[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] 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] 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.

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] 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.

[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 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 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 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] 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] 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 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）.

[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] 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] 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 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 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 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] This study was conducted to characterize the microbial community diversities in pig house environments, to understand the structural differences of bacterial communities in different types of pig house environments, and to identify the potentially pathogenic bacterial genera. [Method] Environmental microbial samples were collected from pregnant sow houses, nursery pig houses and farrowing houses in a large-scale pig farm using air sedimentation method. Three houses were sampled for each type of pig house, with a total of 9 samples. Using Illumina Miseq technology, the high-throughput sequencing was performed targeting on the V3-V4 variant region of bacterial 16S rDNA. The sequencing data were analyzed by QIIME2 software to compare the composition of microbial communities in different types of pig house environments. [Result] At the similarity threshold of 97%, a total of 29 126 OTUs were obtained from the 9 samples, covering 31 phyla, 66 classes, 160 orders, 320 families, 899 genera and 1 831 species of bacteria. The Chao1 index, Shannon index and phylogenetic diversity index of the farrowing houses and nursery pig houses were generally higher than those of the pregnant sow houses. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota were the four dominant bacterial groups at the phylum level in the pig house environments. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria was the highest in all three types of pig houses, while the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes varied greatly among different types of pig houses. Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium and Stenotrophomonas were the genera with the highest relative abundance in farrowing houses, pregnant sow houses and nursery pig houses, respectively. There were multiple genera of bacteria with potential pathogenicity to animals, such as Helcococcus, Streptococcus, Legionella and Serratia, in the air of pig houses. [Conclusion] The pig house environments were rich in microbial community diversities. Farrowing houses and nursery pig houses had higher bacterial diversity, evolutionary diversity and abundance than the pregnant sow houses. The potentially pathogenic bacteria found in this study provided references for the selection of disinfection drugs used in pig house environments.

[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.

[Objective] This study was conducted to characterize the expression pattern of antioxidant enzymes in sheep antral ovarian follicles with different diameters, so as to provide references for clarifying the regulatory mechanism of antioxidant function in ovarian follicles. [Method] The follicular fluids were sampled from sheep antral ovarian follicles with different diameters （large antra ≥ 6.0 mm, medium antra 2.0-6.0 mm, small antra ≤ 2.0 mm). The contents of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and total antioxidant capacity （TAC）, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, glutathione peroxidase （GPX） and peroxidase （PRDX） were tested using the commercially available reagent kits. Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR （qPCR） assay was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT, GPX3 and PRDX6 genes in the theca cells, mural granulosa cells and cumulus cells of small, medium and large antral ovarian follicles. [Result] There were no significant （P>0.05） differences in the contents of TAC and ROS in the follicular fluids of antral ovarian follicles with different diameters. The activities of SOD, GPX and PRDX in the follicular fluids decreased with the increase of ovarian follicle diameters. The small antral ovarian follicles had extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher activities of SOD, GPX and PRDX in the follicular fluids compared to the large antral ovarian follicles. The CAT activity in the follicular fluids elevated with the increase of ovarian follicle diameters. The large and medium antral ovarian follicles had extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher CAT activities in the follicular fluids than the small antral ovarian follicles. The relative mRNA expression levels of Cu/Zn-SOD, GPX3 and PRDX6 genes in the theca cells and mural granulosa cells of the small antral ovarian follicles were extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than those of the medium and large antral ovarian follicles, while the relative mRNA expression levels of Cu/Zn-SOD, GPX3 and PRDX6 genes in the cumulus cells of the medium antral ovarian follicles were extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than those of the small and large antral ovarian follicles. The large antral ovarian follicles had extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher relative mRNA expression levels of CAT gene in the theca cells and mural granulosa cells than the small and medium antral ovarian follicles, while the large and medium antral ovarian follicles had extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher relative mRNA expression levels of CAT gene in the cumulus cells than the small antral ovarian follicles. [Conclusion] There was no significant variations in contents of TAC and ROS in sheep antral ovarian follicles with different diameters, but the gene expression levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes of SOD, CAT, GPX and PRDX in ovarian follicles with different diameters exhibited spatial specificity, indicating that the regulation of antioxidant function in sheep antral ovarian follicles was a synergistic process of multiple factors.

[Objective] The present study was conducted to assess the correlations between serum hormone levels and lactation performance in Alagxa Bactrian camels. [Method] A total of 65 Alagxa Bactrian camels with similar body conditions and parities in the early lactation stage were selected, and their serum hormone levels （estradiol, estriol, estrone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, prolactin, growth hormone, cortisol, 5-hydroxytryptamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, insulin, glucagon, leptin） as well as the lactation performance indicators （milk yield, milk protein rate, milk fat rate, lactose rate, ash content） were determined. Canonical correlation analysis between serum hormone levels and lactation performance was carried out: using lactation performance indicators as the X group variables, with V being the corresponding comprehensive variable; using serum hormone levels as the Y group variables, with W being the corresponding comprehensive variable; the overall correlation between the two groups of indicators were reflected by the correlation between the two comprehensive variables, and the correlations between serum hormone levels and various indicators of lactation performance were explored. [Result] In the X group of lactation performance indicators, the variation degree in the milk yield was the highest, followed by milk fat rate, while the coefficients of variation in lactose rate, ash content and milk protein rate were relatively small. In the Y group of serum hormone level indicators, progesterone had the highest coefficient of variation, followed by estradiol, luteinizing hormone, norepinephrine, follicle-stimulating hormone, 5-hydroxytryptamine, cortisol, estrone, prolactin, epinephrine, insulin, estriol, growth hormone, leptin and glucagon. The correlation analysis among the internal variables of serum hormone levels showed that serum levels of estriol were significantly positively correlated with those of estrone （r=0.88, P<0.001）, luteinizing hormone （r=0.70, P<0.001） and prolactin （r=0.59, P<0.001）. The canonical correlation analysis between lactation performance and serum hormone levels indicated strong correlation between milk protein rate and serum level of estriol. [Conclusion] The milk protein rate in the early lactation stage of Alagxa Bactrian camels is correlated with serum hormone levels of estriol, estrone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin.

[Objective] The aim of this study was to understand the infection status and molecular genetic characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus （E. granulosus） derived from sheep in some large-scale abattoirs in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. [Method] A total of 96 cyst samples identified as E. granulosus by macroscopic observation were collected from the liver tissues of sheep in abattoirs. Following genomic DNA extraction, PCR amplification and sequencing were performed based on the cox1 and nad1 gene loci of E. granulosus. Sequence alignment was carried out to identify the genotype. The genetic evolution tree was constructed to analyze the molecular genetic characteristics. [Result] At the cox1 gene locus, a total of 81 samples were positive in PCR amplification （84.37%, 81/96）. Sequence analysis identified that all positive samples were G1 genotype of E. granulosus （n=81）, with 15 haplotypes （Hap_1-15） presented. At the nad1 gene locus, there were 67 PCR positive samples （69.79%, 67/96）. Two genotypes, G1 genotype （n=66） and G3 genotype （n=1） of E. granulosus, were identified through sequence analysis,with 19 haplotypes （Hap_1-19） presented. According to the phylogenetic analysis, the G1 and G3 genotypes of E. granulosus obtained in this study were in the same evolutionary branches as their counterparts of E. granulosus derived from the multiple host sources reported in China and abroad. [Conclusion] The E. granulosus derived from sheep in some parts of Xinjiang showed genetic diversity. Our results provide fundamental data for the prevention and control of echinocococosis in sheep in this region.

[Objective] To assess the effects of dietary supplementation of active dry yeast （ADY） on feed digestibility and daily gain of fattening Simmental cattle. [Method] A total of 30 Simmental cattle were randomly split into three groups. Group A was the control, groups B and C were the experimental groups. Group A was fed with the basal diet, and groups B and C were fed with the basal diets supplemented with NO.1 ADY （10 g/d） and NO.2 ADY （10 g/d） twice daily, respectively. The pre-feeding phase was 5 days followed by 28 days formal trial period. Fecal separation sieve was used to assess the feed digestibility of the experimental fattening cattle, and the daily gain was monitored. [Result] On day 21 of the experiment, the proportion of up-level fecal sieve residue in group C was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that in group A. On the 28^th day of the experiment, group C had lower proportion of middle-level fecal sieve residue than groups A and B, and was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that on the 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st days of the experiment. The proportion of lower-level fecal sieve residue in group C was the highest on the 28^th day of the experiment, and was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that on the 7^th and 14^th days of the experiment. The average daily gain of the two experimental groups was higher than that of the control group. The average daily gain of group C was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of group A and group B. [Conclusion] Dietary supplementation of NO.1 and NO.2 ADY increased the daily gain of fattening Simmental cattle and enhanced the feed digestibility to a certain degree. NO.2 ADY exhibited a better effect.

[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] This study aimed to characterize the changes in whole transcriptome expression profile of breast muscles during the growth process in Xichuan black-bone chicken before and after hatching. [Method] Breast muscle samples were collected from the Xichuan black-bone chicken embryos incubated for 14 d （marked as X-14 d） and the chicks freshly hatched for 1 d （marked as X-1 d）, respectively. Eukaryotic whole transcriptome sequencing analysis were performed around coding RNA （messenger RNA, mRNA） and non-coding RNA （lncRNA, circRNA and miRNA）. [Result] During the growth process of breast muscles in Xichuan black-bone chicken, the transcriptome levels of a large number of genes had significant changes. Compared with the chicken embryos incubated for 14 d, the chicks freshly hatched for 1 d （X-14 d vs X-1 d） had a total of 3 858 differentially expressed mRNA, including 1 054 upregulated genes and 2 804 downregulated genes. There were 371 differentially expressed lncRNA, including 222 upregulated genes and 149 downregulated genes; there were 316 differentially expressed circRNA, including 148 upregulated genes and 168 downregulated genes; there were 377 differentially expressed miRNA, including 159 upregulated genes and 218 downregulated genes. GO enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNA was involved in multiple biological processes, such as biological process regulation, stimulus response, localization, positive/negative regulation of biological processes, growth processes, immune system processes, etc. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNA demonstrated that multiple signaling pathways were enriched, including adhesion junction, actin cytoskeleton regulation, amino acid biosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, carbon metabolism, citric acid cycle （TCA cycle）, tight junction, gap junction, metabolic pathway, focal adhesion, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvic acid metabolism, melanogenesis, Notch signaling pathway, etc. The significantly differentially expressed genes were mainly related to multiple biological traits of Xichuan black-bone chickens such as growth trait, meat quality trait, lipid trait, melanogenesis trait, and immune system. [Conclusion] As important components of the transcriptome, mRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, and miRNA played crucial roles in the growth and development of Xichuan black-bone chicken. Our results provided references for analyzing the genetic regulation mechanism in the growth and development process of breast muscles in Xichuan black-bone chicken.

[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 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] The purpose of this study was to screen the candidate lactic acid bacterial strains for preparing forage silage, so as to improve the fermentation quality of forage silage. [Method] Lactic acid bacterial strains were isolated from the leaves of 8 varieties of gramineous forages, including Pennisetum sinese, Eleusine indica, Imperata cylindrica and so on. On the basis of traditional microbiological identification techniques, molecular biological identification methods and 16S rDNA sequence diversity analysis were used to identify the suspected lactic acid bacterial strains isolated. The performance in growth, acid production and salt tolerance of the lactic acid bacterial strains was characterized. Their growth tolerance under pH value of 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0, as well as NaCl concentrations of 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10 mg/mL was assessed. Furthermore, their inhibitory effects against Candida, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium were evaluated. [Result] A total of 30 suspected lactic acid bacterial strains were isolated from the surface of forage leaves. Following phenotypic identification and molecular biological identification, 10 strains of lactic acid bacteria were identified as belonging to the genera of Weissella, Pediococcus and Levilactobacillus, including 3 strains of L. brevis, 2 strains of P. pentosaceus, 2 strains of L. plantarum, 1 strain of W. cibaria, 1 strain of L. pentosus and 1 strain of L. coryniformis. The performance in growth rate and acid production varied among different strains. There were strain-specific salt and acid resistance as well as antibacterial property as well. By comprehensively comparing the biological characteristics of the 10 strains, L. plantarum Lab7 had better performance in salt and acid resistance, while L. brevis Lab1 and L. coryniformis Lab10 had good performance in growth rate, acid production ability, salt and acid resistance, and antibacterial property. [Conclusion] The naturally isolated lactic acid bacterial strains of forage origin, L. plantarum Lab7, L. brevis Lab1 and L. coryniformis Lab10 were screened as candidate strains for lactic acid bacterial preparation used in fermentation of forage silage, and had the potential for further development.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to explore the responses of antioxidant capacity of different parts of alfalfa to the exogenous selenium priming duration, and to provide references for the production of selenium-rich alfalfa grass products by seed priming technology. [Method] Alfalfa seeds were subjected to priming treatment with 0.5 mmol/L sodium selenite solution for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h, respectively. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, ascorbate peroxidase （APX） and glutathione reductase （GR） as well as the content of malondialdehyde （MDA） in the whole plant, cotyledon, and radicle of the alfalfa seedlings treated for different priming durations were determined and statistically compared. [Result] With the prolongation of selenium priming duration, the activities of SOD, CAT, APX, and GR of the whole plant, cotyledon, and radicle of the alfalfa seedlings all increased, whereas their content of MDA increased first and then decreased. For the whole plant, cotyledon, and radicle, significantly （P<0.05） lower and significantly （P<0.05） higher activities of both SOD and CAT were observed at 0 h and 12 h priming compared with the other priming durations, respectively. The APX activity of cotyledon was significantly （P<0.05） reduced at both 0 h and 3 h priming, and was significantly （P<0.05） elevated at 12 h priming. The significantly （P<0.05） lowest and the significantly （P<0.05） highest APX activity of both radicle and whole plant were observed at 0 h and 12 h priming, respectively. The whole plant, cotyledon, and radicle had the significantly （P<0.05） lowest GR activity at 0 h priming. Their GR activity all reached to the peak at 12 h priming, with a statistically significant （P<0.05） difference observed in the whole plant. The lowest MDA content of cotyledon was observed at 12 h priming, which exhibited statistically significant （P<0.05） differences compared with that at 0 h and 3 h priming. The MDA content of the whole plant peaked at 3 h priming, declined at 6 h priming, and decreased to the lowest level at 12 h priming, showing statistically significant （P<0.05） differences compared with that at 0 h, 3 h, and 6 h priming. The MDA content of the radicle peaked at 3 h priming, declined at 6 h priming, and decreased to the lowest level at 12 h priming, showing statistically significant （P<0.05） differences compared with the other priming durations. Under the same priming duration, the activities of SOD, CAT, APX, GR and the content of MDA in the radicle were all significantly （P<0.05） higher than those in the cotyledon and whole plant, with radicle being the highest followed by the whole plant and cotyledon. [Conclusion] The effects of selenium priming on the antioxidant capacity depended on the parts of the alfalfa seedlings and priming duration. The antioxidant enzyme activities of the whole plant, cotyledon and radicle of the alfalfa seedlings increased with the prolongation of selenium priming duration, while the change trend of MDA content was the opposite. Selenium priming had limited affects on the cotyledon and had great affects on the radicle. For the alfalfa seedlings, selenium priming concentration at 0.5 mmol/L (sodium selenite solution) and priming for 12 h were the optimal conditions.

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of the dietary supplementation of yeast cultures on slaughter performance as well as muscular contents of amino acid and functional component in Small-tail Han sheep. [Method] A total of 40 healthy Small-tail Han sheep lambs with similar body weights [（17.5±1.2）kg] at approximately 90 d of age were selected and randomly assigned to a control group （n=20） fed basal diet or a YSD group （n=20） fed basal diet supplemented with 0.1% yeast cultures. The feeding trial lasted for 90 days, preceded by a 10-day adaptation. After the feeding trial, 10 lambs from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered. The slaughter performance indicators, such as live weight before slaughter, carcass weight, carcass fat content （evaluated by GR value）, pH value of the longissimus dorsi, and slaughter percentage rate were measured or calculated. Muscular tissue samples, including longissimus dorsi, latissimus dorsi, biceps femoris, and intercostal muscle, were taken from the slaughtered sheep. A total of 19 amino acids and 3 functional components were quantitatively analyzed by using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry （UPLC-QqQ-MS）. [Result] In terms of slaughter performance, there were no significant （P>0.05) differences in live weight before slaughter, carcass weight, and slaughter rate between control group and YSD group; while significantly （P<0.01） reduced GR value and significantly （P<0.05） elevated pH value of the longissimus dorsi were observed in YSD group. Compared with control group, YSD group had higher levels of Thr （P<0.01）, Lys （P<0.01）, Hyp （P<0.01）, Gly （P<0.01）, total essential amino acids （EAA） （P<0.01）, Asn （P<0.05）, Ser （P<0.05）, Gln （P<0.05）, and total non-essential amino acids （NEAA） （P<0.05） in the longissimus dorsi. Increased contents of His （P<0.01）, Gln （P<0.01）, Phe （P<0.05）, Val （P<0.05）, Lys （P<0.05） and decreased contents of Ser （P<0.05） were found in the latissimus dorsi in YSD group. YSD group had higher concentrations of His （P<0.01）, Val （P<0.05）, Cit （P<0.05）, and Tyr （P<0.05） in the biceps femoris. In both latissimus dorsi and biceps femoris, significantly （P<0.05） elevated contents of EAA, NEAA, and total flavor amino acids （FAA） were observed in YSD group. In the intercostal muscle, the contents of Glu, EAA, NEAA, FAA, and total delicious amino acids （DAA） in YSD group were significantly （P<0.05） higher than those in control group, while the differences in the contents of 8 EAA and 10 NEAA between control group and YSD group were not statistically significant （P>0.05）. In addition, dietary supplementation of yeast cultures elevated the L-carnitine content in the longissimus dorsi （P<0.01）, latissimus dorsi （P<0.01）, and intercostal muscle （P<0.05）, as well as the inosinic acid content in the longissimus dorsi （P<0.01）. [Conclusion] Dietary supplementation of 0.1% yeast cultures has good performance in decreasing the carcass fat content and improving the muscular contents of amino acid and functional component in Small-tail Han sheep.

[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.

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.

Barley（Hordeum vulgare）belongs to gramineous plants. As one of the most widely used cereals in China, it is extensively used in brewing, food, medicine and other fields. The seedlings, leaves, straws and malts of barley have high nutritional value and feeding value, and they can be used as feed sources for livestock and poultry. The development of barley as a livestock and poultry feed product can not only alleviate the shortage of livestock and poultry feed sources, but also improve the economic benefits of livestock and poultry farming. This paper introduced the nutritional value of barley, and reviewed the research progress of its application in livestock and poultry feed, in hoping to provide references for the development and utilization of barley in the field of livestock and poultry feed.

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.

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.

[Objective]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of drinking water temperature （18-20℃） and feeding soybean milk daily on fattening of north Tibet female sheep and female goats. [Methods]A total of 350 two-to three-year-old culled north Tibet female sheep with similar weight were chosen and randomly divided into 7 groups （50 for each group）. During the experimental period, 50 free-grazing female sheep in control group were grazed according to the habits of farmers and herders, and no extra night supplementary feeding was made. The female sheep in 6 experimental groups were grazed according to the habits of farmers and herders in daytime and extra night supplementary feeding was made. The supplementary amount of pelleted concentrate was 280 g/d, and the sheep were allowed to intake green hay of oats freely. The pre-experimental period was 7 days and the formal experimental period lasted 49 days. At the beginning and end of the experiment, all of the experimental sheep were weighted. The animals selection, grouping, supplementary feeding schedules, experimental period and evaluation indicator in goats experiment were the same with sheep experiment. At the end of the experiment, 11 experimental animals were chosen and slaughtered from control group and experimental group in sheep experiment and goats experiment, respectively, and the slaughter rate were subsequently determined. [Results]Under the same drinking situation, there were significant differences in weight and slaughter rate with the increase of intake amount of 10%soybean milk （P〈0.05）;in the experimental groups with the same intake amount of 10% soybean milk, there were significant differences in weight and slaughter rate between the warm water drinking group and ice water drinking group （P〈0.01）. Regardless of the labor engagement and electricity charge, there were significant differences in economic benefit between different groups of fattening north Tibet female sheep （P 〈0.01）. The group 4, 5 and 6 in sheep experiment produced economic benefit and it was increased with the increase of drinking water temperature and intake amount of soybean milk （P〈0.01）, the economic benefit of 105.95 Yuan was produced by each sheep in group 6;there were significant differences in economic benefit between different groups of fattening north Tibet female goats （P〈0.01）, and economic benefit of 21.35 Yuan was produced by each goat in group 6. [Conclusion] There is still much room for improvement of weight and slaughter rate of north Tibet female sheep and goats. Applying an appropriate feeding mode for short-term fattening of north Tibet female sheep and goats can bring huge economic benefit. The results of this study provide technical references for the short-term fattening of female sheep and goats in north Tibet where feed and forage were relatively deficient.

Allotriophagia,a complex disease caused by metabolic disorders,always occurs in confined cattle population.The diseased individual has abnormal appetite and abnormal feeding behaviors.The deficiency of minerals,vitamins,proteins and amino acids as well as parasitic diseases,longtime-confinedness and a lack of physiologic exercise are considered as the causative factors for this disease.Allotriophagia always results in abnormal digestive function,growth stagnation and even death of bovine.The main causes,clinical symptoms as well as treatment and prevention measures of this disease were analyzed in this paper.

True anestrus associated with ovarian dysfunction is one of the leading causes of reduced reproductive performance in female livestock,which has brought serious economic losses to livestock production.Numerous studies have proved that the traditional Chinese herbal medicines have obvious effects in prevention and treatment of animal diseases and have only minor side effects.‘Cuiqingsan’,a commonly used traditional Chinese herbal compound in veterinary clinic,has been demonstrated to have a promoting effect on estrus and ovulation and a therapeutic effect on true anestrus with inactive ovaries in female livestock.In this paper,the main components of ‘Cuiqingsan’ were introduced,and their corresponding pharmacodynamics were characterized.In addition,the research progress on application of ‘Cuiqingsan’ in therapy of true anestrus in female livestock and its underlining mechanisms were reviewed,in hoping to provide theoretical basis for its scientific and rational use in livestock production.