectively.In conclusion,the low energy density prepartum diet was effective in controlling NE_L intake prepartum,and was beneficial in increasing DMI and milk yield,and alleviating negative EB postpartum.
基金funded by National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFD0501600)Key Research and Development Project of Hebei (19226625D)。
文摘The current review is designed with aims to highlight the impact of heat stress(HS) on calves and heifers and to suggest methods for HS alleviation. HS occurs in animals when heat gain from environment and metabolism surpasses heat loss by radiation, convection, evaporation and conduction. Although calves and heifers are comparatively heat resistant due to less production of metabolic heat and more heat dissipation efficiency, they still suffer from HS to some degree. Dry matter intake and growth performance of calves and heifers are reduced during HS because of redistributing energy to heat regulation through a series of physiological and metabolic responses, such as elevated blood insulin and protein catabolism. Enhanced respiration rate and panting during HS accelerate the loss of CO2, resulting in altered blood acid-base chemistry and respiratory alkalosis. HS-induced alteration in rumen motility and microbiota affects the feed digestibility and rumen fermentation. Decreased luteinizing hormone, estradiol and gonadotrophins due to HS disturb the normal estrus cyclicity, depress follicular development, hence the drop in conception rate. Prenatal HS not only suppresses the embryonic development by the impaired placenta, which results in hypoxia and malnutrition, but also retards the growth, immunity and future milk production of newborn calves. Based on the above challenges, we attempted to describe the possible impacts of HS on growth, health, digestibility and reproduction of calves and heifers. Likewise, we also proposed three primary strategies for ameliorating HS consequences. Genetic development and reproductive measures, such as gene selection and embryo transfers, are more likely long-term approaches to enhance heat tolerance. While physical modification of the environment, such as shades and sprinkle systems, is the most common and easily implemented measure to alleviate HS. Additionally, nutritional management is another key approach which could help calves and heifers maintain homeostasis and prevent nutrient deficiencies because of HS.
文摘Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing every year and their effect on the environment is becoming increasingly serious. In 2009, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere reached 387 μL/L, the highest level in recorded history. This paper summarizes the global carbon emission situation, sources of greenhouse gases, and the contribution of agriculture to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. Several scientific measures are proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from ruminant production such as improving animal performance, regulating the rumen environment, and reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from livestock manure.
文摘It is hard to compute the competition number for a graph in general and characterizing a graph by its competition number has been one of important research problems in the study of competition graphs. Sano pointed out that it would be interesting to compute the competition numbers of some triangulations of a sphere as he got the exact value of the competition numbers of regular polyhedra. In this paper, we study the competition numbers of several kinds of triangulations of a sphere, and get the exact values of the competition numbers of a 24-hedron obtained from a hexahedron by adding a vertex in each face of the hexahedron and joining the vertex added in a face with the four vertices of the face, a class of dodecahedra constructed from a hexahedron by adding a diagonal in each face of the hexahedron, and a triangulation of a sphere with 3n (n≥2) vertices.
文摘For any graph?G,?G?together with sufficiently many isolated vertices is the competition graph of some acyclic digraph. The competition number?k(G)?of a graph?G?is defined to be the smallest number of such isolated vertices. In general, it is hard to compute the competition number?k(G)?for a graph?G?and chara-cterizing a graph by its competition number has been one of important research problems in the study of competition graphs. A 2-connected planar graph?G?with minimum degree at least 3 is a pseudo-Halin graph if deleting the edges on the boundary of a single face?f0?yields a tree. It is a Halin graph if the vertices of?f0?all have degree 3 in?G. In this paper, we compute the competition numbers of a kind of pseudo-Halin graphs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Beijing, Chinagrant Nos. U20A2062, 32022084, and 32002349)+1 种基金Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Project (Changchun, Chinagrant No. 20210508011RQ)
文摘Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and there are currently no approved drugs for its treatment.Hyperactivation of mTOR complex1(mTORCl) and subsequent impairment of the transcription factor EB(TFEB)-mediated autophagy-lysosomal pathway(ALP) are implicated in the development of NAFLD.Accordingly,agents that augment hepatic TFEB transcriptional activity may have therapeutic potential against NAFLD.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nuciferine,a major active component from lotus leaf,on NAFLD and its underlying mechanism of action.Here we show that nuciferine activated ALP and alleviated steatosis,insulin resistance in the livers of NAFLD mice and palmitic acid-challenged hepatocytes in a TFEB-dependent manner.Mechanistic investigation revealed that nuciferine interacts with the Ragulator subunit hepatitis B X-interacting protein and impairs the interaction of the Ragulator complex with Rag GTPases,thereby suppressing lysosomal localization and activity of mTORC1,which activates TFEB-mediated ALP and further ameliorates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance.Our present results indicate that nuciferine may be a potential agent for treating NAFLD and that regulation of the mTORCl-TFEB-ALP axis could represent a novel pharmacological strategy to combat NAFLD.
基金financially supported by Beijing Nova Program (Z1211050025)Beijing Young Scientist Program (YETP0305)National Science Foundation of China (31372334)
文摘A study using four Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas was conducted to evaluate the degradability of different moisture content or particle size of maize silage and alfalfa haylage. The maize silage(MS; 20-mm length) and alfalfa haylage(AH; 40-mm length) samples were wet(wet maize silage, MSW;wet alfalfa haylage, AHW), dried(dried maize silage, MSD; dried alfalfa haylage, AHD), or ground to pass through a 2.5-mm screen(dried ground maize silage, MSG; dried ground alfalfa haylage, AHG). Samples were incubated in the rumen for 2, 6.12, 24.36.48, and 72 h. Cows were fed ad libitum and allowed free access to water. High moisture content treatment of MSW expressed a lower rinsing NDF and ADF degradability at 2 h(P < 0.05) compared with dried samples(MSD and MSG). Different moisture content and particle size had a significant impact(P < 0.05) on the NDF degradability at 72 h, ADF degradability at36.48, and 72 h, and ruminally degradable ADF. All of the highest values were observed in small particle size and low moisture content AHG treatment. Based on this study, sample processing, such as drying and grinding, should be considered when evaluating nutritive values of forages.
基金This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[grant number 81972655]the Program for Young Eastern Scholars at the Shanghai Institutions of Higher Learning[grant number QD2016004]+1 种基金the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Research Project[grant number 14441903103]Shanghai Municipal Key Clinic Specialty.
文摘Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignancies,with an everincreasing incidence and high mortality rate.Chromobox4(CBX4),also named hPC2,is a small ubiquitin-related modifier(SUMO)E3 ligase.Previous studies have found that high CBX4 expression is associated with tumor size,pathologic differentiation and decreased patient survival in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,the expression and prognostic value of CBX4 in GC have not been clarified.In our study,ONCOMINE,UALCAN,KaplanMeier Plotter,cBioPortal,DAVID 6.8 and TIMER were utilized.RT-PCR,immunohistochemistry(IHC),Western blot,CCK-8 assay,cell apoptosis assay,cell cycle assay were used to further verify in GC tissue samples or cell line.The transcriptional and protein level of CBX4 in GC tissues was found significantly elevated and a significant association between the expression of CBX4 and clinicopathological parameters was found in GC patients.Low expression of CBX4 in GC patients were correlated with a significantly improved prognosis.The functions of CBX4 are primarily related to the stem cell pluripotency signaling pathway,Hippo signaling pathway,HTLV-I infection,Notch signaling pathway,and N-glycan biosynthesis.Our results may provide novel insights for the selection of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for GC.
基金This project was supported by grants from the Shanghai Pujiang Program(16PJ1405700)The Program for Young Eastern Scholar at Shanghai Institutions of Higher Learning(QD2016004)Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Research Project(14441903103).
文摘The in vitro organoid model is a major technological breakthrough that has been established as an important tool in many basic biological and clinical applications.This near-physiological 3D culture system accurately models various biological processes,including tissue renewal,stem cell/niche functions and tissue responses to drugs,mutations or damage.Organoids have the potential value of being an accurate model for disease predictions or drug screening applications and to identify the ideal treatment for that patient.Carcinogenesis can be modeled by mutating specific cancer genes in wild-type organoids;and patient-derived organoids provide an important resource in the development of personalized cancer treatment.Organoids from cancer patients could be used to identify the ideal treatment for a specific patient by growing matched healthy and diseased organoids from human cancer patients which additionally enables clinical screens for drug combinations.Organoids could also provide autologous cells ordin the futuredtissue for transplantation.In this review,we discuss the current advances,challenges and potential applications of this technique in gastrointestinal neoplasms.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China,China(2021YFF1000703-03)the Research Innovation Fund for Graduate Students of CAU,China(2021TC116)the grant from Guangdong VTR Biotechnology Co.,Ltd(2017DR05,Guangdong,China).
文摘Butyrate and its derivatives possess various nutritional and biological benefits for mammals,whereas its effects on dairy calves have not been well characterized.This study evaluated the effects of tributyrin administration on blood immune,intestinal immune and barrier functions,and microbial composition of pre-weaned dairy calves.Twenty newborn Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned into a control group(no tributyrin supplementation,CON;n=10)or a treatment group(supplemented with tributyrin at 2 g/L of milk,TRB;n=10).The results showed that diarrhea frequency was decreased significantly by tributyrin administration from d 29 to 56(P<0.001)and the whole period(P=0.003,d 1 to 56)though no significant effects were observed on growth performance.For blood metabolites,tributyrin administration significantly reduced the concentration of interleukin-1b(IL-1b)on d 28(P=0.001)and tended to reduce the concentration of serum amyloid A on d 56(P=0.079),whereas serum oxidative status parameters were not affected.For intestinal development,tributyrin administration increased the villus height(P<0.001)and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P=0.046)in the jejunum,and the villus height in the ileum(P=0.074).Furthermore,toll-like receptor 2(TRL2,P=0.045)and IL-1b(P=0.088)gene expressions were downregulated,while claudin-4(P=0.022)gene expression was upregulated in the jejunum following tributyrin administration.In the ileum,claudin-4(P=0.029)and G-protein coupled receptor 41(P=0.019)gene expressions were upregulated in the TRB group compared to CON.No significantly higher abundances of microbiota were found in the jejunum or ileum of calves in the CON group.In the TRB group,supplementing tributyrin significantly increased the abundance of shortchain fatty acid(SCFA)-producing bacteria,including Ruminococcaceae,Lachnospiraceae,Prevotella and Rikenellaceae(LDA>3.5,P<0.05),which was negatively associated with inflammatory gene expression(TLR2 and IL-1b)but positively associated with intestinal barrier genes(claudin-4)and morphological parameters(P<0.05).In conclusion,supplementing tributyrin in milk replacer could improve intestinal development and health of pre-weaned dairy calves by stimulating SCFA-producing bacteria colonization,enhancing intestinal barrier functions and suppressing inflammatory responses.
