[Objective] This study was conducted to characterize the change of functional gene expression of active microorganisms in different fermentation stages of koumiss. [Method] The koumiss samples were collected at the early （12 h）, middle （48 h） and late （96 h） stages of fermentation, and the metatranscriptomic libraries were prepared for high-throughput RNA sequencing. After assembly and functional annotation of the sequencing data, the differentially expressed genes （DEGs） were identified to determine the static enrichment of significant DEGs in GO and KEGG signaling pathways. [Result] The koumiss samples of the early, middle and late stages of fermentation generated 12.17 GB clean reads by metatranscriptomic high-throughput sequencing. Sequence assembly and data analysis demonstrated that the expression of genes involved in metabolic process played a dominant role in the fermentation process of koumiss. The identification and assessment of DEGs exhibited that the number of the down-regulated genes was more than that of the up-regulated genes in pairwise comparison of the koumiss samples collected at the three fermentation stages. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that the GO terms highly enriched by DEGs between the samples of early and middle fermentation stages associated with cellular process, metabolic process, organic ring compound binding, and heterocyclic compound binding. The GO terms highly enriched by DEGs between the samples of middle and late fermentation stages included cellular process and cellular macromolecule metabolic process. The GO terms highly enriched by DEGs between the samples of early and late fermentation stages mainly involved cellular process, organic substance metabolic process, nucleoside binding, ribonucleoside binding, and purine nucleotide binding. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis displayed that there was only one signaling pathway （ribosome） in which DEGs between the samples of early and middle fermentation stages significantly enriched. DEGs between the samples of middle and late fermentation stages significantly enriched in the signaling pathways of ether lipid metabolism, aminobenzoate degradation, mRNA surveillance pathway, and steroid biosynthesis. The signaling pathways of steroid biosynthesis, aminobenzoate degradation, mRNA surveillance pathway, ribosome and ethylbenzene degradation were significantly enriched by DEGs between the samples of early and late fermentation stages. [Conclusion] The differential expression of functional genes of active microorganisms was involved in the fermentation process and dynamically changed in different fermentation stages of koumiss. The results obtained in this study provide references for in-depth understanding the fermentation mechanism and optimizing the fermentation process of koumiss.

[Objective] This study was conducted to optimize the glycosylation reaction conditions for flaxseed gum （FSG） and zein, and to characterize the structural and functional properties of the glycosylation product. [Method] Using grafting degree as the evaluation index, the main factors affecting the glycosylation reaction between FSG and zein were optimized by orthogonal test on the basis of one-way test. The structure of the FSG-zein glycosylation product was analyzed by the techniques of scanning electron microscope, Fourier infrared spectroscopy and endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, the FSG-zein glycosylation product was functionally evaluated in terms of anti-oxidant capacity as well as emulsifying and foaming properties. [Result] The optimized glycosylation reaction conditions for FSG and zein were as follows: the ratio of zein solution to FSG solution was 1︰3, the pH value of the reaction system was 2, the reaction temperature was 90 ℃, and the reaction duration was 90 min. Under these conditions, the grafting degree of the FSG-zein glycosylation product was 77.81%. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier infrared spectroscopy and endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy analyses demonstrated that the initial structures of FSG and zein were significantly changed after the glycosylation reaction, confirming that FSG and zein generated FSG-zein glycosylation compound by glycosylation reaction. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the FSG-zein glycosylation product possessed a significantly （P<0.05） higher scavenging rate of ·OH than FSG, and exhibited significantly （P<0.05） elevated scavenging rate of DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical as well as total reducing power than FSG and zein. Significantly （P<0.05） increased emulsifying activity index and stability index as well as significantly （P<0.05） improved foaming ability and stability were observed in the FSG-zein glycosylation product in comparison to FSG and zein. [Conclusion] The glycosylation reaction conditions for FSG and zein were optimized, and the obtained glycosylation product possessed good anti-oxidant capacity as well as emulsifying and foaming abilities.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the mechanisms underlying the protective role of honeysuckle extract against Newcastle disease virus （NDV） infection in pigeon. [Method] A total of 40 healthy 28-day-old American king pigeons without NDV vaccination were selected and subjected to a 7-day adaptive rearing. At the age of 35 days, the experimental pigeons were randomly assigned into a honeysuckle extract protective （KO） group （n=10） or a virus challenge control （OE） group （n=10）. The pigeons in KO group drank the water containing 1.2% honeysuckle extract for 7 consecutive days, and at the age of 42 days, they were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 mL NDV Pi/NJ/CH/4416/2016 strain of pigeon origin with HA potency of 5log2 . The pigeons in OE group drank the normal water and were challenged with the same NDV strain at the same dosage at the age of 42 days. Seven days after challenge, 3 pigeons were chosen from both KO and OE groups. The spleen samples were collected for paraffin-embedded tissue section preparation and for total RNA extraction to construct the transcriptome libraries. RNA-Seq was used to identify differentially expressed genes （DEGs） and to perform GO functional enrichment analysis as well as KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Four randomly selected significant DEGs identified by RNA-Seq were verified by using qRT-PCR. [Result] The splenocytes of the pigeons in OE group had abnormally enlarged nuclei and white vacuoles, accompanied by a large number of granulocyte infiltration in splenic tissues, while those of the pigeons in KO group had many white vacuoles and minor granulocyte infiltration alone, and no abnormally enlarged splenocyte nuclei in splenic tissues were observed. A total of 374 DEGs were identified in the spleens of the pigeons in KO group by RNA-Seq, of which 112 were significantly up-regulated and 262 were significantly down-regulated. GO functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that 875 DEGs were enriched in 312 GO entries, of which 149 belonged to biological process, 33 belonged to cellular component, and 130 belonged to molecular function. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that 226 DEGs were enriched in 93 KEGG signaling pathways, including information transmission pathway, metabolic pathway, natural immunity related pathway, and apoptosis pathway. The qRT-PCR validation test showed that the relative mRNA abundance of the 4 randomly selected significant DEGs （LOC110360702, LOC110360688, SFRP5 and CHAD） had the same change trend as the RNA-Seq results. [Conclusion] Honeysuckle extract exerts protective role against NDV infection in pigeon by activating important physiological processes of host such as information transmission, metabolic regulation and immune response. The results obtained in this study provide a scientific basis for further investigation on the molecular mechanism of immune response to NDV infection in pigeon.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of exogenous ascorbic acid （AsA） priming on seed vigor of forage triticale （× Triticosecale Wittmack）under NaCl stress. [Method] Forage triticale 'Jisi No.3' seeds were primed in AsA solutions at the concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mmol/L for 0 （CK）, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h, respectively, and were then germinated under NaCl stress at a concentration of 100 mmol/L. The germination percentage （Gp）, germination index （Gi）, mean germination time （MGT） and seedlings vigor index （SVI） of the seeds were determined and statistically compared. [Result] The priming concentration or duration of the exogenous AsA had extremely significant （P<0.01） effects on Gp, Gi, MGT and SVI of the forage triticale seeds. In addition, the mutual combination effect of both reached significant （P<0.05） level on SVI and extremely significant （P<0.01） level on Gp,Gi and MGT. The highest values of Gp, Gi and SVI as well as the lowest value of MGT were observed in the seeds with AsA priming for 4 h at a concentration of 1.0 mmol/L. In the AsA priming concentration range of 0.5-2.0 mmol/L, the seeds had lower Gp, Gi and SVI as well as higher MGT when they were primed for 24 h in comparison to those at the other priming times. [Conclusion] The effects of AsA priming on seed vigor of forage triticale under NaCl stress were closely related to the priming concentration and duration as well as their synergistic action. Priming with AsA at a concentration of 1.0 mmol/L for 4 h exhibited the most effective improvement in seed vigor of forage triticale under a salt stress environment of 100 mmol/L NaCl.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of compound enzyme and probiotic preparations on growth performance, serum biochemical indices and antioxidant capacity, and small intestinal morphological development of AA broilers. [Method] A total of 480 one-day-old male AA broilers with similar weights were randomly assigned into a control group and 3 treatment groups （T1, T2, T3）. The control group fed a corn-soybean meal based diet, while the T1, T2 and T3 groups fed the same basal diets containing 0.2 g/kg compound enzyme preparation, 1 g/kg compound probiotic preparation, and 0.2 g/kg compound enzyme preparation+1 g/kg compound probiotic preparation, respectively. There were 6 replicates in each group and 20 broilers in each replicate. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days. The average daily feed intake （ADFI）, average daily gain （ADG）, and feed to gain ratio （F/G） at different growth stages （1-21 days of age, 22-42 days of age, 1-42 days of age) were calculated. On the 21^st and 42^nd day of the trial, blood samples were collected to determine the serum biochemical indices and antioxidant capacity. Samples of duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected to prepare tissue sections. The villus height （VH） and crypt depth （CD） of each small intestinal segment was observed after HE staining, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth （V/C） was calculated. [Result] ① Compared with the control group, significantly （P<0.05） higher weight at 21 days of age, ADFI and ADG at 1-21 days of age, and ADG at 1-42 days of age were observed in T1 and T3 groups; T1 group had significantly （P<0.05） increased ADFI at 22-42 days and 1-42 days of age, and had significantly （P<0.05) decreased F/G at 1-42 days of age; the F/G at 1-21 days, 22-42 days and 1-42 days of age in T2 group was significantly （P<0.05） reduced; T3 group had significantly （P<0.05） decreased F/G at 22-42 days and 1-42 days of age. The weight at 21 days of age as well as the ADFI and ADG at 1-21 days and 1-42 days of age in T1 and T3 groups were significantly （P<0.05） higher than those in T2 group. The F/G at 1-21 days and 22-42 days of age in T2 group was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in T1 and T3 groups, and the F/G at 1-42 days of age in T2 group was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in T1 group. ② Significantly （P<0.05） reduced serum TG content at 21 days and 42 days of age in T1, T2 and T3 groups was observed compared with the control group. T3 group had significantly （P<0.05） elevated serum TP content at 42 days of age than that of the control group and T2 group. T1 group had significantly （P<0.05） higher serum GLU content at 42 days of age than that of the other groups. ③ There were no significant （P>0.05） differences in serum antioxidant capacity at 21 days and 42 days of age among the 4 groups. ④ Compared with the control group, T1, T2 and T3 groups had significantly （P<0.05） lower CD and significantly （P<0.05） higher V/C of duodenum and ileum; T1 and T3 groups had significantly （P<0.05） increased VH of duodenum; T3 group had significantly （P<0.05） elevated VH of jejunum; T2 and T3 groups had significantly （P<0.05） reduced CD of jejunum. The VH and V/C of duodenum in T1 and T3 groups was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in T2 group. The VH of jejunum in T3 group was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in T1 and T2 groups. The CD of jejunum in T1 group was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in T2 group. The CD of ileum in T3 group was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in T1 group. [Conclusion] Exclusive or combined supplementation of compound enzyme and probiotic preparations in diet exhibited favorable effects on growth performance, serum biochemical indices and antioxidant capacity, and small intestinal morphological development of AA broilers. The combined supplementation showed a better comprehensive performance.

[Objective] This study was conducted to characterize the nutritional value, production performance and soil improvement effects of different varieties of forage grasses planted on floodplain in the Yinchuan section of the Yellow River in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Method] A total of 11 varieties of forage grasses were included in this study. The nutritional quality and production performance indexes of the forage grasses, as well as the soil nutrient indexes of the forage grass planting plots were determined and statistically compared. In addition, the correlation among these indexes were assessed. [Result] ①There were obvious variations in nutritional quality indexes among the 11 varieties of forage grasses. Zhongmu No.4, Bromus inermis and Festuca arundinacea had the highest contents of crude protein, crude fat and crude ash, respectively. Festuca arundinacea exhibited the lowest contents of crude fiber and ADF, and Zhongmu No.3 exhibited the lowest NDF content. The highest contents of total carbon and total nitrogen were observed in Elymus dahuricus and Zhongmu No.4, respectively, while those of calcium and phosphorus were observed in Ruide and Festuca arundinacea, respectively. ② The plots planted with the 11 varieties of forage grasses had significantly （P<0.05） decreased soil pH value and total salt content compared with those before planting. Except for the soil contents of total phosphorus and available phosphorus in selected forage grass planting plots, most soil nutrient indexes in the forage grass planting plots significantly （P<0.05） increased. The plots planted with Leymus chinensis or Agropyron mongolicum Keng had higher soil contents of total nitrogen, organic matter and alkaline hydrolysis nitrogen. The Leymus chinensis planting plot had the highest soil contents of available phosphorus and available potassium. The highest soil content of total phosphorus was observed in the Agropyron mongolicum Keng planting plot. ③ Except for Elymus dahuricus with a lower plant height, there were no significant （P>0.05） differences in plant height among the other 10 varieties of forage grasses. Elytrigia elongata, Agropyron mongolicum Keng, Zhongmu No.4 and Zhongmu No. 3 had higher grass yield. ④ Correlation analysis demonstrated that grass yield had varying degrees of positive or negative correlation with some indexes of nutritional quality of forage grasses and some soil nutrient indexes of the forage grass planting plots. Principal component analysis showed that the comprehensive evaluation ranking of the 11 varieties of forage grasses was as follows: Leymus chinensis>Agropyron mongolicum Keng>Bromus inermis>Puccinellia distans>Elytrigia elongata>Zhongmu No.4>Elymus dahuricus>Festuca arundinacea>Qishi No.2>Zhongmu No.3>Ruide. [Conclusion] Leymus chinensis, Agropyron mongolicum Keng, Bromus inermis, Puccinellia distans and Elytrigia elongata had better comprehensive performance when planting on floodplain in the Yinchuan section of the Yellow River, and had the potential to be the mainly promoted varieties of forage grasses and used for soil improvement in the Yellow River floodplain.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of Chinese herbal medicines on nutrient apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indices and cecal microflora of broilers. [Method] The feeding experiment was carried out with a one-factor completely randomized design. A total of 576 one-day-old male healthy Kebao 505 white-feathered broilers with similar weights were randomly allocated to 8 groups （A-H）. There were 6 replicates in each group and 12 broilers in each replicate. Group A served as a control and fed the basal diet, and the groups B-H fed the same basal diets adding 0.48 g/kg florfenicol, 1.5% Radix isatidis, 1.5% Folium isatidis, 1.5% Indigo naturalis, 0.75% Radix isatidis+0.75% Folium isatidis, 0.75% Radix isatidis+0.75% Indigo naturalis, and 0.75% Folium isatidis+ 0.75% Indigo naturalis, respectively. The feeding experiment which lasted for 42 days was composed of an early stage （1-21 days of age） and a late stage （22-42 days of age） according to the ingredient compositions and nutrition levels of the basal diets. The fecal samples of the broilers at 39-41 days of age were collected to measure the apparent digestibility of major nutrients. The blood samples of the broilers at 42 days of age were collected to determine the biochemical indices. The cecal chyme samples of the broilers in groups A, B and F at 42 days of age were collected to evaluate the microbial diversity and abundance. [Result] Group F had significantly （P<0.05） higher apparent digestibility of nitrogen than the other groups except for group A, had significantly （P<0.05） increased apparent digestibility of dry matter than the other groups except for groups B and G, had significantly （P<0.05） elevated apparent digestibility of energy than groups B, C, D, E and H, had significantly （P<0.05） raised apparent digestibility of calcium than the other groups, and had significantly （P<0.05） improved apparent digestibility of phosphorus than groups C, D, E, G and H. No significant （P>0.05） differences in the serum contents of albumin, total protein, glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol were observed among the different groups. F group had a significantly （P<0.05） higher Chao1 index of cecal microflora than group A. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant bacterial phyla in cecal chyme samples in groups A, B and F, and the relative abundance of these two bacterial phyla in groups A, B and F were 69.49%, 70.26%, 81.45% and 27.52%, 25.04%, 15.47%, respectively. In addition, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Barnesiella, Bacteroides and Lactobacillus were the bacterial genera that possessed the higher relative abundance. Group F had significantly （P<0.05） increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and significantly （P<0.05） decreased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes than groups A and B. Group B had significantly （P<0.05） reduced relative abundance of Bacteroidetes than group A, and had significantly （P<0.05） elevated relative abundance of Cyanobacteria than groups A and F. Group F had significantly （P<0.05） decreased relative abundance of Actinobacteria than group B. The relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, Barnesiella and Bacteroides in group F was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in groups A and B, while the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus_torques_group in group F was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in groups A and B. The relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Lactobacillus in group B was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in group A. There were no significant （P>0.05） differences in the composition of cecal microflora among groups A, B and F. [Conclusion] Dietary supplementation of 0.75% Radix isatidis and 0.75% Folium isatidis exhibited improving effects on the apparent digestibility of major nutrients as well as the diversity and abundance of cecal microflora in broilers.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to characterize the amino acid profiles in free-grazing Alagxa white cashmere goat and Mongolian sheep meat from Alagxa League, Inner Mongolia. [Method] A total of 137 mutton samples including biceps femoris, longissimus dorsi muscle and intercostal muscle were collected from Alagxa white cashmere goat and Mongolian sheep reared in Alagxa Left Banner, Alagxa Right Banner and Ejin Banner of Alagxa League. The contents of 17 kinds of amino acids in mutton were assessed in accordance with the Determination of Amino Acids in Food in National Food Safety Standards （GB 5009.124—2016）. Chemometric discrimination and descriptive statistical analysis methods were applied to compare the differences in amino acid profiles in mutton from different species and parts. [Result] Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） achieved an higher separating capacity in amino acid contents in mutton from different species and parts. The presence of all the tested amino acids were detected in mutton from both species, including 7 kinds of essential amino acid （EAA） for human. There were no significant （P>0.05） differences in the contents of all the tested amino acids between the mutton from the two species, and the similar contents of total amino acid （TAA）, EAA and non-essential amino acid （NEAA） were observed within the two species. There were significant （P<0.05） differences in most of the amino acid contents in mutton from the three parts, and significant （P<0.05） differences in the contents of TAA, EAA and NEAA were observed among different parts as well. The characteristic amino acids of intercostal muscle samples were Gly, Pro and Ala, while His, Tyr, Gly, Lys, Ala, Phe and Met were the potentially important marker amino acids for discriminating different parts of mutton. The ratios of EAA to TAA （EAA/TAA） in the mutton from both species and three parts were all around 40%, and those of EAA to NEAA （EAA/NEAA） were all above 60%, which were in line with the recommended EAA/TAA and EAA/NEAA of ideal protein by FAO/WHO. [Conclusion] The amino acid profiles in different parts of free-grazing Alagxa white cashmere goat and Mongolian sheep meat from Alagxa League was preliminarily characterized in this study. Mutton from both species were abundant in amino acid composition and content, and had high nutritional value.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to clarify the infection status of Theileria in beef cattle in the Ninth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps （hereinafter referred to as the Ninth Division）. [Method] A total of 118 blood samples were collected with anticoagulation tubes from beef cattle reared in the large-scale farms or scatter-feed households in the 161 （n=48）, 163 （n=22）, 164 （n=25） and 165 （n=23） Regiments of the Ninth Division, respectively. Among them, 48 samples were collected from the confined beef cattle and the remaining 70 samples were collected from the free-range beef cattle. The whole genomic DNA of the blood samples were extracted, and PCR assay was used to detect the presence of T. annulata, T. orientalis and T. sinensis with the specially designed primers. The species of Theileria were identified by sequence alignment, and the phylogenetic tree was constructed for genetic evolution analysis. The χ² test was employed to assess the differences in the infection rate of Theileria in beef cattle at different sampling sites and under different rearing modes. [Result] PCR detection showed that among the 118 blood DNA samples of beef cattle, 82 samples were positive for Theileria, with an overall infection rate of 69.49% （82/118）. All Theileria positive samples had T. orientalis alone, while T. annulata and T. sinensis were absent. The infection rates of Theileria in beef cattle in the 161, 163, 164 and 165 Regiments of the Ninth Division were 29.17% （14/48）, 95.45% （21/22）, 96.00% （24/25） and 100% （23/23）, respectively. There was an extremely significant difference in the infection rates of Theileria in beef cattle at different sampling sites （χ²=62.195, P<0.01）. A higher infection rate （97.14%, 68/70） of Theileria was observed in the free-range beef cattle, while a lower one （29.17%, 14/48） was observed in the confined beef cattle. The infection rates of Theileria in beef cattle under different rearing modes were extremely significantly different （χ²=62.061, P<0.01）. Among the 82 sequences obtained, 78 had 100% homology with the MPSP gene sequence of a T. orientalis isolate from cattle in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region （GenBank accession number: ON462019）, and the sequence type was designated as TSE1. The remaining 4 sequences had 100% homology with the MPSP gene sequence of another T. orientalis strain of cattle origin in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region （GenBank accession number: ON462018）, and the sequence type was designated as TSE2. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the identified TSE1 and TSE2 sequences in present study were clustered with T. orientalis of cattle origin in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Conclusion] The species of Theileria prevailed in beef cattle in the Ninth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps was T. orientalis. The free-range beef cattle had a higher infection rate of Theileria, suggesting the detection of Theileria in the free-range beef cattle herd should be strengthened.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the effects of ellagic acid on growth performance, antioxidant function and intestinal barrier function in mice fed aflatoxin-containing diets. [Method] A total of 30 healthy female Kunming mice weighted 18 to 22 g were randomly assigned into a control group, a toxin group or an ellagic acid treatment group, with 10 mice in each group. The control group fed a basal diet, the toxin group fed the basal diet containing 250 μg/kg aflatoxin, and the ellagic acid treatment group fed the basal diet supplemented with 250 μg/kg aflatoxin and 100 mg/kg ellagic acid. The feeding experiment lasted for 35 days. The mice were individually weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment, and the weight gain were calculated. At the end of the experiment, the blood samples of the mice were collected with ophthalmectomy. The serum antioxidant indexes such as total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD） activity, total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） and malondialdehyde （MDA） content as well as the intestinal barrier function indexes such as diamine oxidase （DAO） activity and D-lactic acid content were determined by using ELISA assay. The jejunal tissue samples of the mice were collected to prepare paraffin section. The morphological structure of jejunal mucosa, jejunal villus height and jejunal crypt depth were observed with HE staining, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth was calculated. [Result] The final body weight and the weight gain of toxin group were extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower than control group. While the final body weight of ellagic acid treatment group was not significantly （P>0.05） different from toxin group, the weight gain of ellagic acid treatment group was extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than toxin group. Toxin group had significantly （P<0.05） decreased serum T-AOC activity and extremely significantly （P<0.01） reduced serum T-SOD activity in comparison to toxin group. Ellagic acid treatment group had extremely significantly （P<0.01） elevated serum T-SOD activity compared with toxin group, while no significant （P>0.05） difference in serum T-AOC activity was found between these two groups. An extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher serum MDA content was observed in toxin group than control group, and an extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower serum MDA content was observed in ellagic acid treatment group than toxin group. Toxin group had extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher serum DAO activity and D-lactic acid content compared with control group. Ellagic acid treatment group had significantly （P<0.05） reduced serum DAO activity compared with toxin group,while no significant （P>0.05） difference in serum D-lactic acid content was found between these two groups. The jejunal villi and crypt of the mice in control group exhibited complete morphology, and no abnormal pathological changes were observed. Serious pathological damages were observed in jejunal tissues of the mice in toxin group：the arrangement of jejunal villi was neither neat nor tight, the intervillous space enlarged and even break, and the arrangement of jejunal crypt was also not neat. The jejunal villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of toxin group was extremely significantly （P<0.01） decreased compared with control group, while no significant （P>0.05） difference in jejunal crypt depth was found between these two groups. The mice in ellagic acid treatment group exhibited alleviated pathological damages in jejunal tissues compared with toxin group：the morphology of jejunal mucosa was basically restored to normal, the villi breakage was ameliorated, and the jejunal crypt arranged more neatly. The ellagic acid treatment group had extremely significantly （P<0.01） increased jejunal villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth than toxin group, while no significant （P>0.05） difference in jejunal crypt depth was found between these two groups. [Conclusion] Ellagic acid alleviates the damages induced by aflatoxin in mice via inhibiting the body weight reduction, enhancing serum antioxidant function and improving jejunal mucosa barrier function.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to characterize the activity and proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells （SSCs） from testes of Boer goats at different months of age during in vitro culture. [Method] Testes of Boer goats at 1, 3, 5 and 58 months of age were sampled, and the development of them was observed by histological method. The testicular tissues from goats at different months of age were separated to single cell by three-step enzyme digestion method. The total number of digestive cells and the number of dead cells was observed by trypan blue staining. The SSCs were purified with differential adhesion method and cultured for 10 days. The number of Thy-1⁺ cells in suspension before purification, after purification and cultured for 10 days was determined by flow cytometry. After cultured for 10 days, the SSCs clones were identified by alkaline phosphatase staining, and the number and area of clones formed by SSCs from testes of goats at different months of age were statistically measured. [Result] Testicular histological observation demonstrated that goats aged 1 month had the least number of germ cells in lumen of contorted seminiferous tubule, germ cells of all levels gradually developed with the increase of months of age, while seminiferous epithelium of goats aged 58 months was evidently degraded. After three-step enzyme digestion, the highest total number of testicular cells obtained before and after purification was observed in goats aged 5 months, which was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in goats aged 1 month. There was no significant （P>0.05） difference in survival rate of testicular cells before and after purification for goats at different months of age. Among pre- and post-purification testicular cells and purified SSCs cultured for 10 days, the highest proportion of Thy-1⁺ cells in the total number of testicular cells was found in goats aged 1 month, which was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in goats aged the other months. After 10 days of culture, the SSCs clones from testes of goats at different months of age were positive for alkaline phosphatase. The average number of SSCs formed clones from testes of goats aged 1 month was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of goats aged the other months, while no significant （P>0.05） difference in average area of SSCs formed clones among goats at different months of age was observed. [Conclusion] Boer goats aged 5 months had the highest total number of cells in testes. Those aged 1 month had the lowest total number of cells in testes, while had the highest activity and proliferation efficiency of SSCs.

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding corn straw treated with different methods as roughage on methane emission and rumen function in beef cattle. [Method] Seventeen-month-old healthy Grassland Red cattle （n=3） and Yanbian Yellow cattle （n=3） with an average weight of （375±5） kg were selected. The feeding trial with two-factor experimental design was composed of two stages and each had a pre-feeding period of 15 days and a formal-feeding period of 3 days. In the first stage, Grassland Red cattle fed corn straw silage as roughage （QH group） and Yanbian Yellow cattle fed dry corn straw as roughage （JY group）. In the second stage, Grassland Red cattle fed dry corn straw as roughage （JH group） and Yanbian Yellow cattle fed corn straw silage as roughage （QY group）. The initial and final weights as well as feed intake of the experimental cattle were recorded, and the average daily gain and dry matter intake was calculated. An open reflux respiratory calorimetry device for large animal were used to determine the methane emission. Rumen fluid samples were collected to evaluate pH value as well as the contents of ammonia nitrogen, rumen microbial protein, total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. In addition, the rumen microflora was characterized using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, and the rumen fluid metabolites were assessed using non-targeted metabolomics. [Result] ① Yanbian Yellow cattle had extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher final weight and average daily gain as well as extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower dry matter intake in comparison to Grassland Red cattle, while no significant （P>0.05） difference in the methane emission was observed between the two cattle breeds. QH and QY groups had extremely significantly （P<0.01） increased final weight, average daily gain and dry matter intake as well as extremely significantly （P<0.01） decreased methane emission in comparison to JH and JY groups. ②The rumen fermentation parameters of Grassland Red cattle were not significantly （P>0.05） different from those of Yanbian Yellow cattle. Compared with JH and JY groups, QH and QY groups exhibited extremely significantly （P<0.01） reduced rumen fluid pH value, contents of ammonia nitrogen, acetic acid and butyric acid, and ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid, while exhibited extremely significantly （P<0.01） elevated contents of rumen microbial protein, total volatile fatty acids, and propionic acid. ③ Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were observed as the dominant rumen microbial phyla in the four groups, with total relative abundance from 73.75% to 81.22%. The cattle breeds, corn straw treatment methods and the interaction between these two factors had no significant （P>0.05） effects on the relative abundance of rumen microflora at phylum level. Compared with JH and JY groups, extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher relative abundance of Succiniclasticum, Butyrivibrio and Ruminococcus as well as extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower relative abundance of Clostridiaceae_Clostridium and Prevotella was observed in QH and QY groups. The cattle breeds, corn straw treatment methods and the interaction between these two factors had no significant （P>0.05） effects on the relative abundance of rumen microflora at genus level. ④ A total of 525 secondary differential metabolites were screened from rumen metabolites of different groups, among which 10 were significantly different. Quinolinic acid, fumaric acid, cortisone, L-glutamic acid, phenyllactate, L-carnitine, and catechol were significantly enriched in 9 pathways. Fumaric acid was significantly enriched in tryptophan metabolism, central carbon metabolism in cancer, arginine biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism pathways. The correlation analysis between the relative abundance of rumen microflora at genus level and the concentrations of differential metabolites in rumen fluid showed an extremely significantly （P<0.001） negative correlation between the concentration of fumaric acid and the relative abundance of Prevotella. [Conclusion] Feeding corn straw silage as roughage was able to effectively control the methane emission, increase the daily weight gain, ameliorate the rumen fermentation function, and decrease the relative abundance of Prevotella in rumen in beef cattle. In addition, the lower methane emission of the beef cattle fed corn straw silage as roughage was attributed to the elevated concentration of fumaric acid in rumen fluid.

[Objective] To isolate and identify Mannheimia haemolytica from sheep in Kaifeng City, Henan Province, analyze its biological characteristics, and understand its drug resistance and the presence of virulence genes. [Methods] A total of 530 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from sheep with respiratory diseases in 8 sheep farms in Kaifeng City. Mannheimia haemolytica was isolated using Tryptic Soy Agar （TSA）. The isolated strains were identified through biochemical reactions, morphological observations, and detection of the specific gene LKT. Multiplex PCR was used for serotyping of the isolates. PCR was employed to detect virulence genes in the isolates. The sensitivity of the isolates to 12 antimicrobial agents was tested using the Kirby-Bauer （K-B） disk diffusion method. Pathogenicity tests of isolates were conducted using BALB/c mice. [Results] ①A total of 52 strains of Mannheimia haemolytica were identified from the 530 samples, with a detection rate of 9.81%. ②Serotyping of the isolated Mannheimia haemolytica revealed that 17 strains belonged to serotype 1, accounting for 32.69%; 28 strains belonged to serotype 2, accounting for 53.85%; and 7 strains belonged to other serotypes, accounting for 13.46%. ③Detection of 11 virulence genes in Mannheimia haemolytica showed that all genes were detected. The detection rates of gcp, lktC, and nanH were relatively high, at 73.08%, 67.31%, and 65.38%, respectively, while the detection rates of the remaining virulence genes ranged from 17.31% to 51.92%. ④The isolated strains were highly sensitive to cefotaxime, cephalexin, and ceftriaxone, with sensitivity rates of 86.54%, 78.85%, and 84.62%, respectively. The sensitivity rates to the remaining drugs ranged from 11.54% to 46.15%, among which the sensitivity rates to erythromycin, gentamicin, and ampicillin were lower than 20%. ⑤Pathogenicity tests in mice showed that the lethality rates of Mannheimia haemolytica of serotype 1 and serotype 2 were both 100% within 36 hours. [Conclusion] The Mannheimia haemolytica isolated and identified from sheep nasopharyngeal swabs in the Kaifeng region primarily exhibited two serotypes, carried multiple virulence genes, and demonstrated high pathogenicity. The research results provide data references for the rational use of drugs and scientific prevention and control of Mannheimia haemolytica infections in sheep in Kaifeng City.

[Objective] To assess the effects of adding Caragana korshinskii in pelleted diet on growth performance, blood biochemical indicators, ruminal fermentation and mutton quality of Tan sheep. [Method] A total of 20 healthy castrated Tan sheep with similar weights were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups with 10 individuals for each group. The control group was fed with pelleted diet containing 10% chrysanthemum meal, and the experimental group was fed with pelleted diet containing 6% Caragana korshinskii and 4% chrysanthemum meal instead. A 50-day fattening experiment was conducted, and the growth performance indicators of the Tan sheep were determined; after the fattening experiment, the blood biochemical indexes were measured; the slaughter performance indicators were evaluated, and the ruminal fluid samples were collected after slaughter to assess the ruminal fermentation indicators; the contents of crude fat, crude protein and amino acids as well as the contents and composition of fatty acids in longissimus dorsi muscle were determined. [Result] No significant （P>0.05） differences in initial weights and final weights in the fattening experiment between the experimental group and the control group were observed; while the average daily gain of the experimental group was reduced by 10.84% compared with the control group, no significant difference was found （P>0.05）; the average daily feed intake of the control group was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of the experimental group; the two groups had the same feed to gain ratio. The experimental group had significantly （P<0.05） higher serum total protein concentration compared with the control group, and there were no significant （P>0.05） differences in the other tested blood biochemical indexes. The slaughter rate of the control group was 1.59% higher than that of the experimental group, but no significant （P>0.05） difference was observed; there were no significant （P>0.05） differences in liver weights, liver indexes, heart and lung weights and heart and lung indexes between the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group had significantly （P<0.05） higher butyric acid concentration and significantly （P<0.05） lower isovaleric acid concentration in ruminal fluid compared with the control group. A total of 18 and 20 kinds of fatty acids were determined in longissimus dorsi muscle of the control group and the experimental group, respectively. The contents of crude protein, crude fat and total amino acids of the control group and the experimental group were 17.51% and 20.92%, 3.22% and 3.89%, and 13.25% and 14.09%, respectively. [Conclusion] Addition of Caragana korshinskii in pelleted diet has no obvious impacts on most of the indicators associated with growth performance, blood biochemistry and slaughter performance of Tan sheep, but improves the ruminal fermentation and enriches the fatty acids composition and concentrations as well as increases the contents of crude protein, crude fat and total amino acids in mutton.

[Objective] To investigate the characteristics of soil bacterial community structures in Inner Mongolia grasslands and identify key environmental drivers, providing a microbiological basis for grassland ecosystem conservation. [Methods] Along a west-to-east gradient of Inner Mongolia grasslands （desert steppe, meadow steppe, natural meadow, and artificial grassland）, eight representative sampling sites were selected: Urad Grassland in Bayannur City （BM）, Urad Grassland in Baotou City （BT）, Gegentala Grassland in Ulanqab City （WH）, Huitengxile Grassland in Ulanqab City （HT）, Ulanqab Grassland in Ulanqab City （WL）, Hulun Buir Grassland in Hulun Buir City （HM）, Horqin Grassland in Tongliao City （TL）, and the core forage planting area in Ar Horqin Banner, Chifeng City （CF）. Soil samples from these eight sites were collected from the 0-20 cm soil layer. Soil physicochemical properties were measured and soil bacterial community compositions were characterized using high-throughput sequencing. Distance based redundancy analysis （dbRDA） and FAPROTAX functional prediction were employed to examine the structure, functional characteristics, and relationships with environmental factors of soil bacterial communities across different grasslands. [Results] ①Soils in Inner Mongolia grasslands were generally alkaline （pH 7.65-10.13）; ②Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes were the three most abundant bacterial phyla, while Bacteroides, Rubrobacter, and Bacillus were the top three most abundant genera; ③dbRDA revealed that available phosphorus, organic matter, available potassium, pH, bulk density, total nitrogen, and total water-soluble salts were drivers of differences in bacterial community characteristics （cumulative explanation power：79.20%）; ④Ulanqab Grassland （WL） exhibited highest Shannon （10.41） and Chao1 （6 184.13） indices compared to other sites, with enrichment of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria and higher predatory or ectoparasitic functional activity. The bacterial community composition of Urad Grassland （BM） was highly similar to that of WL （ANOVA, P>0.05）; ⑤ FAPROTAX functional predictions indicated significant chemoheterotrophic activity in Hulun Buir Grassland （HM）, the strongest aerobic chemoheterotrophic activity in Horqin Grassland （TL）, robust nitrogen cycling activity in the core forage planting area in Ar Horqin Banner （CF）, and the highest aerobic ammonia oxidation and nitrification activity in Gegentala Grassland （WH）. [Conclusion] The soil bacterial community structure and functions in Inner Mongolia grasslands exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity, with Ulanqab Grassland （WL） displaying the highest microbial diversity and functional complexity. Soil physicochemical factors, including available phosphorus, organic matter, available potassium, pH, bulk density, total nitrogen, and total water-soluble salts, are crucial in shaping bacterial community structure. These findings provide valuable data for understanding the ecological mechanisms of soil bacteria and supporting sustainable management of Inner Mongolia grasslands.

Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins which belong to the superfamily of transcription factors are widely distributed in eukaryotes. At present, most of the functions of bHLH transcription factors have been identified in animals, however, it's study in plants is relatively limited. As the second major transcription factors in plants, based on their interactions between specific amino acids and the target genes, bHLH transcription factors play important roles in plant growth and development, physiological metabolism and stress response, and then regulate the expression of associated genes. In order to further understand the information on function and characteristics of bHLH transcription factors in plants, we reviewed their structural features, classification and biological functions, with focus on the most recently reported investigations on their response to abiotic stress. Our review may provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of plant bHLH transcription factors in response to stress.

[Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the meat quality of different sheep breeds in Inner Mongolia. [Method] A total of 60 confined sheep belonging to 5 breeds, including Sonid sheep （selected from Sonid Right Banner, Xilin Gol League, n=12）, Ujimqin sheep （selected from East Ujimqin Banner, Xilin Gol League, n=12）, Chahar sheep （selected from Xianghuang Banner, Xilin Gol League, n=12）, Inner Mongolia fine wool sheep （selected from Zhenglan Banner, Xilin Gol League, n=12）, and Ordos fine wool sheep （selected from Uxin Banner, Ordos City, n=12） were randomly selected. After slaughter, 200 g longissimus dorsi muscle and 200 g biceps femoris samples eliminating fascia and fat were collected from each sheep, respectively. The physical indicators （color, cooked meat rate, shear force and water loss rate）, the contents of traditional nutritional components （water, fat and protein）, and the compositions and contents of amino acids （7 kinds of essential amino acids and 10 kinds of non-essential amino acids） of longissimus dorsi muscle and biceps femoris samples collected from the 5 sheep breeds were assessed and statistically compared. [Result] The longissimus dorsi muscle and biceps femoris of Ordos fine wool sheep and Sonid sheep had better perfomance in color. There were no significant （P>0.05） differences in cooked meat rates of longissimus dorsi muscle among the 5 sheep breeds. Chahar sheep had the highest cooked meat rate of biceps femoris. The water loss rates of longissimus dorsi muscle and biceps femoris of Ujimqin sheep were significantly （P<0.05） lower than those of the other 4 sheep breeds. The shear force of longissimus dorsi muscle and biceps femoris of Sonid sheep was relatively lower among the 5 sheep breeds. In longissimus dorsi muscle and biceps femoris, the highest water content, the lowest fat content and the highest protein content were observed in Chahar sheep, Ujimqin sheep and Sonid sheep, respectively. Ordos fine wool sheep had the highest total amino acid contents in longissimus dorsi muscle and biceps femoris, had higher contents of 7 kinds of essential amino acids in longissimus dorsi muscle, and had significantly （P<0.05） higher contents of 7 kinds of essential amino acids in biceps femoris than those of the other 4 sheep breeds. The ratios of essential amino acid to total amino acid （EAA/TAA） of longissimus dorsi muscle and biceps femoris of the 5 sheep breeds were all around 40%, and those of essential amino acid to non-essential amino acid （EAA/NEAA） were all above 60%, which met the recommended values for high-quality proteins by FAO/WHO. [Conclusion] Although the 5 sheep breeds in Inner Mongolia had differences in the main meat quality indicators, they were all high-quality protein sources due to the high content and balanced composition of EAA. Ordos fine wool sheep performed better in terms of meat TAA and EAA contents, while Ujimqin sheep had the characteristics of high-protein and low-fat meat.

[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different microbial agents addition and different compaction densities on nutritional components and fermentation quality of corn silage. [Method] Four commercial microbial agents with two compaction densities （750 kg/m³ and 850 kg/m³）, and two microbial agent addition methods （adding the recommended level or the same level） were set up using whole plant silage corn as raw material. The recommended addition levels of the microbial agents A （group A, consisting of 7 bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus paracasei）, B （group B, consisting of Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus plantarum）, C （group C, consisting of Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici） and D （group D, consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri） were 2.5×10¹¹, 1.1×10¹¹, 2.9×10¹¹ and 1.0×10¹² CFU/t, respectively. The same addition level of the four microbial agents was 5.0×10¹¹ CFU/t. Control groups without addition of microbial agents were set at the both compaction densities. After 120 d fermentation, samples of the corn silage were taken to measure and compare the nutritional components and fermentation indicators under different levels of microbial agents addition and at different compaction densities. [Result] At the compaction density of 750 kg/m³, when adding the recommended levels of the four microbial agents, the dry matter content in group D was higher than that in control group, and was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in groups A and B. When the addition level of the four microbial agents was all 5.0×10¹¹ CFU/t, the dry matter content in group D was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in control group. Compared with control group, adding the recommended levels and the same level of the four microbial agents all had trend of increase in the contents of crude protein, starch and lactic acid. Adding the recommended levels of the four microbial agents at the both compaction densities, the starch content increased by 5.61% to 9.23% and 2.49% to 6.71%, respectively, and the lactic acid content increased by 11.09% to 25.94% and 15.56% to 38.97%, respectively. At the compaction density of 850 kg/m³, when the addition level of the four microbial agents was 5.0×10¹¹ CFU/t, the dry matter content in groups C and D increased by 2.94% and 2.60% compared to control group, respectively. In comparison with control group, the addition of the recommended levels and the same level of the four microbial agents showed trend of decrease in the content of butyric acid. Overall, different compaction densities had limited effects on the nutritional components and fermentation quality of the corn silage. [Conclusion] Microbial agents addition improves the nutritional components and fermentation quality of corn silage. Higher level addition of the microbial agent consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus buchneri has better performance than lower level addition of the microbial agent with the same composition or combinative addition of multiple microorganisms.

Cottonseed, as a feed raw material with significant development potential, is rich in crude protein and can partially replace soybean meal in animal diets. However, anti-nutritional factors such as free gossypol present in cottonseed are toxic to animals, and issues including incomplete nutrient release and low nutrient utilization persist. Biological fermentation represents a safe detoxification technology that effectively degrades macromolecular nutrients, enhancing their digestibility and absorption by animals. To improve the utilization efficiency of feed raw materials and alleviate dependence on imported protein sources, the microbial fermentation of unconventional feed resources like cottonseed has become a critical strategy for the sustainable development of animal husbandry. This review summarizes the current research status on cottonseed as a feed, its nutritional components and anti-nutritional factors, the advantages of fermented cottonseed, fermentation techniques, and the progress in applying fermented cottonseed in animal production, aiming to provide a reference for the promotion and application of fermented cottonseed feed in animal production.

[Objective] This study aimed to assess the effects of adding different proportions of cassava alcohol residue on fermentation quality of micro-silage of Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Gui Min Yin. [Method] Four treatment groups with different addition levels of cassava alcohol residue were set up using Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Gui Min Yin as raw material. The proportions of Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Gui Min Yin to cassava alcohol residue included in this study were 1∶1.38 （group Ⅰ）, 1∶1 （groupⅡ）, 1∶0.35 （group Ⅲ） and 1∶0.11 （group Ⅳ）. The initiative water content of the micro-silage was set to 40% （group Ⅰ）, 50% （group Ⅱ）, 60% （group Ⅲ) and 70% （group Ⅳ）. Commercial microbial additives were used to prepare mixed micro-silage. Single microbial fermentation of Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Gui Min Yin without addition of cassava alcohol residue was set as the control group （CK group）. There were three replicates for each group. After 30 d fermentation, samples of the fermented micro-silage were taken to assess the sensory indicators, fermentation quality, nutritional components and digestibility. [Result] The sensory indicators of the prepared micro-silage with addition of different proportions of cassava alcohol residue were all better than those of CK group, with group Ⅱ being the best. The dry matter content among the varied groups were significant （P<0.05） different. In comparison to the other groups, the crude protein content in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） higher, and the crude ash content in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） lower. The content of neutral detergent fiber in group Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in the other groups, and the content of acidic detergent fiber in group Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in groups Ⅰ, Ⅳ and CK. The soluble carbohydrate content in groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly （P<0.05) higher than that in groups Ⅳ and CK. The starch content in group Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in the other groups. The calcium content in groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in CK group, with group Ⅱ being the highest. In comparison to CK group, groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ had significantly （P<0.05） lower levels of phosphorus. The contents of magnesium, potassium and chloride ions in groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were significantly （P<0.05） lower than those in CK group. The 30 h in vitro dry matter digestibility of groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of groups Ⅳ and CK, with group Ⅱ being the highest. Compared with CK group, the lactic acid content of the micro-silage of the cassava alcohol residue addition treatment groups was significantly （P<0.05） increased, while the acetic acid content was significantly （P<0.05） decreased. The ammonia content in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in the other groups. [Conclusion] The addition of cassava alcohol residue improves the fermentation quality of the micro-silage of Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Gui Min Yin. When the proportion of Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Gui Min Yin to cassava alcohol residue is 1∶1 and the initiative water content is 50%, the fermentation quality of the micro-silage is the best.

[Objective] According to the characteristics of vast activity area, insensitivity to the environment and delayed movement of free range cattle population, by referring the existing animal body size measurement technology, a non-contact body size measuring system on the basis of unmanned air vehicle （UAV） off-line 3D reconstruction method capable of collecting cattle point cloud data was develped to establish a wide coverage, precise, and high-efficient cattle body size measurement solution. [Method] Firstly, a quad-axis UAV was used to capture images, and some image processing techniques such as noise reduction with median filter and image three-channel histogram equalization were utilized to preprocess the image and to improve the reconstructed point cloud density and measurement accuracy. Secondly, the aerial triangulation measurement was conducted using the position and orientation system （POS） information from the image, and the 3D model was reconstructed after the initial coordinate data of point cloud was confirmed by adjustment computation. Finally, the point cloud of individual cattle was extracted by using random sample consensus （RANSAC） algorithm in point cloud library （PCL） and then interactive measurement was made. [Result] Images from 4 cattle herds and 1 individual cattle were collected, and available point cloud of body size data from a total of 21 cattle were reconstructed. In comparision to the convetional manual measurement method, the average relative errors in body height, body length and chest circumference measured by the developed UAV based system were 3.87%, 4.16% and 5.06%, respectively. [Conclusion] The UAV based system developed in this study can be used to measure body size of medium- and low-density free range cattle herds in Inner Mongolia, and the error is within the acceptable range.

Genes, as mediators of genetic information, determine the performance of the creature′s traits. The occurrence of genetic sequence variation is an inevitable trend of organisms to adapt to the environmental changes. The allele in the diploid organism is a pair of genes that controls relative traits. Therefore, the effect of allele specific expression varies depending on the cell type and its developmental stage, showing differences between different individuals. Differential expression of alleles plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression and may ultimately be linked to phenotypic polymorphisms in organisms. Allele specific expression analysis has been widely used in animal studies to help improve the ability to identify and regulate genetic variation. The research progress on the formation mechanism of allele specific expression and its application is reviewed, in hoping to provide a theoretical basis for further revealing the genetic mechanism of allele specific expression and accelerating its application in animal production.

A significant portion of agricultural carbon emissions are caused by animal husbandry. In this study, the application of current market-oriented tools for reducing carbon emissions in animal husbandry is reviewed together with the research progress made in this area. In order to serve as a guide for animal husbandry carbon emission reduction to participate in carbon market trading, this paper presents the research status as well as the feasibility and existing difficulties of market-oriented tools for carbon emission reduction in animal husbandry such as carbon tax and carbon market trading, and summarizes the application practice and experience of those tools.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to screen the soybean varieties suitable for silage maize-forage soybean intercropping model in the low plain areas of eastern Hebei Province. [Method] A total of 35 soybean varieties were selected as experimental materials. Each variety was planted in a 35 m²（5 m×7 m）plot, with 10 cm plant spacing and 40 cm row spacing, and planting density of 170 000 plants/hm². The plots were randomly distributed and repeated three times. The time for flowering, pod setting and grain filling stages of all the soybean varieties was recorded and their growth periods （the number of days from sowing to grain filling stage） were calculated. The soybean were harvested at grain filling stage with fresh weight yield measured. Five soybean plants were randomly selected from each plot and variety, with contents of crude protein （CP）, acidic detergent fiber （ADF）, neutral detergent fiber （NDF）, crude ash （Ash） and crude fat （CF） measured after deactivation, drying and crushing. The entropy weight TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation function in SPSSAU software was used to comprehensively evaluate and rank the feeding quality of all the soybean varieties, and a comprehensive analysis chart for the comprehensive evaluation and ranking of the growth period, fresh weight yield and feeding quality of various soybean varieties was created. [Result] Ruidou No.1 had the longest growth period of 100 days. The growth periods of You 6019, Jindou 99 and Andou 109 reached 97 days, and that of Pudou 5110 was 95 days. The growth periods of Zhonghuang 78, Beidou 17, Beidou 30, Fengdou No.3 and Lindou No.10 were the shortest, only 85 days. Suike 23 （40.48 t/hm²）, Suike 9 （38.34 t/hm²） and Hedou 12 （38.06 t/hm²） were the three varieties with the highest fresh weight yield. Sudou 16 （10.29%） had the highest crude ash content, followed by Jindou 99 （9.80%）, Suike 9 （9.76%） and Shengdi No. 1 (9.57%). The crude protein contents of Wandou 37 （29.17%） and Jiakedou No.1 （25.38%） were significantly （P<0.05） higher than the other varieties. The crude fat contents of Andou 109 （6.33%）, Fengdou No.3 （5.93%） and Wandou 15 （4.97%） were significantly （P<0.05） higher than the other varieties. The ADF contents of Fengdou No.3 （24.05%）, Lindou 10 （24.38%） and Wandou 37 （24.46%） were significantly （P<0.05） lower than the other varieties. The NDF contents of Suike 12 （31.52%）, Jindou 99 （32.82%） and Pudou 5110 （33.39%） were significantly （P<0.05） lower than the other varieties. The top five soybean varieties in the comprehensive evaluation of feeding quality were Jindou 99, Pudou 5110, Andou 109, Suike 12 and Wandou 37. The comprehensive analysis chart based on the overall evaluation and ranking of the growth period, fresh weight yield and feeding quality of different soybean varieties showed that four soybean varieties, Ruidou No.1, Andou 109, Pudou 5110 and Jindou 99, performed well in all the three aspects. [Conclusion] Ruidou No.1, Andou 109, Jindou 99 and Pudou 5110 could be used as candidate varieties for silage maize-forage soybean intercropping model in the low plain areas of eastern Hebei Province.

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the incidence patterns of major diseases in a large-scale dairy farm located in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, during 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for the development of targeted prevention and control strategies. [Methods] Diagnostic and treatment records of 3 747 Chinese Holstein dairy cows, covering mammary diseases, hoof and limb diseases, reproductive diseases, digestive diseases, and metabolic diseases, were extracted from January to December 2023 using the Afimilk farm management system. Combining on-site field surveys and interviews, descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to assess the proportion of each disease category, monthly incidence trends, and distributions of specific disease types. [Results] A total of 2 895 disease cases were recorded in 2023. Digestive diseases were the most prevalent, accounting for 40.45% of total cases, followed by mammary diseases （23.63%）, hoof and limb diseases （19.03%）, and reproductive diseases （15.72%）. Metabolic diseases had the lowest incidence （1.17%）. The peak disease period occurred between May and June, with digestive diseases reaching a monthly maximum of 220 cases. Among mammary diseases, clinical mastitis accounted for 52.63%, and subclinical mastitis for 26.75%. In digestive diseases, forestomach atony represented 38.00%, followed by enteritis （29.04%） and diarrhea （22.89%）. Among hoof and limb diseases, 72.96% were hoof-related conditions, with a notable increase during the spring. Reproductive diseases were mainly due to abortion （29.01%） and retained placenta （25.05%）. Within metabolic diseases, acidosis （47.06%） and ketosis （35.29%） were predominant. [Conclusion] Digestive and mammary diseases were the primary health challenges in the dairy farm, with digestive diseases exhibiting distinct seasonal incidence patterns. It is recommended that the farm establish a comprehensive prevention and control system centered on environmental improvements and nutritional management, with a focus on enhancing bedding management, hoof care and reproductive monitoring, and leveraging digital management systems for early disease warning.

[Objective] This study aimed to assess the research status, hotspots and trends of dairy industry development in China by bibliometric and visual analyses, so as to provide data supports for the domestic dairy industry development. [Method] China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI） Database was used as the data source to retrieve literature in the field of dairy industry development research in China from 1992 to 2023. The knowledge graphs for the dairy industry development research field was created using the visualization analysis tool CiteSpace. In combination with bibliometric methods, the research status, hotspots and theme evolution in this field were then analyzed. [Result] According to the retrieve criteria, a total of 739 journal articles were included, with the highest annual publication volume in 2002, reaching 60 articles. The top three authors by publication quantity were LIU Yuman （17 articles）, LI Shengli （15 articles） and LIU Fang （15 articles）, and the top three institutions were Rural Development Institute of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences （19 articles）, Agricultural Information Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences （18 articles） and College of Economics and Management of Northeast Agricultural University （17 articles）. The dairy industry development research filed had formed a relatively tight and mature collaboration network. The institutions such as Agricultural Information Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology of China Agricultural University, Rural Development Institute of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Animal Science of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences had higher cooperation densities and tighter connections with each other. Dairy industry and dairy industry development were the research hotspots in this field. Keywords such as dairy industry development, milk source base, dairy factory, dairy cattle industry and milk yield emerged earlier, while low-carbon development, regulatory approach and smart farming emerged recently. [Conclusion] The research hotspots on the theme of dairy industry development were dynamically changing, with high collaboration densities among researchers and institutions. There was regional heterogeneity in the distribution of collaboration networks. Low-carbon development and smart farming may be the focus of future research.

[Objective] The aims of the present study were to isolate and screen cellulolytic bacteria derived from spent Flammulina velutipes substrate, to assess their biological characteristics and cellulolytic enzyme activities, so as to provide technical supports for the feed utilization of spent mushroom substrate resources. [Method] Spent Flammulina velutipes substrate samples were inoculated using plate dilution coating method. The cellulolytic bacteria were then isolated and cultured on nitrate cellulose sodium medium. The cellulolytic abilities of the isolated strains were preliminarily analyzed using Congo red medium. Candidate strains were selected through 16S rDNA sequencing analysis and biosafety prediction, followed by physiological and biochemical characteristics analysis, growth curve determination at different temperatures, and dynamic analysis of cellulolytic enzyme activities. [Result] A total of 30 independent colonies were isolated after screening culture with nitrate cellulose sodium medium. All of the strains formed clear transparent circles on Congo red medium, and some strains had strong cellulolytic abilities. The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis showed that the 30 isolated strains were identified as belonging to 9 bacterial species, including Pseudomonas koreensis, Advenella mimigardefordensis, Serratia rubidaea, and so on. Taking into account both biosafety prediction and the preliminary cellulolytic abilities screening results, Pseudomonas koreensis （JK-32）, Adrenella mimigardefordensis （JK-52）, Serratia rubidaea （JK-56）, Staphylococcus equiorum （JK-57）, Staphylococcus saprophytics （JK-62） and Serratia marcescens （JK-66） were selected as candidate strains for subsequent experiments. Physiological and biochemical characteristics analysis showed that all of the 6 candidate strains were determined as positive for contact enzyme activity test, and negative for methyl red test and diacetyl test. The growth of JK-62 strain was less affected by temperature, and the growth rate and final bacterial concentration performed better among all the candidate strains. Under the low cultivation temperatures （28-34 ℃）, the growth rate and final bacterial concentration of JK-56 strain were lower than the other candidate strains, while when the cultivation temperature increased to 40 ℃, its growth rate was similar to that of the other candidate strains and the final bacterial concentration was higher. On the 1^st to 7^th days of cultivation, the endoglucanase activity of JK-56 strain was the highest among all the candidate strains. On the 2^nd, 4^th, and 5^th days of cultivation, the endoglucanase activity of JK-66 strain was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of the CK. The exoglucanase activity of JK-66 strain was higher among the candidate strains and was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of the CK at different detection time points. On the 2^nd to 4^th days of cultivation, the exoglucanase activity of JK-56 strain was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of the CK. The β-glucosidase activity of JK-66 strain was higher among the candidate strains. On the 3^rd to 7^th days of cultivation, the β-glucosidase activity of JK-56 strain was next to JK-62 and JK-66 strains among the candidate strains. On the 2^nd to 5^th days of cultivation, the filter paper enzyme activity of JK-56 strain was the highest among the candidate strains. On the 5^th day of cultivation, it was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of the CK. During this period, the filter paper enzyme activity of JK-66 strain was also at a high level. [Conclusion] Serratia rubidaea JK-56 and Serratia marcescens JK-66 strains had high overall levels of cellulolytic enzyme activities, and prominent endoglucanase and exoglucanase activities, which could be used in combination with strains exhibiting strong β-glucosidase activity for the development and utilization of spent Flammulina velutipes substrate.

[Objective] This study was conducted to explore the effects of dietary supplementation of plant essential oils prepared with different processes on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzyme activity and serum immunoglobulin level of weaned piglets.[Method]A total of 198 heads of 21-day-old Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire （DLY） healthy weaned piglets with an average weight of （5.687±0.761） kg were randomly assigned into 3 groups, with 11 replicates in each group and 6 piglets in each replicate. The control group fed a basal diet. The two experimental groups fed the same basal diet in which 300 g/t of a micro-encapsulated and control-released plant essential oil （MECR-PEO） or a mixed plant essential oil （M-PEO） were supplemented, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted for 21 days. The average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed to weight gain ratio of the experimental piglets at 22-28 days, 29-35 days and 36-42 days of age, as well as the diarrhea rate at 22-42 days of age were calculated. On the 21^st day of the feeding experiment, the duodenal chyme was collected, and the activities of intestinal trypsin, amylase and lipase were measured. At the end of the feeding experiment, blood samples were collected with serum prepared. ELISA assay was used to detect the serum levels of IgG, IgM and IgA. [Result] At 22-28 days and 29-35 days of age, the dietary supplementation of the two types of plant essential oils had the trends of increasing the average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake, as well as reducing the feed to weight gain ratio （P>0.05） compared with the control group. At 36-42 days of age, the piglets received the dietary supplementation of MECR-PEO had significantly （P<0.05） higher average daily weight gain and significantly （P<0.05） lower feed to weight gain ratio than those in the control group; the piglets received the dietary supplementation of M-PEO had higher average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake （P>0.05）, as well as lower feed to weight gain ratio than those in the control group （P>0.05）. At 22-42 days of age, the diarrhea rates of the piglets in both plant essential oil supplementation groups were significantly （P<0.05） reduced compared with the control group. The MECR-PEO supplementation group exhibited a better performance, with a decrease in diarrhea rate of 67.79% compared to the control group. Piglets in the MECR-PEO supplementation group had significantly （P<0.05） higher activities of duodenal trypsin, amylase and lipase in comparison to those in the control group, and had significantly （P<0.05） higher lipase activity in comparison to those in the M-PEO supplementation group. Significantly （P<0.05） higher duodenal trypsin activity was observed in the M-PEO supplementation group compared to the control group. Significantly （P<0.05） elevated serum levels of IgG and IgM in the MECR-PEO supplementation group was found compared with the control group, and significantly （P<0.05） elevated serum IgM level in the M-PEO supplementation group was found compared with the control group. [Conclusion] Dietary supplementation of MECR-PEO and M-PEO had positive effects on improving growth performance as well as enhancing intestinal digestive enzyme activity and serum immunoglobulin level in weaned piglets. The effects of MECR-PEO were better.

[Objective] To investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with selenoglucose on growth performance, meat quality, serum immune indices, and serum antioxidant indices in broilers. [Methods] A single-factor completely randomized design was employed, with 288 one-day-old, weight-matched, healthy, male Cobb 505 white-feather broilers randomly assigned to four groups （A-D）, each comprising six replicates of 12 birds. Group A was fed a corn-soybean basal diet; groups B, C, and D received the basal diet supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg, 0.30 mg/kg, and 0.60 mg/kg selenoglucose, respectively. The trial lasted 42 days and was divided into two phases based on composition and nutritional levels of the basal diet: early stage （1-21 days） and late stage （22-42 days）. At the end of 21 and 42 days, growth performance was measured, and blood samples were collected from broilers in each group to determine serum immune and antioxidant indices. At day 42, breast muscle samples were collected for meat quality analysis. [Results] Regarding growth performance, from 1-21 days, the average daily gain （ADG） in groups B, C, and D was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in group A; from 22-42 days, the ADG in group D was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in groups A, B, and C, and the feed-to-gain ratio （F:G） in group A was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in groups C and D; from 1-42 days, the ADG in group D was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in groups A, B, and C, and the F:G in group A was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in groups B, C, and D. In terms of meat quality, the drip loss in groups A and B was significantly higher （P<0.05） than in groups C and D; the shear force in groups A, C, and D was significantly higher （P<0.05） than in group B; the water-holding capacity in group A was significantly higher （P<0.05） than in groups B, C, and D; the cooking yield in group B was significantly higher （P<0.05） than in groups A, C, and D. Regarding serum immune indices, from 1-21 days, serum immunoglobulin A （IgA） levels in groups C and D was significantly （P<0.05） higher than in groups A and B; serum immunoglobulin G （IgG） and immunoglobulin M （IgM） levels in group C was significantly （P<0.05） higher than in groups A, B, and D; from 22-42 days, serum IgA levels in groups C and D was significantly （P<0.05） higher than in groups A and B; serum IgG levels in group C was significantly （P<0.05） higher than in groups A, B, and D; serum IgG and IgA levels in group A was significantly （P<0.05） lower than in groups B and D; serum IgM levels in groups A, C, and D was significantly （P<0.05） higher than in group B. For serum antioxidant indices, from 1-21 days, serum glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）, glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） levels in groups C and D were significantly （P<0.05） higher than in groups A and B; serum GSH and T-AOC levels in group D were significantly （P<0.05） higher than in group C; from 22-42 days, serum GSH-Px levels in groups B, C, and D was significantly （P<0.05） higher than in group A; serum malondialdehyde （MDA） levels in groups B, C, and D was significantly （P<0.05） lower than in group A; serum superoxide dismutase （SOD） and GSH levels in group D were significantly （P<0.05） higher than in groups A, B, and C; serum T-AOC levels in groups B and C was significantly （P<0.05） higher than in group A. [Conclusion] The optimal dietary selenoglucose supplementation for broilers was determined to be 0.6 mg/kg. Under this condition, broilers exhibited the best comprehensive performance in terms of growth （ADG, F:G）, meat quality （drip loss）, immune function （IgA, IgG）, and antioxidant capacity （GSH-Px, GSH, SOD, T-AOC）.

[Objective] This study was conducted to preliminarily explore the possible regulative mechanisms underlying yellow beef fat of local cattle in Hulun Buir City of Inner Mongolia. [Method] A total of 72 local cattle were selected from Hulun Buir City, and their subcutaneous fat and liver tissues were sampled. The subcutaneous fat samples were subjected to color scoring with a 5-point subjective scoring scheme. Using liver tissues as experimental materials, the penta-primer amplification refractory mutation system （PARMS） was employed to assess the genotype and gene frequency distribution of BCO2 SNPW80X, BCMO1 SNP4, RDHE2 SNP2, ALDH8A1 SNP16 and PPARCG1A SNP12, which were considered as the crucial genes in the signaling pathways involved in the metabolic process of β-carotene. The non-targeted metabolomics analysis of the fat samples were performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （LC-MS） technology to identify the differential metabolites in different colored fat samples, and the differential metabolites were subsequently subjected to metabolic pathway enrichment analysis. [Result] The 72 subcutaneous fat tissue samples were predominantly white colored, with yellow colored ones （scoring 3 or above） accounting for 30.55%. The SNPs in BCO2, BCMO1, RDHE2 and PPARCG1A genes were observed in different samples, while these SNPs had no significant （P>0.05） correlation with fat color. Compared with the white colored fat samples, a total of 235 differential metabolites were identified in the yellow colored fat samples, which were enriched in the signaling pathways such as unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and bile secretion. [Conclusion] Comparing the yellow and white colored fat samples collected from the local cattle in Hulun Buir City, there were multiple differential metabolites involving in the signaling pathways closely related to fat formation, in vivo β-carotene transport and trans-membrane transport of β-carotene. In addition, they also directly or indirectly correlated with the β-carotene metabolism associated genes such as BCO2, BCMO1 and PPARCG1A. Further research may focus on the relevant molecular regulatory mechanisms, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of β-carotene containing feed and the targeted regulation of beef fat color.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the mechanism underlying the response of plant functional groups in desert steppe to different grazing intensities, and to provide bases for the rational utilization of desert steppe. [Method] The desert steppe distributed in Sonid Right Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia was chosen as the research object. Three grazing intensity treatments were set up, including a non-grazing （NG） treatment, a moderate grazing （MG） treatment and a heavy grazing （HG） treatment. Each treatment had 3 replications, with a total of 9 experimental plots. The stocking rates of the NG, MG and HG treatments were 0, 1.92 and 3.08 sheep unit/（hm² · year）, respectively, and the corresponding actual number of grazing sheep was 0, 5 and 8, respectively. From 2018 to 2020, the density, coverage, height and above ground biomass of the plant functional groups in the desert steppe were annually surveyed in mid August. The differences in the quantitative characteristics of the plant functional groups under varied grazing intensities were statistically compared. Furthermore, the grey correlation analysis was conducted between plant functional group and community under different grazing intensities. [Result] The highest number of plant species was observed in MG treatment, followed by NG treatment and HG treatment, which were 27, 25 and 19 species, respectively. Grazing significantly （P<0.05） increased the density of perennial forbs and decreased the density proportion of perennial grasses. The coverage of perennial grasses, annuals and biennials, as well as shrubs and semi-shrubs gradually reduced with the increasing grazing intensities. Grazing significantly （P<0.05） reduced the coverage of shrubs and semi-shrubs. The coverage proportion of perennial grasses as well as annuals and biennials gradually decreased with the increasing grazing intensities, while that of perennial forbs elevated with the increasing grazing intensities. Grazing significantly （P<0.05） reduced the height of perennial forbs as well as shrubs and semi-shrubs, decreased the height proportion of shrubs and semi-shrubs as well as perennial forbs, and increased the height proportion of perennial grasses as well as annuals and biennials. Grazing significantly （P<0.05） reduced the above ground biomass of shrubs and semi-shrubs. Heavy grazing significantly （P<0.05） reduced the above ground biomass of all plant functional groups. Grazing increased the above ground biomass proportion of annuals and biennials as well as perennial forbs, and reduced that of shrubs and semi-shrubs as well as perennial grasses. In the NG treatment, perennial grasses as well as annuals and biennials were the functional groups that had the highest correlation with the community, both with correlation degrees of 0.76. In the MG treatment, the functional group showing the highest correlation with the community was perennial forbs, with a correlation degree of 0.77, followed by annuals and biennials, with a correlation degree of 0.75. In the HG treatment, the functional group exhibiting the highest correlation with the community was perennial forbs, with a correlation degree of 0.80, followed by annuals and biennials, with a correlation degree of 0.67. [Conclusion] Moderate grazing enriched the plant species in the desert steppe. Long-term heavy grazing significantly reduced the above ground biomass of all plant functional groups. Long-term grazing reduced the dominance of perennial grasses and increased that of perennial forbs in the community, converting the functional groups with the highest correlation with the community from perennial grasses as well as annuals and biennials to perennial forbs as well as annuals and biennials.

[Objective] This study was conducted to characterize the changes in whey protein profile during the fermentation process of traditional koumiss from Inner Mongolia. [Method] Traditional koumiss was prepared using mare milk collected from Xianghuang Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia, with fermentation temperature at （22±2） ℃, and manual mixing 5 times per day, 300 beats each time. The koumiss samples were taken every 12 h during the 0-96 h fermentation process, and whey protein was collected by centrifugation. Variations in Koumiss whey protein profile during the fermentation process were analyzed by the optimized SDS-PAGE. [Result] The optimized SDS-PAGE conditions were as follows: the concentrations of separation gel and spacer gel were 12% and 5%, respectively; the electrophoresis voltage for separation gel was 180 V, and the electrophoresis time was 300 min; the sample loading amount and concentration were 16 μL and 0.5 μg/μL samples, respectively; the gel was stained with modified Coomassie brilliant blue for 12 h and then decolorized for 12 h. Within 0-12 h of fermentation, the koumiss whey protein contents increased and peaked （5.12 μg/μL） at 12 h, and then fell with the extension of fermentation time, decreasing to 3.92 μg/μL at 96 h of fermentation. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that a total of 13 effective bands of whey protein within the molecular weight range of 10-70 kDa were observed. During the fermentation process, the contents of 3 types of whey protein, β-lactoglobulin, lysozyme C, and α-lactalbumin, fluctuated to varying degrees. The sum of their contents peaked at 72 h of fermentation, accounting for 85.73% of the total whey protein contents and maintained high levels during the fermentation process. It was indicated that they were the main components of whey protein in traditional koumiss within the fermentation process of 96 h. Among them, the content of β-lactoglobulin was the highest, accounting for an average of 38.92% of the total whey protein contents. The content of casein with the molecular weight range of 20-40 kDa began to decrease after 24 h of fermentation, and the corresponding bands disappeared till 60 h. The protein with a molecular weight of 10.33 kDa was depleted within 12 h of fermentation and reappeared at 60 h, and its content gradually increased with the extension of fermentation time and peaked at 84 h, accounting for 9.84% of the total whey protein contents. The protein with a molecular weight of 49.80 kDa began to appear after 72 h of fermentation, and its content reached 4.11% of the total whey protein contents at 96 h. Compared to the other whey protein components, the content of β-lactoglobulin and immunoglobulin had minor changes during the fermentation process. [Conclusion] The whey protein contents with the molecular weight range of 10-70 kDa in traditional koumiss from Inner Mongolia had regular increase and decrease within 96 h of fermentation. The main protein that was digested and decomposed was casein. There were some differences in the composition and content of whey protein in different fermentation stages of koumiss, while the original main components β-lactoglobulin, lysozyme C, and α-lactalbumin maintained higher levels. From the middle stage of fermentation, the proportion of peptides with relatively small molecular weight （10.33 kDa） in the whey protein of koumiss gradually increased. Our results showed that the traditional koumiss not only retained the original nutritional value of whey protein in mare milk, but also added some easily absorbed small molecular weight proteins through fermentation.

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of crossbreeding of Australian White sheep as paternal parents and Hulun Buir sheep as maternal parents on reproductive performance and reproductive hormone secretion during gestation period of ewes. [Method] A total of 392 Hulun Buir ewes were selected and randomly assigned into an experimental group or a control group according to the ram breeds. For the ewes in the experimental group （n=139）, Australian White sheep （n=7） were served as the breeding ram, while for those in the control group （n=253） , Hulun Buir sheep （n=13） were served as the breeding ram. After delivery, the reproductive performance indicators such as conception rate, miscarriage rate and twinning rate of the ewes in the two groups, as well as the birth weights of the lambs produced by the ewes in the two groups were statistically compared. Eight ewes were selected from each group, and blood samples were collected at mid-gestation period （60 d gestation）, late-gestation period （90 d gestation） and 10 d before the expected date of lambing, respectively. The serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, progesterone （P₄） and estradiol （E₂） were measured with ELISA kits.[Result] The ewes in the experimental group had significantly （P<0.05） lower conception rate and actual delivery rate, significantly （P<0.05） higher miscarriage rate, and extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher twinning rate compared with those in the control group. No significant （P>0.05） difference in lamb survival rate between the experimental group and the control group was observed. There were no significant （P>0.05） differences in the lamb birth weight, single-lamb birth weight and twin-lamb birth weight between the experimental group and the control group. At each observed time points during gestation period, the serum levels of FSH, LH, P₄ and E₂ of the experimental group ewes had no significant （P>0.05） differences with those of the control group ewes. For the ewes in the control group, there were no significant （P>0.05） differences in the serum levels of LH, FSH and E₂ among the three observed time points during gestation period, while the serum level of P₄ at 10 d before the expected date of lambing was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that at the mid- and late-gestation period. For the ewes in the experimental group, the serum level of E₂ at the late-gestation period was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that at the mid-gestation period and 10 d before the expected date of lambing; the serum level of E₂ at the mid-gestation period was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that at 10 d before the expected date of lambing; the serum level of P₄ at the late-gestation period and 10 d before the expected date of lambing was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that at the mid-gestation period. [Conclusion] Crossbreeding of Australian White sheep as paternal parents and Hulun Buir sheep significantly elevated the twining rate and thus improved the reproductive efficiency of ewes, indicating that Australian White sheep as paternal parents had heterosis in improving the reproductive performance of Hulun Buir sheep.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of soybean isoflavones and bile acids on production performance and serum physiological and biochemical indexes of green-shell laying hens. [Method] A total of 72 370-day-old green-shell laying hens were selected and randomly assigned into a control group or an experimental group, with 4 replicates in each group and 9 hens in each replicate. The control group were fed with a corn-soybean meal basal diet, while the experimental group received the same basal diet supplemented with 12.5 mg/kg soybean isoflavones and 60 mg/kg bile acids. The whole feeding experiment was consist of a 7-day preliminary trial and a 105-day formal trial. The feed intake, egg production and egg weight of each laying hen replicate during the experiment were recorded, and the average feed intake, feed to egg ratio and egg production rate were calculated. At the end of the experiment, egg samples were collected to measure egg quality indexes; blood samples were collected to prepare serum, and the serum physiological and biochemical indexes were measured. [Result] Compared with the control group, the average feed intake and egg production rate of the experimental group increased by 11.80% and 10.64%, respectively, with significant （P<0.05） differences. There were no significant （P>0.05） differences in the feed to egg ratio, egg shape index, egg weight, relative weight of eggshell, and relative weight of egg yolk between the experimental group and the control group, while there was an increasing trend in egg weight and relative weight of eggshell in the experimental group. The serum content of acetylcholinesterase （AChE） in the experimental group increased by 32.45% compared to that of the control group, with significant （P<0.05） difference. No significant （P>0.05) differences in serum contents of total protein （TP）, albumin （ALb）, glutamic pyruvic transaminase （GPT）, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase （GOT）, follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）, and luteinizing hormone （LH） were observed between the experimental group and the control group, while increasing trends in serum contents of TP, ALb, FSH and LH as well as decreasing trends in those of GPT and GOT were observed in the experimental group. [Conclusion] Dietary supplementation of 12.5 mg/kg soybean isoflavones and 60 mg/kg bile acids for green-shell laying hens in the middle and late laying period improved the production performance and serum biochemical indexes.

[Objective] This study aimed to assess the effects of gossypol on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and renal pathological morphology of male broilers at different growth stages, so as to accumulate basic experimental data for the rational application of cotton seed meal in broiler breeding. [Method] A total of 48 healthy 1-day-old Liangfenghua male broilers from the same batch were selected and randomly allocated to 4 groups according to the principle of similar body weight, including a control group （C）, a low-dose group （L）, a medium-dose group （M）, and a high-dose group （H）. Each group had 4 replicates, with 3 broilers per replicate. The experimental broilers in different groups fed the same basal diet. In addition, the broilers in L, M and H group were orally administered 100, 150 and 200 mg/（kg·BW） gossypol once a day until 20-day-old, for a total of 20 days, respectively, while those in C group were orally given distilled water. During the experiment, the feed intake and weight gain of the broilers in each group were recorded, and the feed to weight gain ratio at different growth stages were calculated. Blood samples were collected at 6, 11, 16 and 21 days of age, and the serum activities of catalase （CAT） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） were measured. Kidney tissue samples were collected at 21 days of age, with HE staining sections prepared, and changes in renal histopathology observed. [Result] At 1-15 days of age, the feed to weight gain ratios of L, M and H groups were extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than that of C group; at 6-15 days of age, the feed to weight gain ratio of M group was extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than that of L group; at 16-20 days of age, the feed to weight gain ratios of L and H groups were extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than that of C group, while that of M group had negative increase. At 6-21 days of age, the serum activities of CAT and GSH-Px in C group showed upward trends, while those in L, M and H groups all showed downward trends; at 11 days of age, the serum activities of CAT and GSH-Px in L group were significantly （P<0.05） lower than those in C group, while the serum activity of GSH-Px in M and H groups was extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower than that in C group; at 16 and 21 days of age, the serum activities of CAT and GSH-Px in L, M and H groups were all extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower than those in C group; at 21 days of age, the serum activity of GSH-Px in M group was extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower than that in L group. Pathological histology observations showed that the renal glomeruli of the broilers given gossypol by gavage were swollen, the renal capsule space became narrower, and the renal tubules were necrotic.The degree of renal tissue damage was M group>H group>L group. [Conclusion] Starting from 1-day-old, feeding male broilers with doses of 100, 150 and 200 mg/（kg·BW） of gossypol for 20 consecutive days by gavage reduced growth performance, decreased serum antioxidant capacity, and caused kidney damage. With the prolongation of gossypol feeding time, the above affects were the most obvious at the dose of 150 mg/（kg·BW）.

Artificial intelligence （AI） technology is an important new force in emerging scientific and technological revolution as well as animal husbandry revolution. It plays a vital role in realizing the digitalization, informatization and intellectualization of animal husbandry in China. The wide application of AI technology in animal husbandry will provide new insights into the resolution of the major and core problems in animal feeding such as disease prevention, precision treatment, precision nutrition, biosafety control and intelligent weighing, and will also become a powerful booster to accelerate the modernization of animal husbandry. With the help of universal application of key AI technology, realizing refinement, securitization, automation, intellectualization and digitalization of the whole animal husbandry chain and thereby improving the overall management capacity of animal husbandry will become an effective way to facilitate the development of intelligent animal husbandry. In this paper, a review is provided in the following aspects: developmental process of AI, application of AI in livestock and poultry breeding, AI practices in animal husbandry enterprises, and development and application trend of AI technology in animal husbandry, in hoping to provide references for promoting the wide application of AI technology in the whole animal husbandry chain.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to characterize the antimicrobial resistance profile as well as the prevalence of CTX-M gene and virulence genes of the Escherichia coli （E. coli） strains derived from cattle in Ta′e reclamation area, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Method] A total of 16 fecal samples of cattle with diarrhea were collected from a cattle farm in Ta′e reclamation area. The selective culture, Gram staining and microscopy, and 16S rDNA PCR amplification and sequencing were used to isolate and identify the E. coli strains. The PCR assay was used for the molecular typing （phylogenetic group and lipopolysaccharide core type） as well as the detection of antimicrobial resistance genes, CTX-M gene subtypes and virulence genes of the E. coli isolates. The K-B disk diffusion method as well as the CTX and TCL dual disk diffusion method were utilized for antimicrobial sensitivity test and ESBLs-producing E. coli identification, respectively. The biofilm formation ability of the E. coli isolates were semi-quantitatively analyzed using crystal violet staining method.[Result] Based on the colony growth feature, Gram staining characteristic and 16S rDNA sequencing result, a total of 16 E. coli strains were isolated and identified from the 16 fecal samples of the diarrhoeal cattle, with a separation rate of 100%. Most of the E. coli isolates belonged to the phylogenetic group B1 （14/16, 87.50%） and the lipopolysaccharide core type R1 （15/16, 93.75%）. The E. coli isolates exhibited high-level resistance to penicillin, rifampicin and compound sulfamethoxazole, with resistance rates of 100%, 68.75% and 68.75%, respectively, while they were sensitive to polymyxin, tigecycline and meropenem, with resistance rates all being 0. Twelve strains （75.00%） had multi-drug resistant phenotype, 11 strains （68.75%） produced ESBLs, and 15 strains （93.75%） were capable of forming biofilm. A total of 17 antimicrobial resistance genes were detected as positive among the 16 E. coli isolates, and the detection rates for 8 antimicrobial resistance genes such as CTX-M, ant （6′） and sul1 were 100%. Fourteen strains （87.50%） were identified as the CTX-M-1G gene subtype. In addition, a total of 12 virulence genes were detected as positive, among which, 5 virulence genes including iroN, ompA and yijP had 100% detection rate.[Conclusion] A high prevalence of CTX-M gene was observed in the cattle derived E. coli strains in Ta′e reclamation area of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Furthermore, these isolates harbored multiple antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes, and had high-level antimicrobial resistance, which posed potential threats to the healthy farming of cattle in this region. Therefore,it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the CTX-M type E. coli prevalence in this region.

[Objective] To investigate the effects of different levels of grape seed pomace （GSP） replacing partial corn and cottonseed meal in concentrate supplements on in vitro rumen gas production, in vitro nutrients digestibility, fermentation parameters, and growth performance of Simmental cattle. [Method] Using the rumen simulation technique, corn and cottonseed meal in concentrate supplements were partially replaced by GSP at proportions of 4%, 8%, 12% and 16%, respectively. The in vitro gas production, fermentation parameters, in vitro nutrients digestibility of each groups were measured, and the growth performance of the cattle fed with diets in which corn and cottonseed meal were partially replaced by different levels of GSP were evaluated. [Result] The cumulative gas production increased as the in vitro fermentation period extended. The 12% GSP group produced the most gas, and there was no significant （P>0.05） difference in total gas production across the different groups at 72 h of fermentation. There were no significant （P>0.05) differences in pH value, NH₃-N concentration, or bacterial protein content in the artificial rumen fluid between the different groups after gas production. The concentrations of volatile fatty acids increased significantly （P<0.05) in the experimental groups. The digestibility of dry matter was the lowest in the 16% GSP group. The digestibility of crude protein in the control group was significantly （P<0.05) higher than that in the experimental groups. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber in the control group and the 4% GSP group was significantly （P<0.05) higher than that in the other three groups. The digestibility of acid detergent fiber in the control group and the 12% GSP group was significantly （P<0.05) higher than that in the other three groups. The average daily gain of the cattle in the 4% and the 8% GSP groups was 170 g/d and 140 g/d higher than that of the control group, respectively. [Conclusion] Replacement of partial corn and cottonseed meal in concentrate supplements with GSP improved the concentrations of volatile fatty acids in artificial rumen fluid. Replacing proportions of 4% or 8% of GSP increased the daily gain and boosted the rumen fermentation of beef cattle, which was conducive to improve the growth performance.

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the structure and function of African swine fever virus （ASFV） pI215L protein. [Method] A total of 29 pI215L gene sequences of different ASFV strains were downloaded from the African Swine Fever Virus Database （ASFVdb）. Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the homology and genetic evolution of pI215L gene of different ASFV strains, and to predict the physicochemical properties, secondary structure, linear epitope, and three-dimensional spatial location of pI215L protein. [Result] The pI215L gene sequences had high homology among different ASFV strains. The pI215L protein was unstable and hydrophilic. Its secondary structure mainly contained four forms, including α-helix, extend strand, β-turn, and random coil, and had a domain of E2 Ubiqutin-conjugating enzyme. A total of 16 peptide fragments were potential linear epitopes. SWISS-MODEL was used to complete homology modeling of the tertiary structure of pI215L protein, and its homology with 6NYO.1 （ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 R2 and ubiquitin） in the PDB database was 46.06%. The PyMOL software was used to predict the conformational epitopes of pI215L protein to accurately locate the distribution of the predicted three-dimensional spatial position of the epitopes in the model. [Conclusion] Our results provided references for unravelling the structure and function of pI215L protein, as well as developing vaccines and drugs for prevention and control of ASFV.

[Objective] To assess the genetic and evolutionary relationships between locally bred dairy goat varieties in China and those introduced abroad. [Method] Four domestic dairy goat breeds （Wendeng dairy goat, Guanzhong dairy goat, Laoshan dairy goat, and Ya′an dairy goat） in China and three introduced breeds （Alpine dairy goat, Toggenburg dairy goat, and Saanen dairy goat） from New Zealand were used as research subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 33 individuals and the genomic DNA was extracted. The full-length of D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA （mtDNA） were amplified by PCR assay and then sequenced. The obtained sequences were subjected to bioinformatic analysis to uncover the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationship of various dairy goat breeds.[Result] The contents of A/T in the mtDNA D-loop region of 7 dairy goat breeds were higher than those of G/C. A total of 82 variable sites, 25 singleton variable sites, and 55 parsimony informative sites were found. The haplotype diversity （Hd） of the studied dairy goat breeds ranged from 0.905 to 1.000, and the nucleotide diversity （Pi） ranged from 0.001 51 to 0.013 32. There were 26 haplotypes in total, including 5 haplotypes each in Wendeng dairy goat and Saanen dairy goat, 4 haplotypes in Alpine dairy goat, 3 haplotypes each in Laoshan dairy goat, Toggenburg dairy goat, Guanzhong dairy goat, and Ya′an dairy goat. The ranges of average nucleotide diversity （K_XY）, nucleotide variation （D_XY）, genetic differentiation index （G_ST）, and genetic differentiation index （F_ST） were 6.400 00-38.450 00, 0.005 79-0.034 76, 0.000 00-0.186 05, and 0.231 56-0.971 52, respectively. According to the phylogenetic tree among different breeds, Wendeng dairy goat and Laoshan dairy goat were genetically clustered together into one branch. The genetic relation between Guanzhong dairy goat and three New Zealand dairy goat breeds was closer, proving that Guanzhong dairy goat was bred by hybridization of local breeds with foreign dairy goats. Ya′an dairy goat had the greatest genetic distance from the other breeds. [Conclusion] In Chinese dairy goats, there are two lineage origins with no evidence of population expansion. The locally bred dairy goats in China are highly genetically linked with foreign dairy goats. Wendeng dairy goat has closely genetic relationship with Laoshan dairy goat, and Ya′an dairy goat may have experienced regional isolation during the genetic evolution.

[Objective] This study was conducted to explore the optimal plant spacing and row spacing for seed production of Bothriochloa ischaemum.[Method] Using Bothriochloa ischaemum ′Taihang′ seeds as the experimental materials and a two-factor split zone experiment design, four plant spacing levels （R₁=30 cm, R₂=45 cm, R₃=60 cm, R₄=75 cm） and four row spacing levels （L₁=30 cm, L₂=45 cm, L₃=60 cm, L₄=75 cm） were set up to assess the effects of different plant spacing and row spacing combinations on seed yield and its components of Bothriochloa ischaemum.[Result]Plant spacing and row spacing had extremely significant （P<0.01） interactions on the reproductive branch number, inflorescence length, plant height and shattering rate. The interactions between plant spacing and row spacing had extremely significant （P<0.01） effects on the actual seed yield of Bothriochloa ischaemum. Correlation analysis demonstrated that plant spacing was significantly （P<0.05） positively correlated with the reproductive branch number, spikelet number, theoretical seed yield and actual seed yield, and significantly （P<0.05） negatively correlated with the inflorescence length; the row spacing was significantly （P<0.05） positively correlated with the reproductive branch number, spikelet number, thousand grain weight, theoretical seed yield and actual seed yield, and significantly （P<0.05） negatively correlated with the inflorescence length. Principal component analysis showed that the cumulative contribution rate of the first two principal components was 81.946%. The main traits determining the first common factor were reproductive branch number, spikelet number, inflorescence length, shattering rate, thousand grain weight, theoretical seed yield and actual seed yield. The contribution rate of the second common factor was 20.994%. The comprehensive evaluation of yield indicators revealed that R₃L₃ （60 cm × 60 cm） had the highest score of 5.039.[Conclusion]To achieve the highest seed yield of Bothriochloa ischaemum, the optimal plant spacing and row spacing were 60 cm for both.

[Objective] The aim of this study was to optimize the ultrasonic extraction process parameters of crude fat in feed. [Method] Using the grass carp expanded compound feed as experimental material, a single factor experiment design was adopted to investigate and analyze the effects of 4 factors （liquid to material ratio, soaking time, ultrasonic duration and ultrasonic frequency） at different levels on the determination of crude fat content in feed. In addition to the single factor experiments, a 4-factor and 3-level L9 （3⁴） orthogonal experiment was conducted to optimize the ultrasonic extraction process parameters of crude fat in feed. The crude fat content of grass carp expanded compound feed was measured using the optimized ultrasonic extraction process, and the results were compared to those obtained using the Soxhlet extraction method. The process was repeated 6 times to verify the optimal ultrasonic extraction process parameters. Following the determination of the ultrasonic extraction process parameters, the crude fat contents of 13 different feed samples were measured using both the ultrasonic extraction method and the Soxhlet extraction method with 6 repeated tests. The differences in crude fat content of the feed raw materials and common animal feed products between the two extraction methods were then analyzed and compared. [Result] The factors affecting the determination of crude fat content in feed was in the order of ultrasonic frequency>liquid to material ratio>ultrasonic duration>soaking time. The optimal ultrasonic extraction process parameters were liquid to material ratio of 37.5 mL/g, soaking for 0 min, ultrasonic duration for 30 min, and ultrasonic extraction twice. The crude fat content of grass carp expanded compound feed determined by the optimal ultrasonic extraction process was 4.76% （n=6）, whereas that determined by the Soxhlet extraction method was 4.77% （n=6）, proving that the ultrasonic extraction process was stable and feasible. The differences in crude fat content determination results of 13 different feed samples between the ultrasonic extraction method and the Soxhlet extraction method were not significant （P>0.05）. [Conclusion] The optimal process parameters for ultrasonic extraction of crude fat in feed determined in this study were stable and feasible.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the effects of partly replacing whole-plant corn silage with quinoa straw micro-silage on production performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and serum indexes of fattening Simmental crossbred cattle. [Method] A total of 36 Simmental crossbred cattle with good physical condition and initial weight of around 450 kg were selected and randomly assigned into the following 4 groups： a control group and three experiment groups. There were 9 cattle in each group, and each head was a replicate. The control group fed a basal diet （TMR）, and quinoa straw micro-silage was used to replace whole-plant corn silage at ratios of 10%, 30%, and 50% on the basis of roughage in the basal diet in experiment group 1, experiment group 2, and experiment group 3, respectively. The pre-feeding period was 15 d, and the formal feeding period was 60 d. The body weight and feed intake status of the experimental beef cattle in each group during the experiment period was recorded to calculate the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and average feed to gain ratio. Diet and fecal samples were collected to determine the contents of main nutrients, and to calculate the nutrient apparent digestibility. At the end of the feeding experiment, blood were collected to prepare serum samples, and the serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant capacity indexes, and immune indexes were measured. [Result] Compared with the control group, the experiment group 1 had significantly （P<0.05） increased average daily gain, while had significantly （P<0.05） reduced average feed to gain ratio. The apparent digestibilities of dry matter （DM）, crude protein （CP）, crude fiber （CF）, neutral detergent fiber （NDF）, and acidic detergent fiber （ADF） were significantly lower （P<0.05） in experiment group 1, experiment group 2, and experiment gruop 3 than those in the control group. In experiment group 1, the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）, the total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC）, as well as the contents of IgG and IgM were significantly （P<0.05） higher than those in the control group, while the serum level of MDA was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in the control group. [Conclusion] Partly replacing whole-plant corn silage with quinoa straw micro-silage in the diet of fattening Simmental crossbred cattle increased the daily gain, reduced feed to gain ratio, and enhanced the antioxidant and immune ability. Substitution at a ratio of 10% was recommended.

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of exogenous nitrogen priming on seed germination characteristics of Bothriochloa ischaemum. [Method] The Bothriochloa ischaemum seeds were used as experimental materials. After priming with different concentrations （0, 70, 140, 280, 560, 1 120 mmol/L） of NH₄NO₃ solution for 0 （CK）, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h, respectively, the changes in seed germination rate, germination index, mean germination time, and seedling vigor index were analyzed to reveal the responses of Bothriochloa ischaemum seed germination to exogenous nitrogen priming. [Result] Nitrogen concentration, priming time and their interaction had extremely significant （P<0.01） effects on the seed germination rate, germination index, mean germination time, and seedling vigor index of Bothriochloa ischaemum. The seed germination rate, germination index, and seedling vigor index of Bothriochloa ischaemum showed an upward trend when the concentrations of NH₄NO₃ solution ranged from 0 to 140 mmol/L, and exhibited a downward trend when the concentrations of NH₄NO₃ solution ranged from 280 to 1 120 mmol/L, while the change trend of mean germination time was the opposite. [Conclusion] The seed germination ability of Bothriochloa ischaemum was improved with the lower concentrations （≤140 mmol/L） of NH₄NO₃ solution priming, and was inhibited with the higher concentrations （≥280 mmol/L） of NH₄NO₃ solution priming. The optimal treatment for Bothriochloa ischaemum seeds was priming with NH₄NO₃ solution at concentration of 140 mmol/L for 6 h in production practice.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the effects of different addition levels of compound bacterial inoculants on nutritional value and fermentation quality of Pennisetum purpureum × P. glaucum cv. Reyan No. 4 silage. [Method] Using Pennisetum purpureum × P. glaucum cv. Reyan No. 4 with adjusted water content at around 60% as experiment material, one control （CK group） and four test groups were set up based on single factor experiment design. Each group of Pennisetum purpureum × P. glaucum cv. Reyan No. 4 weighed 90 kg. The CK group did not have any bacteria addition, while the test groups had compound bacterial inoculant additions consisting of different ratios of five silage fermentation bacteria （Lactobacillus + Saccharomyces + Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus licheniformis + Lactobacillus planturum）. The addition levels of the compound bacterial inoculants for the test groups Ⅰ to Ⅳ were 10 g+15 g+10 g+10 g+5 g, 10 g+15 g+15 g+15 g+10 g, 10 g+15 g+20 g+20 g+15 g, and 10 g+15 g+25 g+25 g+20 g, respectively. Each group was repeated three times. After 30 d of silage fermentation, the quality sensory evaluation, nutrient composition analysis, and fermentation quality determination of the silage fermentation products in each group were carried out immediately after opening the bags. [Result] The silage in the test groups Ⅰ and Ⅲ had better quality sensory evaluation with superior grade. There was no significant （P>0.05） difference in dry matter content among the different groups. The crude protein content in the test group Ⅰ was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in the test groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ. The starch content in the test groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in the CK group as well as the test groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ. The crude ash content in the test group Ⅲ was the highest, which was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in the CK group and the other test groups. The four test groups all had significantly （P<0.05） higher water-soluble carbohydrate content than the CK group, and the highest value was observed in the test group Ⅰ. There was no significant （P>0.05） difference in crude fat content among the different groups. The highest total fatty acid content was found in the test group Ⅲ, showing a statistically significant （P<0.05） difference compared with the CK group. The neutral detergent fiber content in the four test groups was all significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in the CK group. The acidic detergent fiber content in the test groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in the test group Ⅳ, while that in the test groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ was significantly （P<0.05） higher in comparison to the CK group. The lignan content in the test group Ⅱ was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in the CK group. Among the four test groups, the 30 h neutral detergent fiber digestion rate in the test group Ⅰ was the highest, while that in the test groups Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ was significantly （P<0.05） lower compared with the CK group. No significant （P>0.05） differences in the contents of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sulfur elements as well as chloride ion were found among the different groups. There were no significant （P>0.05） differences in the contents of lactic acid and acetic acid among the different groups. The test group Ⅰ had the highest lactic acid content, while the test group Ⅳ had the highest acetic acid content. The butyric acid content in test groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in the CK group. The ammonia nitrogen content in the test group Ⅲ was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in the CK group. [Conclusion] The addition of the compound bacterial inoculant consisting of 10 g of Lactobacillus, 15 g of Saccharomyces, 10 g of Bacillus subtilis, 10 g of Bacillus licheniformis, and 5 g of Lactobacillus planturum to 90 kg Pennisetum purpureum × P. glaucum cv. Reyan No. 4 with the adjusted water content around 60% was favourable to improve the nutritional value and fermentation quality of the silage.

In the process of rabbit bone specimens preparation, bleaching and cementing are very important steps which directly affect the overall quality and appearance of the specimens. In order to find out satisfied bleaching and cementing process for rabbit bone specimens, a total of 8 degreased rabbit bone samples were randomly divided into 4 groups and bleached with 5%, 15%, 25% and 30% hydrogen peroxide solutions, respectively. After bleaching, the rabbit bone samples were randomly divided into four groups of A, B, C and D. Using unmovable joints, semi-movable joints and movable joints as experimental subjects, the cementing effect of four adhesives, including bone glue adhesive, AB glue, 502 glue and hot melt adhesive, were observed and compared. The results showed that the hydrogen peroxide concentrations and treatment times required for bones in varied parts were different: skull was bleached in 30% hydrogen peroxide for 1.5 h, cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra and sternum were bleached in 25% hydrogen peroxide for 1.5 h; costal bone, humerus and scapula were bleached in 15% hydrogen peroxide for 1.5 h; metacarpal bone, coccygeal vertebra and phalanx and some other bones were bleached in 5% hydrogen peroxide for 2 h. Furthermore, bone glue adhesive had quick effect, tight bonding, high strength, and good shaping effect. The bleaching and cementing process determined in this study can effectively reduce the damage to the rabbit bones during the specimens preparation, keep the original appearance of the bones to the greatest extent, and make the specimens more vivid.