As a novel-type of safe and green feed additives, microecological preparations have been widely used in animal husbandry production. The research progress on the application of microecological preparations in livestock and poultry farming industry is reviewed, and the application potential of Parabacteroides as the next generation of new probiotic additive in animal husbandry is expounded, in hoping to provide insights into the research and development of new microecological preparations for livestock and poultry.

In the context of global climate change, extreme drought has been proven to pose significant impacts on the structure and function of ecosystems, especially on soil and vegetation characteristics. However, the impact level of extreme drought on ecosystems largely varied due to the ecosystem types. The grassland ecosystem is the largest terrestrial ecosystem in China, undertaking the prominent responsibility of economic and ecological sustainable development in pastoral areas. It is highly vulnerable to changes in precipitation patterns. Therefore, assessing the response of grassland soil and vegetation characteristics to extreme drought is of great significance for understanding the evolution laws of natural ecosystems, as well as preventing and reducing the losses resulting from future extreme climate events in the ecological environment and economic development. This paper reviews the research progress on the response of grassland ecosystems to extreme drought in the aspects of soil moisture, temperature, nutrients, mineralization and microorganisms, as well as vegetation community characteristics, vegetation phenology and functional traits, in hoping to provide references for investigating the selection and adaptation of grassland ecosystems to extreme drought climate under global climate change conditions.

Silent information regulator 2-related enzyme 3 （SIRT3）, a member of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide （NAD⁺）-dependent histone deacetylase family, gets involved and plays important roles in energy metabolism, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Its regulatory roles are closely associated with the occurrence of several diseases. This paper reviews the regulatory mechanisms of downstream transcription factors of SIRT3 such as AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK）, mitochondrial permeability transition pore （mPTP） and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）, as well as the roles of SIRT3 in cardiovascular diseases, tumors and diabetes mellitus, in hoping to provide references for the prevention and treatment of related diseases.

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the differences and changing characteristics of nutrient contents of soil and vegetation in typical grasslands in Inner Mongolia at different periods, and to provide references for the rational utilization of typical grasslands, the restoration and management of degraded grasslands, and the sustainable development of animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia. [Method] A total of eight monitoring points were selected from the typical grasslands in different regions of Inner Mongolia, including G1 （Ewenki Grassland, temperate meadow grassland, Hulun Buir City）, G2 （Urad Grassland, desert grassland, Bayannur City）, G3 （natural grassland, Ulanqab City）, G4 （Huitengxile Grassland, tessellated meadow grassland, Ulanqab City）, G5 （Horqin Grassland, temperate meadow grassland, Tongliao City）, G6 （artificial forage planting site, Chifeng City）, G7 （Urad Grassland, desert grassland, Baotou City), and G8 （Gegentala Grassland, desert grassland, Ulanqab City）. In the year of 2020, the soil samples of 0-20 cm soil layers and the above-ground parts of plant samples were taken at different monitoring points during the re-greening, vigorous and withering periods of forage, respectively. The contents of the conventional nutrients in the soil and plant samples were determined. The comprehensive scores of soil and vegetation nutrient levels at different monitoring points at different periods were calculated and sorted by using the principal component analysis method. [Result] The content of soil total nitrogen （STN） in G4 monitoring point （Huitengxile Grassland) during the re-greening, vigorous and withering periods was the highest, which was extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than that in the other monitoring points; while G7 monitoring point （Urad Grassland within the boundaries of Baotou City） had the lowest STN at both vigorous and withering periods. The highest content of soil available phosphorus （SAP） was seen over the three observed periods in G6 monitoring point （artificial forage planting site）, which was significantly （P<0.05） or extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher compared with the other monitoring points. Over the three observed periods, the content of soil organic matter （SOM） in G4 monitoring point （Huitengxile Grassland） was the highest, which was extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than that in the other monitoring points; while G7 monitoring point （Urad Grassland within the boundaries of Baotou City） had the lowest SOM. At the re-greening period, the contents of plant nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in G6 monitoring point （artificial forage planting site） were the highest, which were extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than those in the other monitoring points. At the vigorous period, the highest contents of plant nitrogen and potassium were observed in G8 monitoring point （Gegentala Grassland）, while the highest content of plant phosphorus was found in G6 monitoring point （artificial forage planting site）. At the withering period, G3 monitoring point （natural grassland within the boundaries of Ulanqab City） had the highest contents of plant nitrogen and phosphorus, while G4 monitoring point （Huitengxile Grassland） had the highest content of plant potassium. Over the three observed periods, the highest and the lowest contents of plant crude fiber were found in G5 monitoring point （Horqin Grassland） and in G4 monitoring point （Huitengxile Grassland）, respectively. For the score of soil nutrient status over the three observed periods, G4 monitoring point (Huitengxile Grassland) had higher rankings, while G7 monitoring point （Urad Grassland within the boundaries of Baotou City） showed the worst performance. As for the score of plant nutrient status, both G2 monitoring point （Urad Grassland within the boundaries of Bayannur City） and G6 monitoring point （artificial forage planting site） had the highest rankings at the re-greening period, followed by the vigorous period and the withering period; while all the other monitoring points exhibited the best performance in the vigorous period, followed by the re-greening period and the withering period. [Conclusion] There were obvious seasonal and regional variations in nutrient contents of the soil and vegetation in typical grasslands in Inner Mongolia. On the whole, the meadow grassland had higher comprehensive scores regarding soil nutrient contents during the re-greening, vigorous and withering periods, while the desert grassland had lower comprehensive scores across the three observed periods. Furthermore, the comprehensive scores of vegetation nutrient of different grassland types were generally higher at the vigorous period and lower at the withering period.

Under the background of rural revitalization strategy, the high-quality development of grassland animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia is one of the important parts in implementation of thriving businesses of rural revitalization strategy. Therefore, increasing the farmers′ income and pursuing the thriving businesses of rural revitalization strategy are of significance for the high-quality development of grassland animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia. Under the background of rural revitalization strategy, on the basis of elaborating the current situation of the development of animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia, and focusing on the outstanding problems in the high-quality development of grassland animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia, countermeasures and suggestions such as promoting resource conservation, improving the livestock products supply capacity, enhancing the international competitiveness of livestock products, strengthening the brand construction of green livestock products, and perfecting the financial support system are put forward, in hoping to provide references for promoting the high-quality development of grassland animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia.

[Objective] This study was conducted to explore the ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization （OPU/IVF） technology in cattle, and to establish a high-efficient in vitro embryo production system for cattle. [Method] The fresh ovaries of healthy cattle collected from slaughterhouses were used as experimental materials to perform oocyte maturation as well as fertilization and embryo culture under in vitro conditions, with focus on the effect of leptin supplementation in culture medium on blastocyst rate. Healthy Holstein dairy cows （n=10） and Wagyu cattle（n=10） aged 13 to 15 months were selected as donors, and ovum pick-up as well as oocyte maturation and embryo production under in vitro conditions were carried out. For both breeds, the number of available oocytes and blastocysts was recorded, and the cleavage rates and blastocyst rates were calculated. After thawing of the prepared frozen embryos of the donors, Holstein dairy cows were used as recipients for embryo transfering. The pregnancy rates of the recipients receiving the in vitro produced embryos of the Healthy Holstein dairy cows and Wagyu cattle were measured on day 45 after embryo transfering. [Result] Addition of 30 U/mL leptin in the culture medium significantly （P<0.05） increased the blastocyst rate of the in vitro cultured cattle embryos of slaughterhouse origin. For the donors, 7.5 and 8.1 usable oocytes were averagely obtained per Holstein dairy cow and per Wagyu cattle, respectively. The cleavage rates of Holstein dairy cow and Wagyu cattle were 84.00% and 82.71%, respectively, and there was no significant （P>0.05） difference between them. Under the in vitro conditions, 4.3 and 3.7 available blastocysts were averagely obtained per Holstein dairy cow and per Wagyu cattle, respectively, and the blastocyst rate of Holstein dairy cow （57.33%） was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of Wagyu cattle （45.68%）. The pregnancy rates of Holstein dairy cow embryo group and Wagyu cattle embryo group were 54.17% and 55.79%, respectively, and no significant （P>0.05） difference was observed. [Conclusion] The established OPU/IVF system effectively improves the utilization efficiency of high-quality female cattle, reduces its production costs, and provides references for the optimization of in vitro embryo production system for cattle.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi in grains and are often present in the contaminated livestock and poultry feed and feed raw materials. The mycotoxins commonly found in the feed samples include aflatoxin B₁（AFB₁）, ochratoxin A （OTA）, zearalenone （ZEA）, deoxynivalenol （DON）, and fumonisin （FUM）. Mycotoxins damage the immune system and reproductive function of livestock and poultry, and cause pathological alterations in the organs such as kidney, liver, and intestinal tract, affecting the health of livestock and poultry. This paper introduces the types and contamination situation of the commonly observed mycotoxins in livestock and poultry feed and feed raw materials, summarizes the research progress in the toxic effects of mycotoxins on livestock and poultry, and proposes corresponding prevention and control measures, in hoping to provide references for minimizing the harm caused by mycotoxin contamination in livestock and poultry production.

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to analyze the research trend and hotspot of heavy metal passivation during organic waste composting process. [Method] The literature published from 2000 to 2022 and indexed by the Web of Science （WoS） core collection database on heavy metal passivation during organic waste composting process were used as the data source. CiteSpace 6.2.R6 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 bibliometric visualization software were employed to assess the number of publications and the corresponding countries （regions）, authors, institutions and keywords, and to clarify the research trend and hotspot in this research field. [Result] From 2000 to 2022, a total of 1 266 papers on heavy metal passivation during organic waste composting process were published, with an overall upward trend in annual publication volume. From 2020 to 2022, 345 papers were published, accounting for 27.25% of the total number of publications. Chinese scholars led the research field in terms of publication volume by countries （regions）, with 301 papers published, accounting for 23.78% of the total number of publications. From the perspective of publication volume and collaborative relationships among the authors, KALAMDHAD Ajay S and ZHANG Zengqiang had the highest number of publications, and both published 23 papers, accounting for 1.82% of the total number of publications. The highest number of collaborative authors were observed between the teams of ZHANG Jiachao and ZENG Guanming, indicating an intimate collaborative relationship. From the perspective of institutional publication volume and collaborative relationships, the Spanish National Research Council ranked the first with 96 papers published, accounting for 7.58% of the total number of publications. The Spanish National Research Council and the Chinese Academy of Sciences were the most active institutions in this research field and had the closest collaboration with the other institutions. The top 6 keywords with high occurrence frequency were heavy metals, sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, organic matter, soil and compost, with occurrence frequencies of 724, 441, 210, 187, 158 and 158, respectively. Among the top 10 keywords with high occurrence frequency, sewage sludge, bioavailability, growth, heavy metals, municipal solid waste and soil had intermediary centrality greater than 0.1, and their intermediary centralities were 0.78, 0.52, 0.42, 0.30, 0.25 and 0.18, respectively. A total of 10 categories of keywords were clustered in this research field, including sewage sludge, organic amendments, organic fraction of municipal solid waste, greenhouse gas, C/N ratio, heavy metals, organic waste, and so on. The keyword zinc had the highest burst strength at 16.57 and received attention from 2004 to 2015. Biochar, food waste, microbial community, transformation and organic amendments were the dominant burst keywords from 2017 to 2022. [Conclusion] This study clarified the research trend and hotspot of heavy metal passivation during organic waste composting process. The impacts of different organic wastes on heavy metal passivation, the form transformation and stability of heavy metals in organic waste composting, and the enrichment and transfer of heavy metals in composting products may be the focus of the future research.

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the current situation and benefits of cashmere goat industry in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, and to provide references for accelerating the high-quality development of animal husbandry in this area. [Method] Taking Otog Banner, the main cashmere producing area of Ordos City, as the research object, and the relevant data of 100 herdsmen engaging in cashmere goat farming were obtained through household survey from the year of 2020 to 2022. The management structure and the cashmere goat farming structure of the local herdsmen were analyzed. Furthermore, the DEA analysis model was constructed to calculate the comprehensive efficiency, pure technical efficiency, scale efficiency and scale returns of the herdsmen with less than 500 cashmere goats （small scale）, 500-699 cashmere goats （small and medium-sized scale）, 700-899 cashmere goats （medium scale）, 900-1 099 cashmere goats （medium and large-sized scale）, and above 1 100 cashmere goats （large scale）, respectively. [Result] The number of cashmere goats in this area showed an upward trend. Although the number of the other livestocks increased, it was far less than that of cashmere goats. The reproduction rate of reproductive female goats maintained a higher level, and the rate of twin goat kids was greatly increased. The combination of cashmere and meat production was the main mode of cashmere goat farming. The low age cashmere goats were used to produce fine cashmere, and the high age cashmere goats were mainly used to produce meat. The comprehensive efficiency of cashmere goat farming in Ordos City was at a low level, and the comprehensive utilization of infrastructure was insufficient. Under the current technology and management level, small scale herdsmen were more efficient in using the input resources, and their benefits were increased more significantly through improving the technology and management level. The average value of scale efficiency of large scale herdsmen was greater than that of pure technical efficiency, while the average value of scale efficiency of the other scale gradients was less than that of pure technical efficiency. Small scale herdsmen were more likely to improve the farming benefits by increasing input, while large scale herdsmen could obtain the optimal production benefits without the necessity for a further increase in factor input. [Conclusion] The cashmere goat industry in Ordos City has good development foundation, huge development potential and continuously improved production benefits, which exerts a great promotive role in increasing the income of local herdsmen. Households of different farming scales need to realize resource sharing by integrating resources, and to improve resource utilization by developing standardized farming. These measures can improve the cashmere goat farming benefits to a certain extent.

[Objective] The aims of the present study were to isolate and identify the Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） strain from fecal samples of lambs with diarrhoea, and to characterize the antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity of the isolate. [Method] Four anal swab samples of diarrheic lambs were collected from a sheep farm in Emin County, Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and S. aureus strain was selectively isolated with mannitol salt agar （MSA）. The isolate was identified by morphological observation and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The in vitro susceptibility of the isolate to 11 antimicrobial agents belonging to 9 categories was analyzed by paper diffusion method. The presence of virulence genes of the isolate was detected by PCR assay. A model of abdominal infection in Kunming mice was established to evaluate the pathogenicity of the isolate. [Result] One suspected S. aureus strain was isolated from the four fecal samples of diarrheic lambs. It formed glossy, moderately raised, golden or lemon coloured colonies on MSA. Gram staining and morphological observation revealed that the isolate was Gram-positive and arranged in the form of grape bunches. The 16S rDNA sequence of the isolate was 100% similar to that of a S. aureus isolate of porcineluny origin from Changsha City, Hunan Province, China. Morphological observation and 16S rDNA sequence analysis confirmed that the isolate was S. aureus. The isolate was resistant to penicillin, clindamycin, cefotiamine, rifampicin and erythromycin, and was sensitive to gentamicin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin, cefoxitin and cotrimoxazole. Out of the 20 virulence genes belonging to 8 classes tested, the presence of sea, seg, sei, eta, clfA and clfB genes was observed. The LD₅₀ of the isolate for Kunming mice was 2.24×10⁸ CFU/mL, with observable pathological changes in the organs of the dead mice. [Conclusion] One S. aureus strain was isolated and identified from the fecal samples of diarrheic lambs in a sheep farm in Emin County, which exhibited a multi-drug resistant phenotype, harbored multiple virulence genes and had certain pathogenicity. The results of this study provide references for the rational use of medication for the diseases caused by S. aureus infection in sheep in this region.

[Objective] The present study aimed to assess the anesthetic effect of xylazine hydrochloride in rabbits. [Method] Twelve New Zealand rabbits were assigned into the following four groups at random with 3 rabbits in each group: an ear intravenous injection （IV） with fixation group, a buttocks intramuscular injection （IM） with fixation group, an ear IV without fixation group, and a buttocks IM without fixation group. The rabbits in different groups were given xylazine hydrochloride at a dosage of 3 mg/（kg·BW） by corresponding administration approaches. After administration, the rabbits in the fixation groups were in supine position with head and limbs fixed, and those in the non-fixation groups were in natural prone position. Thirty min post the first administration, the rabbits were given xylazine hydrochloride again at a dosage of 2 mg/（kg·BW） by the same approach as the first administration. Basic vital signs and anesthetic reaction indexes of the rabbits were monitored 10 min prior to administration as well as 5, 30 and 60 min post the second administration. [Result] The respiratory and pulse frequencies of the four groups after administration of xylazine hydrochloride decreased significantly or extremely significantly （P<0.05 or P<0.01） compared with those before administration. At 60 min after administration, the pulse frequency of IM fixation group was the lowest, which was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that of IV non-fixation group. The rectal temperature of the four groups at 30 min after administration was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that before administration. Except for the IV non-fixation group, the rectal temperature of each group at 60 min after administration was extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower than that before administration. At 60 min after administration, the rectal temperature of IM fixation group was the lowest, which was extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower than that of IV non-fixation group. In IM fixation group, no righting reflex, eyelash reflex and pain reflex were observed at different time points after administration. In IV non-fixation group, the righting reflex, eyelash reflex and pain reflex were observed in all 3 rabbits at 60 min after administration.The anesthetic period of IM fixation group was the longest, which was significantly （P<0.05）longer than that of IV fixation group and was extremely significantly （P<0.01） longer than that of IV non-fixation group and IM non-fixation group. [Conclusion] Xylazine hydrochloride should be administered by the route of IM in anesthesia of rabbits. A first administration at the dosage of 3 mg/（kg·BW） is recommended, and a subsequent administration at the dosage of 2 mg/（kg·BW） should be given 30 min later. The rabbits should be fixed immediately after administration.

[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 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.

Astragalus membranaceus contains a variety of bioactive substances including polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids, and has the activities of enhancing immunity, anti-oxidation, anti-bacteria, anti-virus, anti-tumor, anti-aging, regulating blood pressure and preventing diabetes. The application of Astragalus membranaceus helps to boost the body′s immune system and anti-oxidation system of livestock and poultry, and improve the growth performance and product quality. The biological activities of Astragalus membranaceus and its application in livestock and poultry production were reviewed, in hoping to provide references for the research, development and application of Astragalus membranaceus products for animal use.

[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.

Pepper, serving as both condiment and vegetable, plays an important role in human daily diet and health. In addition, pepper and its extracts can boost livestock and poultry productivity by enhancing disease resistance, improving feed conversion ratio, and alleviating heat stress. This paper introduced three application modes of pepper （pepper powder, capsaicin, capsicum oleoresin） as feed additives, as well as its application and action mechanisms in poultry, pigs, ruminants, rabbits, rats and aquatic animals, in hoping to provide a fresh perspective on the use of pepper and its extracts in animal production.

[Objective] The P113 genes of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae isolates from Inner Mongolia were cloned, and the P113 protein sequences of various isolates were bioinformatically compared and analyzed, so as to provide references for clarifying the biological function of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae P113 protein. [Method] A set of specific primers were designed to amplify the P113 gene fragments of 9 isolates of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae from Inner Mongolia. The obtained P113 gene fragments of various isolates were sequenced. The DNA sequences were then translated into amino acid sequences, and the differences in amino acid sequences among various isolates were bioinformatically compared. [Result] The PCR amplified products of P113 gene of various isolates varied in size. According to amino acid sequence analysis, the lengths of C-terminal repetitive elements were variable. KKAEGA (S) QNQG was the dominantly observed repetitive element. The number of repetitive elements of the isolates varied. The most repetitive elements were found in the NM01-MO isolate and CK-MO isolate, both of which were 16. The least repetitive elements were found in the LK-MO isolate, which were 3. Most isolates had large differences in the number of repetitive elements. [Conclusion] The number of C-terminal repetitive elements in the amino acid sequence of P113 protein of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae isolates from Inner Mongolia was variable. These repetitive elements had an impact on P113 protein structure, which could then have an impact on its biological activity.

The unreasonable use and abuse of antibiotics in swine farming not only lead to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, but also result in antibiotic residues in animal tissues and animal-originated food, posing a great threat to food safety. Under the background of ′prohibition of antibiotics in feed′ and ′reduction of antibiotics in animal farming′, the screen and development of novel typed feed additives without toxic and side effects have become a hot topic for the relevant researchers. Micro-ecological preparations, especially probiotics, have gradually been considered as the ideal alternative to antibiotic additives due to their green and safe advantages. Probiotics are a type of active microbial feed additives and bring multiple benefits to the host animals mainly through regulating their gut microbial balance. This paper reviews the research progress on the action mechanisms of probiotics and their application in swine production, in hoping to provide references for the scientific utilization of probiotics in swine farming.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the effects of compound lactic acid bacteria preparation on growth performance, intestinal microflora, anti-oxidation capacity and immunity of calves. [Method] A total of twenty 30-day-old healthy Holstein calves of similar weights were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group with 10 individuals for each group. The two groups were fed with the same basal diet. The experimental group received an supplementation of compound lactic acid bacteria preparation through drinking water （the ratio of drinking water to compound lactic acid bacteria preparation was 50∶1）, whereas the control group received no microbial preparation in any forms. The experiment lasted for 90 days. The average daily gain and diarrhea rate of the calves in the two groups during the experiment were calculated. On days 1, 30, 60 and 90 of the experiment, the total number of bacteria as well as the number of lactic acid bacteria and Escherichia coli in the faecal samples, and the blood biochemical, antioxidant and immunological indexes were determined. [Result] No significant （P>0.05） difference in average daily gain between the experimental group and the control group was observed. The experimental group had a lower diarrhea rate than control group. The number of lactic acid bacteria in feces of the calves in the experimental group reached 1.41×10⁷ CFU/g, which was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of the calves in the control group, while the number of Escherichia coli in feces was significantly （P<0.05） lower than the control group. On days 30 and 90 of the experiment, the experimental group had significantly （P<0.05） higher serum content of glucose （GLU） in comparison to the control group. On days 60 and 90 of the experiment, the experimental group had significantly （P<0.05） lower serum content of total protein （TP） than the control group. The anti-oxidant indexes did not differ significantly （P>0.05） between the two groups. Calves in the experiment group had higher serum levels of IgG and IgA on day 90 of the experiment compared with the control group. [Conclusion] The addition of compound lactic acid bacteria preparation in drinking water improved the community structure of intestinal microflora and decreased the diarrhea rate of Holstein calves.

[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.

The incidence of mastitis, ketosis, fatty liver and some other diseases in dairy cow farming has increased year after year as large-scale and intensive dairy cow farming improved. As an energy receptor, AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK） reflects the energy state of cells. AMPK plays crucial roles in glucose, lipid and protein metabolism as well as in mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy. AMPK is thought to be a potential intervention or treatment target for a variety of diseases and has been extensively studied in metabolic diseases of dairy cows. This paper reviews the research progress on regulative roles of AMPK in dairy cow mastitis, ketosis and fatty liver, in hoping to provide references for targeted treatment of these diseases.

[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.

[Objective] The aims of the present study were to assess the biological characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum derived from Yichun forest pig and to comprehensively evaluate its application potential in the development of probiotic preparations. [Method] A lactic acid bacterial strain （P1M1） isolated from the feces of the healthy forest pig in Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, was biochemically identified and then molecularly confirmed by using 16S rDNA PCR amplification and sequencing technology. The curves of growth and acid production of the strain were drawn, and its tolerance to acid （pH values at 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0） and bile salt （concentrations at 0.15% and 0.30%） were evaluated. The sensitivity of the strain to 13 antimicrobial agents and its inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） of porcine origin were examined. Tests were also conducted to assess the free radical scavenging ability, exopolysaccharides yield and safety to mice of the strain. [Result] Based on the biochemical and molecular identification results, P1M1 strain was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum （L. plantarum）. L. Plantarum P1M1 strain had glycolytic ability. Its logarithmic growth phase was 2-10 h of cultivation. After 18 h of cultivation, the pH value of its culture medium stabilized at 3.8-3.9. Its 3 h survival rates at pH values of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 were （48.97±0.61）%, （64.19±0.94）% and （78.44 ± 1.36）%, respectively, and those at bile salt concentrations of 0.15% and 0.30% were （53.86±1.14）% and （32.87±0.75）%, respectively. It was sensitive to erythromycin, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, tobramycin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefoperazone, cefradine and ceftazidime, and had pronounced inhibitory effect on S. aureus of porcine origin. The scavenging rates of its cell-free supernatant against DPPH free radical, hydroxyl radical and ABTS free radical were （91.65±1.44）%, （87.32±0.22）% and （89.79±0.59）%, respectively, all significantly （P<0.05） higher than those of its intact cell suspension. Its exopolysaccharides yield was （796.73±2.43） mg/L. No death or organ damage was observed after continuous gavages of the L. plantarum P1M1 strain to mice for 2 weeks. [Conclusion] Forest pig derived L. plantarum P1M1 strain shows an early entrance into the logarithmic growth phase, has glycolytic characteristics, strong acid producing ability, and tolerance to acid and bile salt. It is sensitive to various antimicrobial agents and capable of inhibiting the growth of S. aureus of porcine origin. Furthermore, it has strong antioxidant capacity and high exopolysaccharides yield, and is safe for mice. Accordingly, it can be used as a candidate strain for the development of probiotic preparations.

Fermented Chinese herbal medicine combines the pharmacological effects of Chinese herbal medicine with the health benefits of probiotics. During the fermentation process, Chinese herbal medicine offers nutrients to microorganisms and promotes their growth, while the enzymes and metabolites produced by microorganisms stimulate the release of effective ingredients in Chinese herbal medicine, reduce the toxicity of derivative preparations, and also synthesize novel active ingredients to enhance the drug efficacy. The fermentation process also decompose the active macromolecules or polymers into small molecules, facilitating transmembrane transport and aiding in the absorption of active substances by the body. In addition, some microorganisms in fermented Chinese herbal medicine inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and work synergistically with Chinese herbal medicine to jointly combat pathogens. Under the background of reducing antibiotics use and replacing antibiotics, fermented Chinese herbal medicine, as a type of green feed additive, has great utilization value and prospects in animal husbandry. This paper summarizes the research progress on the characteristics of fermented Chinese herbal medicine and application in animal production, in hoping to provide references for the further development and utilization of fermented Chinese herbal feed additives.

[Objective] The present study was conducted to understand the species and molecular genetic characteristics of ticks on body surface and in habitat of Tarim red deer （Cervus canadensis）. [Method] A total of 69 ticks were collected from body surface and habitat of Tarim red deer in a large scale farm in Yuli County of Xinjiang, China. Morphological observation and preliminary species identification were performed by stereomicroscope. PCR assays targeting on mitochondrial SSU rRNA gene and COX I gene were performed. The species of the obtained ticks was identified by sequence alignment of the two genes, and their molecular characteristics were analyzed by bioinformatics method. [Result] Morphological observation showed that all of the 69 ticks, including 37 females and 32 males, were identified as belonging to the genus Hyalomma. The SSU rRNA gene sequence of 63 ticks was successfully obtained. Based on the sequence alignment of SSU rRNA gene, 18 ticks were identified as Hyalomma detritum （H. detritum）, and all of them were the same sequence type designated as SCtype1 （n=18）; 45 ticks were identified as Hyalomma asiaticum （H. asiaticum） with 4 sequence types designated as SYtype1 （n=3）, SYtype2 （n=40）, SYtype3 （n=1） and SYtype4 （n=1）, respectively. The COX I gene sequence of 64 ticks was successfully obtained. Based on the sequence alignment of COX I gene, 24 ticks were identified as H. detritum with 2 sequence types designated as CCtype1 （n=22） and CCtype2 （n=2）, respectively; 40 ticks were identified as H. asiaticum with 5 sequence types designated as CYtype1 （n=25）, CYtype2 （n=7）, CYtype3 （n=4）, CYtype4 （n=3） and CYtype5 （n=1）, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that at SSU rRNA gene, the sequences of H. asiaticum formed an individual subgroup branch, and formed a large subgroup branch with those of other Hyalomma species; at COX I gene, the sequences of H. detritum and H. asiaticum formed an individual subgroup branch, while belonged to different subgroup branches with those of other genus in the family Ixodoidea. [Conclusion] The species of the ticks collected from body surface and habitat of Tarim red deer in Yuli County are H. asiaticum and H. detritum. Our results provide basic data for species distribution investigation and genetic evolution characterization of parasitic ticks in Cervidae animals.

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sub-chronic arsenic poisoning on the expression of Caspase-9 protein in leydig cells of rats. [Method] A total of 40 healthy adult clean-grade male SD rats were randomly assigned into the following 4 groups：a control group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose arsenic exposure groups, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the low-, medium-, and high-dose arsenic exposure groups were given sodium arsenate by drinking water at concentrations of 2.4, 12 and 60 mg/L, respectively, and those in the control group was given physiological saline. The exposure test lasted for 14 weeks. Following the exposure test, the number of peripheral white blood cells of the rats was counted; the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1 were measured by ELISA assay; the ultrastructure of sperm was observed using transmission electron microscopy; the expression level and localization of Caspase-9 protein in leydig cells were assessed by immunohistochemical method. [Result] Compared with the control group, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1 as well as the number of peripheral white blood cells in the medium- and high-dose arsenic exposure groups significantly （P<0.05） increased. Under transmission electron microscopy, the sperm acrosome structure in the control group was intact, with uniform thickness and staining. In the low-dose arsenic exposure group, the sperm membrane swelled and the nuclear chromatin was uniform. In the medium-dose arsenic exposure group, the sperm acrosome and nucleus split, and the membrane swelled. In the high-dose arsenic exposure group, the sperm tail disrupted and the axial filament arrangement disordered. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Caspase-9 protein mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of leydig cells, and the expression signal was dark brown. Compared with the control group, the expression level of Caspase-9 protein in the testicular tissue in all the arsenic exposure groups significantly （P<0.05） increased. [Conclusion] The increased expression level of Caspase-9 protein in laydig cells may be one of the mechanisms underlying chronic reproductive toxicity induced by sodium arsenite in male rats.

[Objective] The present study was conducted to analyze the roles and achievements of the ′big data+′ based science and technology service model in promoting the high-quality development of the cashmere goat industry in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. [Method] Based on the implementation of the ′Science and Technology Revitalizing Inner Mongolia′ project undertaken by the authors′ research team, empirical analysis methods were used to analyze the construction content and operation status of the big data platform for the cashmere goat industry in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, and to explore the roles of the cashmere goat production technology service team. Furthermore, the science and technology support mechanisms for the high-quality development of the cashmere goat industry were constructed, and some suggestions for the extending development were proposed. [Result] According to the architecture of ′one platform, four systems, and one center′, a big data platform for the cashmere goat industry in Ordos City was established, and a socialized service system for the cashmere goat production technology as well as a digital development management system for the cashmere goat industry were preliminary constructed. Based on the implementation of ′Science and Technology Revitalizing Inner Mongolia′ project, using the advantages of scientific research resources from universities and research institutes, the leading organizer of the project led the private enterprises and the professional cooperatives of cashmere goat farming in this region formed a ′1+4+10+N′ socialized service model for the cashmere goat production technology. The services included guidance and training on farming technology, veterinary medicine and veterinary drugs, breed selection and promotion, artificial insemination, forage guarantee, cashmere harvest by parts and graded packaging, infrastructure construction in agriculture and animal husbandry, and so on. On the basis of the internal mechanisms of the established big data platform and the socialized service model, six aspects of the science and technology support mechanisms were constructed. In addition, some suggestions were put forward, such as advancing ′the reforms to streamline administration, delegate powers, improve regulation and strengthen services′, accelerating the construction of digital farm, and promoting the diversified science and technology support. [Conclusion] Through the implementation of ′Science and Technology Revitalizing Inner Mongolia′ project, the the ′big data+′ based science and technology service model in the high-quality development of the cashmere goat industry in Ordos City has been basically established. Furtherly, the socialized service system for the cashmere goat production technology and the management system for the digital transformation and development of the cashmere goat industry should be continuously improved, the construction of big data platforms and technical service stations extending to the grassroots level should be encouraged and supported, the digital transformation and development of the cashmere goat industry as well as the full coverage of socialized services should be promoted, so as to continuously accelerate the high-quality development of the cashmere goat industry in this region.

[Objective] This study aimed to establish an improved A-Unet image segmentation and cattle body size measurement method on the basis of U-Net to achieve the automated measurement of cattle body height, body length, and body oblique length. [Method] Firstly, side view images of the farm-raised cattle were collected through cameras. Secondly, the A-Unet algorithm was used for image segmentation to extract the contour curve of cattle body edge. Based on the contour curve of cattle body, the dynamic grid method was adopted to find the cattle body size measurement points. Finally, according to the calibrated parameters by cameras and the extracted measurement points, the cattle body size data was calculated. [Result] The established A-Unet algorithm was found to have higher accuracy than the original U-Net algorithm through comparative analysis of the image segmentation performance of deep learning algorithms. Compared with the manual measurement, the average relative errors of the body height, body length and body oblique length of 21 farm-raised cattle measured by the established A-Unet algorithm were 4.16%, 4.05% and 4.27%, respectively. [Conclusion] With the advantages of good applicability, high stability and high detection accuracy, the A-Unet based cattle body size measurement method could effectively replace the traditional manual measurement method. The measurement error met the needs of herdsmen for measuring cattle body size.

The use of biological feed as an antibiotic alternative has gained a lot of attention in light of the antibiotic ban in animal feed. Biological feed offers benefits including improving feed quality, enhancing animal production performance, boosting animal immunity and regulating animal gut microbiota, exhibiting an increasing market acceptance. This paper introduced the definition and classification of biological feed, summarized the research progress on the application of biological feed in cattle, sheep and pig production taking fermented feed and bacterium and enzyme synergistic fermented feed as examples, analyzed the problems in the current application of biological feed, and put forward relevant suggestions, in hoping to provide references for the development and application of biological feed.

The meat quality traits of livestock and poultry have become a research hotspot in the fields of food science and animal breeding due to the rising market demand for high-quality livestock and poultry meat. Meat quality traits are affected by multiple signaling pathways and transcription factors. The thorough understanding of the candidate genes that regulate meat quality traits is important for improving meat quality and breeding superior livestock and poultry breeds. This paper reviews the research progress in candidate genes closely related to intramuscular fat （IMF） content, inosine monophosphate （IMP） content, tenderness, pH value, color, and other meat quality traits, in hoping to provide theoretical guidance for investigations on livestock and poultry breed improvement and molecular marker assisted breeding.

Forage grass and feed are important material basis for animal husbandry production. Since the China′s Thirteenth Five-Year Plan, the state and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region have successively implemented the policies and measures such as grassland ecological protection subsidies and awards, grain to feed, and alfalfa development action for the revitalization of dairy industry, which have effectively promoted the development of forage grass and feed industry and achieved positive results. As the demand of Chinese residents for beef, mutton and dairy products grows continuously and rapidly, the shortage of high-quality forage grass has become more and more prominent. According to estimates, to ensure the national goal of self-sufficiency of beef, mutton and milk, the total demand for high-quality forage grass will exceed 120 million tons. As China′s main export base of livestock products, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region should enhance its support and investment in the forage grass and feed industry, improve the supply capacity of high-quality forage grass, increase the market share of local feed products, and provide strong support for the high-quality and high-efficient development of animal husbandry. This article gives an in-depth overview of the basic situation of the forage grass and feed industry in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, analyzes the existing problems, and puts forward countermeasures and suggestions, in hoping to provide references for promoting the healthy development of the forage grass and feed industry in this region and improving the supporting ability of the forage grass and feed industry for the high-quality development of animal husbandry.

[Objective] The present study was conducted to propose a method for organizing the knowledge of animal husbandry laws and regulations to achieve a more orderly organization of relevant knowledge. [Method] The online legal resources in the websites of flk.npc.gov.cn, pkulaw.com, lawyee.org, wkinfo.com.cn, and law.cnki.net were used as the data sources of animal husbandry laws and regulations, the relevant laws and regulations of animal husbandry were screened and obtained. Subsequently, the corresponding formulation authority, timeliness, effectiveness hierarchy, regulation category, issuing date, implementation date and year information were extracted, and the obtained data was preprocessed. The ontology was built, and the entities and relationships were defined. Using rule-based method, the entities and relationships from the obtained laws and regulations texts were extracted, and then temporarily stored in MySQL database. The SQLAlchemy database and py2neo database in Python were used to operate MySQL database and Neo4j Graph database to convert the data in MySQL into entity relationship triad, and then stored in Neo4j Graph database to complete the storage of knowledge graph of animal husbandry laws and regulations. [Result] A total of 287 laws and regulations related to animal husbandry were collected and classified based on whether the laws and regulations contained chapters. Among these, 211 laws and regulations contained chapters, totaling 1 470 chapters and 10 457 articles, whereas 76 laws and regulations did not contain chapters, totaling 2 145 articles. There were 10 types of entities defined, including ′laws and regulations′, ′issuing authority′, ′timeliness′, ′effectiveness hierarchy′, ′regulation category′, ′chapter′, ′article′, etc. There were 10 types of relationships defined, including ′the relationship of animal husbandry laws and regulations to category of laws and regulations ′, ′the relationship of animal husbandry laws and regulations to timeliness of laws and regulations′, ′the relationship of animal husbandry laws and regulations to issuing authority of laws and regulations′, and ′the relationship of animal husbandry laws and regulations to effectiveness hierarchy of laws and regulations′, etc. A knowledge graph of animal husbandry laws and regulations covering 14 936 entities and 16 339 relationships was constructed. [Conclusion] This method can be applied to organize the knowledge on animal husbandry laws and regulations, making the organization of knowledge more systematic and closely related.

Fatty liver is a metabolic disorder with high incidence in the perinatal period of dairy cows. This disease results in reductions in milk yield and average productive lifespan of dairy cows, seriously affects their subsequent production performance, and brings huge economic losses to the dairy farming industry. The application of metabonomics has become a hot technology in the study of dairy cow diseases, and can provide theoretical basis and technical support for the prevention and therapy of fatty liver in dairy cows. The research progress in application of metabonomics in screening biomarkers of fatty liver in dairy cows is reviewed, in hoping to give new insights into the rapid diagnosis and treatment of fatty liver in dairy cow production.

[Objective] This study aimed to reveal the effects of alfalfa cultivating on soil available nitrogen content in different land uses and to assess the driven factors. [Method] A total of 28 published papers indexed in the database of China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI） were collected, and these papers included 31 groups of soil available nitrogen content data of alfalfa cultivating lands. With clear tillage as the control, the effects of alfalfa cultivating on the soil available nitrogen content of such land uses as pasture land, forest land, farmland, desert land and orchard land were assessed by using Meta-analysis. Furthermore, the mixed effect model was used to clarify the driven factors that contributed to the impacts of the meteorological factors as well as the soil physical and chemical properties on the mean effect size of soil available nitrogen content. [Result] Alfalfa cultivating extremely significantly （P<0.001） increased the soil available nitrogen content, and the mean effect size and increase range were 0.27±0.07 and 30.99%, respectively. The increase range of soil available nitrogen content for different land uses attributed to alfalfa cultivating from high to low was pasture land （P<0.001）, forest land （P<0.001）, farmland, desert land （P<0.001） and orchard land, which were 60.01%, 58.41%, 32.31%, 27.12% and 22.14%, respectively. The mean effect size of pasture land and forest land was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of farmland, desert land and orchard land. The mixed effect model-based analysis demonstrated that the soil moisture and available potassium content had significant （P<0.05） effects on the mean effect size, which could explain 47.81% and 17.46% of the effect size variation, respectively. [Conclusion] The effects of alfalfa cultivating on soil available nitrogen content in different land uses exhibit a strong heterogeneity. Increasing soil moisture and available potassium content will help to enhance the nitrogen fixation capacity of alfalfa.

[Objective] This study was conducted to screen the Chinese medicinal herbs that have antibacterial and bactericidal actions against Rhodococcus equi （R. equi）. [Method] The aqueous extracts from each of the 8 kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs including Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, Ficus hirta, Houttuynia cordata, Platycladus orientalis, Forsythia suspensa, Lonicera japonica and Isatis tinctoria were prepared, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration （MIC） and minimum bactericidal concentration （MBC） of the aqueous extracts from the Chinese medicinal herbs against reference strain 103S and clinical isolates of R. equi were determined using broth micro-dilution method and spread-plate method, respectively. [Result] The antibacterial and bactericidal actions of the aqueous extracts from different Chinese medicinal herbs against R. equi varied, and Coptis chinensis, Platycladus orientalis and Forsythia suspensa had significantly （P<0.05） better performance than the others. The use of different combinations of the aqueous extracts from Coptis chinensis, Platycladus orientalis and Forsythia suspensa exhibited stronger antibacterial and bactericidal actions against R. equi than their single use. The combinative use of Coptis chinensis and Forsythia suspensa showed an additive effect. [Conclusion] The Chinese medicinal herbs such as Coptis chinensis show antibacterial and bactericidal actions against R. equi, and the combinative use of these herbs have better performance than their single use, suggesting that these herbs have potential to be effective therapeutic drugs against infections caused by R. equi and even by other antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.

Inflammation and fibrosis are important signs in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）. There are multiple signaling pathways that exert key roles in the progression of NAFLD and its transition to liver cancer, regulating further damage and malignant transition of hepatocytes. Among them, the Hippo signaling pathway controls the progression of NAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism and activating hepatic stellate cells （HSC）; the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors, enhance anti-inflammatory capabilities, and reduce the activity of inflammatory factors in the liver, thereby alleviating the degree of hepatocyte damages; the TGF-β signaling pathway aggravates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis （NASH） by further promoting hepatocyte apoptosis and HSC activation under chronic inflammatory conditions; the AMPK signaling pathway plays important roles in carbohydrate and fat metabolism regulation, energy regulation and the transition from NAFLD to liver cancer; the NF-κB signaling pathway regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, and the process of steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis can be reduced by inhibiting this pathway. This paper presents a review on the research progress in the regulatory mechanisms of the main signaling pathways involved in the development of NAFLD and its transition to liver cancer, in hoping to prevent further lesions and transition to liver cancer in the early stage of NAFLD as much as possible, and to provide references for targeted therapy of NAFLD in clinical practice.

[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.

With the development of medical laboratory technology, people have gained deeper understanding of respiratory tract micro-ecology and begun to explore the relationship between microbiome and respiratory diseases. More and more evidence suggested that the respiratory tract microbiota is associated with the stability of the pulmonary environment and the occurrence of pulmonary diseases. The current research focused on exploring the causality and potential mechanisms between dysbiosis of respiratory tract microbiota and respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and lung cancer. Phlegm, as the preferred sample for respiratory tract micro-ecology research, contains rich micro-ecological information and is easily accessible. This paper summarizes the detection methods of respiratory tract bacterial flora, reviews the research progress of respiratory tract micro-ecology in recent years, and explores the relationship between respiratory tract micro-ecology and the occurrence and progression of respiratory diseases, in hoping to provide new ideas for the specific diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.

[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.

Cymbopogon citratus contains a variety of bioactive components such as terpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, flavonoids and polyphenols, exerting the bioactive functions of bacteriostasis, antivirus, immune regulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, regulation of intestinal health and so on. It also has significant improvement effects on the growth performance, antioxidant stress capacity, anti-parasitic ability and product quality of livestock and poultry. This article reviews the nutritional value, bioactive function and application of Cymbopogon citratus in livestock and poultry production, in hoping to provide references for the development and promotion of Cymbopogon citratus.

The long-term and widespread use of antibiotics in the animal husbandry industry has led to serious problems such as drug residues and antibiotic resistance, which seriously threatens the health of animals and even humans. Bacteriophages are viruses that can invade and lyse bacteria, with the advantages of strong specificity, wide presence, and low research and development cost. With the continuous development of science and technology, the research of bacteriophages in the livestock and poultry industry has been deepened, and the use of bacteriophages is progressively gaining recognition as an alternative strategy to antibiotics. Starting from the biological characteristics of bacteriophages, this article elaborates on the research of bacteriophages therapy for bacterial infections in livestock and poultry as well as the development and application of bacteriophages in livestock and poultry breeding, food biological control, etc., in hoping to provide references for the application of bacteriophages in livestock and poultry production.

The development of hair follicle structures is completed during the embryonic stage. It is a complex physiological process that is divided into 3 classical stages: induction, organogenesis and cell differentiation. Hair follicles are regulated by a variety of molecules during growth and development, involving complex signal cross talk at various stages of hair follicle development. Currently, many signaling pathways as well as the growth factors′ modes of action lack adequate and explicit elucidations. This paper reviews recent research on hair follicle morphogenesis in mammals and associated signaling pathways to better understand the signaling regulation mechanism of hair follicle growth. It also presents the basic structure of hair follicles, explains the division and corresponding characteristics of hair follicle development stages, and summarizes the Wnt signal, Eda signal, Fgf signal, Bmp signal, Shh signal, Pdgfa signal, Notch signal and some other signaling pathways involved in various stages of hair follicle development and their roles, in hoping to provide references for unravelling the pathogenesis of related cancers caused by certain signaling pathway defects.

[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the effects of two ventilation modes on air quality and swine health in pigsty under the background of normalized control of African swine fever outbreak. [Method] A total of 1 280 binary castrated finishing pigs with body weights of 44 to 45 kg were randomly divided into a control group （longitudinal ventilation） and an experiment group （filter-typed vertical and three-dimensional ventilation） with 640 pigs in each group. The concentrations of harmful gases, microparticles and microbial aerosol in the pigsty of the two groups were routinely detected daily during the 28 d continuous monitoring. The titers of antibodies against swine fever virus, pseudorabies virus, porcine circovirus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in the swine herd were detected by ELISA assay. PCR was used to identify the viral pathogens. Feces and dust samples from the pigsty environment were collected for the insolation of Streptococcus, Haemophilus parasuis and Mycoplasma pneumonia. [Result] Compared with the control group, the concentrations of the harmful gases of NH₃ and H₂S in the experiment group decreased by 46.52% and 48.55%, respectively, with extremely significant （P<0.01） differences. The concentrations of the microparticles of PM_2.5 and PM_1.0 decreased by 62.30% and 67.48%, respectively, with extremely significant （P<0.01） differences. The concentration of the microbial aerosol in the experiment group extremely significantly （P<0.01） decreased by 54.33%. With extremely significant （P<0.01） differences, the positive rates of antibodies against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae increased by 29.97% and 26.64%, respectively. The number of pathogenic bacteria in the experiment group was prominently lower than that in the control group. [Conclusion] The deployment of filter-typed vertical and three-dimensional ventilation system in pigsty significantly improves the air quality and the health status of the pig herd. The results obtained in this study provide references for exploring safe and reliable ventilation modes.

[Objective] This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of compound ethanol extracts from Taraxacum mongolicum, Leonurus japonicus, Lonicera japonica and Forsythia suspensa on rumen bacterial flora in lactating Holstein dairy cows. [Method] A total of 24 lactating Holstein dairy cows were randomly allocated to a control group （n=12） or an experimental group （n=12） by using a completely randomized experiment design. The control group fed a basal diet, and the experimental group fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0.3% compound plant extracts of DM per cow per day. The experiment lasted for 75 days, including a 15-day pre-experiment and a 60-day formal experiment. On day 60 of the formal experiment, the rumen fluid samples were orally collected and the total DNA was extracted. The impacts of dietary supplementation of compound plant extracts on variation of rumen bacterial flora in dairy cows were evaluated by using 16S rDNA sequence analysis. [Result] The rumen microorganisms in the experimental group and the control group could be separated from each other at the OTU level. The α diversity index of rumen bacteria in the experimental group was not significantly （P>0.05） different from that in the control group. Dietary supplementation of compound plant extracts altered the relative abundance of 17 bacterial phyla in rumen in dairy cows to a certain extent, but no significant （P>0.05） differences were observed. At phylum level, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes accounted for the highest proportions in total rumen bacteria. At genus level, the relative abundance of rumen bacteria in the experimental group was not significantly （P>0.05） different from that in the control group, and the dominant bacteria were Prevotella 1 in both of the groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size （LEfSe） demonstrated that compared with the control group, the relative abundance of Bacteroidales in the experimental group was significantly （P<0.05） reduced, and that of Bifidobacteriaceae was significantly （P<0.05） elevated. [Conclusion] Dietary supplementation of 0.3% compound extracts from Taraxacum mongolicum, Leonurus japonicus, Lonicera japonica and Forsythia suspensa has regulatory effects on rumen bacterial flora in lactating Holstein dairy cows.

Giant Juncao （Cenchrus fungigraminus） has been widely used in cultivation as high-quality herbage and ecological management material due to its advantages such as fast growth, large biomass, strong stress resistance and wide adaptability. In particular, good results have been achieved in the restoration of the ecologically fragile areas and the heavy metal pollution areas. However, due to its late introduction into China, few studies have been conducted on molecular aspects. In this paper, we review the molecular research progress of Giant Juncao in the aspects of genetic molecular markers, transcriptomics, stress resistance and so on, as well as its application in ecological restoration and management, in hoping to provide references for deep exploration of the feeding value and ecological restoration value of Giant Juncao.

[Objective] The aim of this study was to screen high-efficient cellulose-degrading bacterial and fungal strains suitable for use in northern China at room and low temperatures. [Method] Using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose medium, bacteria and fungi capable of degrading cellulose were isolated and preliminary screened from the samples of humus soil, rice straw, sheep feces and donkey feces collected from Inner Mongolia. The species of the obtained bacterial and fungal strains were molecularly identified by using 16S rDNA and ITS gene sequence analysis, respectively. The strains were further screened on cellulose Congo-red agar medium and by filter paper degradation test. 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid （DNS） colorimetry was used to measure the cellulase activities of the strains. [Result] A total of 44 cellulose-degrading strains, comprising 43 bacterial strains and 1 fungal strain, were isolated. Of these, 27 strains were isolated at 30 ℃ and exhibited cellulose-degrading ability at room temperature, and 17 strains were isolated at 18 ℃ and exhibited cellulose-degrading ability at low temperature. At the genus level, Bacillus was the first dominant genus among room temperature cellulose-degrading bacteria, followed by Pseudomonas. Among low temperature cellulose-degrading bacteria, Pseudomonas was the first dominant genus, followed by Acinetobacter and Bacillus. A total of 35 strains with improved cellulose-degrading efficiency were subsequently identified using cellulose Congo-red agar medium and filter paper degradation test. Furtherly, 3 strains, T-8-2 （Bacillus spp.）, LF-7 （Bacillus spp.） and LF-5 （Aspergillus spp.）, with higher carboxymethyl cellulase （CMCase） activities were isolated by DNS colorimetry, with CMCase activities of （169.24 ± 2.18）, （136.79 ± 2.05） and （116.01 ± 0.52） U/mL, respectively. These 3 strains also had higher activities of β-Gase, FPA and C₁. [Conclusion] This study characterizes the community composition and cellulose-degrading ability of the culturable cellulose-degrading bacteria and fungi in Inner Mongolia. The screened 3 strains exhibiting cellulose-degrading ability at room temperature with high activities of CMCase, β-Gase, FPA and C₁ can be used as potential strains for effectively degrading cellulose in the development of fermentation agents for manure composting.