[Objective] The aim of this study was to assess the mechanism by which Honghua Qinggan 13 Flavor Pill （HHQG）, a traditional Mongolian medicine, alleviated liver injury in mice through inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration. [Method] A total of 54 male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into control group （n=18）, model group （n=18） and HHQG liver protection group （n=18）. The HHQG liver protection group was intragastrically administered 0.616 5 g/（kg·BW） of HHQG once a day for 7 consecutive days, while the control group and model group were intragastrically administered the same volume of physiological saline once a day. On the 7^th day, 4 hours after the administration, the control group received 0.1 mL/（10 g·BW） of olive oil by intraperitoneal injection, while the model group and HHQG liver protection group received an equal dose of a CCl₄ and olive oil mixture （CCl₄∶olive oil=1∶4, V/V） in the same manner. On the 2^nd, 5^th and 7^th days after modeling, the prepared liver injury model and the alleviating effect of HHQG on liver injury were evaluated by detecting serum aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） activities as well as observing liver tissue pathological changes （HE staining and Masson staining）. The neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage infiltration in liver tissue was observed using immunohistochemical assay. The expression of the inflammatory factor TNF-α in liver tissue at both protein and gene levels were assessed using immunohistochemical assay and reverse transcription real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR （RT-qPCR）. The effects of HHQG on the expression levels of adhesion molecule genes in liver tissue were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing （RNA-seq） and RT-qPCR. [Result] According to the multiple evaluation indicators, the model group mice exhibited obvious symptoms of liver injury, indicating the successful preparation of CCl₄ induced liver injury model. Compared with the model group, on the 2^nd day after modeling, the serum AST and ALT activities in the HHQG liver protection group were extremely significantly （P<0.01） reduced. HHQG intervention inhibited the inflammatory cell infiltration such as neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage in liver injury areas, alleviated collagen fiber deposition and promoted liver tissue repair by cell proliferation. HHQG liver protection group had reduced expression level of TNF-α in the liver injury areas. Compared with the model group, on the 2^nd and 7^th, as well as the 5^th days after modeling, the relative mRNA expression levels of TNF-α gene in the liver tissue of HHQG liver protection group were extremely significantly （P<0.01） and significantly （P<0.05） reduced, respectively. RNA-seq analysis showed that HHQG intervention significantly downregulated the gene groups of adhesion molecules associated with neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage infiltration in liver injury mice. RT-qPCR validation results demonstrated that HHQG liver protection group had extremely significantly （P<0.01） reduced relative mRNA expression levels of VCAM-1 gene in the liver tissue than the model group on the 5^th and 7^th days after modeling. In addition, in comparison to the model group, significantly （P<0.05） and extremely significantly （P<0.01） decreased relative mRNA expression levels of ICAM-1 gene in the liver tissue of the HHQG liver protection group were observed on the 2^nd as well as the 5^th and 7^th days after modeling, respectively. [Conclusion] Through inhibiting the inflammatory cell infiltration dominated by neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage, HHQG downregulated the expressions of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and adhesion molecules in the liver injury areas, and alleviated inflammation after liver injury, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects in mice.

[Objective] This study was conducted to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the hepatoprotective effects of Honghua Qinggan 13 Flavor Pill （HHQG）, a traditional Mongolian medicine, by improving liver function via activating hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α （HNF4α）. [Method] A total of 45 C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into control group, CCl₄ injury group and HHQG group, with 15 mice in each group. The mice in HHQG group were given HHQG at a dose level of 0.616 5 g/（kg·BW） by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days, and those in control group and CCl₄ injury group were given an equal volume of sterile distilled water by gavage. Four hours after the last gavage, the mice in control group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mL/（kg · BW） of olive oil, and those in CCl₄ injury group and HHQG group were intraperitoneally injected with the same dose of a CCl₄ and olive oil mixture （CCl₄∶olive oil=1∶4, V/V） for liver injury modeling. Blood and liver tissue samples from mice in each group were collected on the 2^nd, 5^th and 7^th days after modeling. The body weights of the mice were monitored during the experiment period. The serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and total superoxide dismutase （SOD） were measured. HE staining and Masson staining were used for observing liver histopathological changes. Differential gene enrichment pathways were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing （RNA-seq）. The expression of HNF4α protein in liver tissue was detected using immunohistochemical assay. [Result] Compared with control group, the body weight of CCl₄ injury group significant （P<0.05） or extremely significant （P<0.01 or P<0.001） dropped on the 1^st to 4^th and 6^th to 7^th days after modeling, respectively. In comparison to CCl₄ injury group, the body weight of HHQG group significant （P<0.05） or extremely significant （P<0.01） rose on the 4^th and 6^th to 7^th days after modeling, respectively. On the 2^nd day after modeling, CCl₄ injury group had extremely significantly （P<0.001） increased serum activities of ALT and AST than control group, while significantly （P<0.05） decreased serum activities of ALT and AST were observed in HHQG group compared with CCl₄ injury group. HE staining and Masson staining demonstrated that the liver damages in HHQG group were obviously ameliorated compared with CCl₄ injury group on the 2^nd , 5^th and 7^th days after modeling. KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that the signaling pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, fatty acid degradation and fatty acid metabolism in the liver tissue of HHQG group mice were upregulated, while ribosome, glycerophospholipid metabolism, thyroid cancer and some others were downregulated compared with CCl₄ injury group. In comparison to CCl₄ injury group, the gene groups associated with liver differentiation （such as HNF4α, ATF5 and Cebpb） in the liver tissue of HHQG group were significantly upregulated. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that HHQG group had obviously elevated HNF4α expression level in liver tissue than CCl₄ injury group on the 2^nd and 5^th days after modeling. [Conclusion] As a mechanism underlying the hepatoprotective effects, HHQG ameliorated liver injury in mice by inhibiting liver oxidative damage, promoting liver tissue repair and maintaining liver function via activating HNF4α .

[Objective] The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of pumpkin seed shells on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, immune indexes, and hormone levels of Simmental crossbred cattle at different growth stages. [Method] A total of 40 male Simmental crossbred cattle in good body condition were selected and divided into the following 5 groups based on body weights: experimental group 1 （n=8, around 300 kg）, experimental group 2 （n=8, around 400 kg）, experimental group 3 （n=8, around 500 kg）, experimental group 4 （n=8, around 600 kg） and experimental group 5 （n=8, around 700 kg）. All of the experimental cattle were raised in separate pens. For each group, pumpkin seed shells were supplemented to the basal diet at a ratio of 10%. The experimental period was 90 days comprising a 20-day pre-trial and a 70-day formal trial. The body weight and feed intake of the experimental cattle in each group during the experiment were recorded, and the average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and average feed to weight gain ratio were calculated. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to prepare serum. Serum biochemical parameters, immune indexes and hormone levels were measured. [Result]As the body weights elevated, the daily feed intake of the experimental cattle gradually increased. The average daily feed intake of experimental groups 4 and 5 was significantly （P<0.05） higher than the other groups. The average feed to weight gain ratio in experimental group 1 was the lowest and significantly （P<0.05） lower than the other groups. Compared to experimental groups 1 and 3, the serum contents of total protein （TP） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） in experimental group 4 were significantly （P<0.05） higher. Experimental group 2 had significantly （P<0.05） higher serum immunoglobulin M （IgM） content than the other groups. In comparison to experimental groups 3, 4 and 5, experimental group 1 had significantly （P<0.05） higher serum cortisol （COR） level. Experimental group 5 had significantly （P<0.05） higher serum calcitonin （CT） level than the other groups. The C-reactive protein level in experimental groups 4 and 5 was significantly （P<0.05） higher than experimental group 1.[Conclusion]Supplementation of pumpkin seed shells in the basal diet of Simmental crossbred cattle could increase the feed intake and improve protein utilization efficiency, and also had certain effects on enhancing immunity. It can be developed and utilized as a roughage resource.

[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] 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] The aim of the present study was to understand the mycotoxin contamination of common feed and feed raw materials in large-scale sheep farms in Linquan County, Anhui Province. [Method] A total of 55 samples of 8 types of feed or feed raw materials were collected from 22 large-scale sheep farms with populations over 500 heads in Linquan County, Anhui Province, including 2 soybean meal samples, 6 wheat and wheat bran samples, 10 corn samples, 2 soybean hull samples, 13 lamb concentrate supplement samples, 8 mutton sheep concentrate supplement samples, 7 fattening sheep complete formula feed samples, and 7 sheep farm self-formulated feed samples. The contents of aflatoxin B₁ （AFB₁）, zearalenone （ZEN） and deoxynivalenol （DON） in the collected samples were determined using fluorescence quantitative detection method. The detection rates and exceeding rates of the three kinds of mycotoxins in the different types of samples were calculated. [Result] The overall detection rates of AFB₁, ZEN and DON in the 55 feed and feed raw material samples were 50.90%, 56.36% and 69.09%, respectively, and the overall exceeding rates were 7.27%, 5.45% and 5.45%, respectively. In the detection of AFB₁, 5 types of samples were positive, among which the detection rate of mutton sheep concentrate supplement was the highest （75.00%）; lamb concentrate supplement and mutton sheep concentrate supplement exceeded the standard, with exceeding rates of 15.38% and 12.50%, respectively; corn had the highest detection value of 53.5 μg/kg. In terms of ZEN detection, 6 types of samples were positive, among which the detection rate of lamb concentrate supplement was the highest （76.92%）; wheat and wheat bran, lamb concentrate supplement and mutton sheep concentrate supplement exceeded the standard, and the exceeding rates were 16.67%, 7.69% and 12.50%, respectively; the detection value of mutton sheep concentrate supplement was the highest, at 1 120 μg/kg. As for the detection of DON, 6 types of samples were positive, among which corn had the highest detection rate （90.00%）; lamb concentrate supplement exceeded the standard, with an exceeding rate of 23.08%, and the other samples did not exceed the standard; the detection value of mutton sheep concentrate supplement was the highest, at 2 950 μg/kg. Non of the three kinds of mycotoxins were detected in soybean meal and soybean hull. [Conclusion] The mycotoxin contamination in feed and feed raw materials in sheep farms in Linquan County is relatively serious, and the prevention and control of mycotoxin contamination need to be further strengthened.

[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 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 monitor the quinolone residues in poultry egg products in Bijie City, Guizhou Province, and to assess the risk of quinolone residues.[Method]A total of 231 batches of poultry egg products were randomly collected from poultry farms, supermarkets and agricultural markets in Bijie City from January to November 2023. A solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was used to detect the residue levels of 7 quinolones （enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, defloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, lomefloxacin and pefloxacin）. The safety of quinolone residues in poultry egg products was evaluated by point assessment in exposure assessment combined with the index of food safety （IFS）.[Result]The 7 quinolones had good linear correlation in the concentration range from 0.005 to 0.1 μg/mL, with correlation coefficients （R²） all greater than 0.990. The recovery rates at 3 spiking levels （2, 6 and 10 μg/kg） ranged from 64.2% to 106.0%, with relative standard deviation （RSD） less than 15% （n=6）. The detection limit and quantification limit of the method were 0.02-0.33 μg/kg and 0.07-1.10 μg/kg, respectively. The used method was proved to be simple and fast, to have high accuracy, good precision and strong selectivity, and met the detection demands of quinolone residues in poultry egg products. Among the 231 batches of poultry egg products sampled, the residues of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was observed in 15 batches, with a detection rate of 6.5% and a residue range of 0.94-15.1 μg/kg. Among these, 3 batches had enrofloxacin residue that exceeded the maximum residue limit （10 μg/kg） specified in the National Food Safety Standard-Maximum Residue Limits for 41 Veterinary Drugs in Foods （GB 31650.1-2022） of China, with a exceeding rate of 1.3%. The average, minimum and maximum values of IFS for quinolone residues in poultry egg products in Bijie City were 5.23×10^-4, 1.39×10^-4 and 8.61×10^-4, respectively, and these values were far less than 1.[Conclusion]The quinolone residues in poultry egg products in Bijie City had minor impacts on human health and the risk was acceptable. Supervision and random inspection should be strengthened.

[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 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] The aims of the present study were to identify and evaluate the grain quality traits of forage barley germplasm resources, and to provide references for the subsequent resource utilization.[Method] A total of 100 barley germplasm resources were chosen and the contents of moisture, protein, starch, fat, cellulose, ash and β-glucan of their grains were determined. The genetic diversities of the 7 quality traits were assessed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, cluster analysis and principal component analysis methods.[Result] The coefficients of variation for the 7 quality traits ranged from 2.92% to 13.93%, and the highest and the lowest were observed in cellulose content and starch content. Correlation analysis indicated that barley grain protein content had extremely significantly （P<0.01） negative correlation with β-glucan content, cellulose content had extremely significantly （P<0.01） negative correlation with starch content and β-glucan content, and starch content had extremely significantly （P<0.01） positive correlation with β-glucan content. Cluster analysis divided the germplasm population into 3 categories. CategoryⅠwas composed of 30 materials which were characterized by high coefficients of variation in contents of cellulose, fat and ash. CategoryⅡwas composed of 69 materials which were characterized by the lowest average contents of protein, cellulose and fat as well as the highest average contents of starch, ash and β-glucan. Category Ⅲ had one material which was characterized by the highest protein content and the lowest contents of starch, ash and β-glucan. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the cumulative contribution rate of the first two principal components reached up to 76.47%.[Conclusion] The 7 grain quality traits of the tested forage barley germplasm resources were rich in genetic diversity. One germplasm, GNM, characterized by higher protein content and lower β-glucan content was obtained.

[Objective] This study aimed to thoroughly analyse the development history, hotspot and trend of the research filed of community diversity in desert steppe in China and abroad, and to provide visualized data support. [Method] The relevant literature information on community diversity in desert steppe indexed in Web of Science Core Collection and published from January 1991 to December 2022 was used as the research object. By CiteSpace software, the change trend of annual publication volume, and the publication quantities of journals and authors were assessed. In addition, co-occurrence analysis and cluster analysis were performed on countries, institutions, authors, keywords and cited literature, and the obtained results were then visually presented. [Result] Under the set retrieval criteria, a total of 1 122 English literature on community diversity of desert steppe were obtained. From January 1991 to December 2022, the domestic and international publication quantities in this research field exhibited an overall upward trend. The articles published by Chinese authors or institutions had the highest citation frequency and academic impact, followed by those published by American authors or institutions. Journal of Arid Environments had the highest publication quantity, and Chinese Academy of Sciences had a higher academic impact. The research directions included but not limited to species diversity, climate change, ecosystem of desert steppe and human production activities. [Conclusion] From January 1991 to December 2022, this research field focused on the restoration of desert steppe in the context of global climate change, and the response mechanism of community diversity in desert steppe to human intervention. Exploring the factors influencing plant diversity in desert steppe and the impacts of global climate change on biodiversity in desert steppe are the future hotspots.

[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 was conducted to investigate the status of intestinal parasitic infection in sheep in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, to analyze the infection risk factors, and to provide references for the scientific prevention and control of sheep intestinal parasitic diseases in this region. [Method] A total of 1 339 fresh fecal samples of 4 sheep breeds were collected from 88 farms （households） in 9 counties （districts） of Yuxi City. Parasite eggs were screened by saturated saline floating method and subsequently identified by morphological method. The differences in intestinal parasitic infection rates in sheep in different counties （districts） and of varied breeds were compared. The relevance between intestinal parasitic infection and age, gender of sheep, as well as altitude, temperature differences of the sampling regions were analyzed by epidemiological method. [Result] The overall infection rate of parasite eggs/oocysts in the collected fresh sheep fecal samples was 93.43% （1 251/1 339）. The positive rates of nematode eggs, Eimeria oocysts and mixed infection of nematode eggs/Eimeria oocysts were 24.42% （327/1 339）, 69.01% （924/1 339） and 20.09% （269/1 339）, respectively. No trematode eggs were detected. The positive rates of nematode eggs, Eimeria oocysts and mixed infection of nematode eggs/Eimeria oocysts among sheep in different counties （districts） and of varied breeds had differences. Risk factor analysis revealed that age of sheep as well as altitude and temperature of the sampling regions had moderate relevance with the single or mixed intestinal infections of nematode eggs and Eimeria oocysts, while gender of sheep had no relevance. [Conclusion] A high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was observed in sheep in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, with the dominant infected species being nematodes and Eimeria. The intestinal parasitic infection rates varied by counties （districts） and sheep breeds. The age of sheep as well as the differences in altitude and temperature were the risk factors for the high prevalence.

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne spotted fever group Rickettsia （SFGR） on the body surface of cattle and sheep in Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Method] A total of 574 ticks on the body surface of cattle and sheep were randomly collected from Aksu City （n=344）, Wensu County （n=93）, Xayar County （n=98） and Wushi County （n=39） in Aksu Prefecture. PCR assays targeting at Rickettsia outer membrane protein B gene （ompB） and surface cell antigen 1 gene （sca1） were utilized to detect the presence of Rickettsia and to determine the SFGR genotypes. The strong positive samples of the two genes were selected for sequencing. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by comparing the obtained sequences with the relevant gene sequences registered in the GenBank Database. The differences in Rickettsia infection rates in the ticks collected from the four regions were compared.[Result]The presence of 3 SFGR genotypes, Candidatus Rickettsia barbaria, Rickettsia sibirica and Rickettsia massiliae, were observed in the ticks on the body surface of cattle and sheep. The overall positive rate of Rickettsia in the tick samples was 15.16% （87/574）, with Wensu County having the highest positive rate of 23.66% （22/93）. Among the 3 detected SFGR genotypes, Candidatus Rickettsia barbaria was identified as the dominant species （Dr=44.83%, 39/87）. There were significant （P=0.001,χ²=15.834） differences in Rickettsia infection rate in the ticks among the four regions. [Conclusion]Aksu Prefecture is an endemic area for ticks and Rickettsia. It is advised to strengthen the prevention and control of tick and tick-borne diseases.

[Objective] The aims of the present study were to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） strains from porcine milk in Aral City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and to characterize the virulence and antimicrobial resistance of the isolates.[Method] Six fresh porcine milk samples were collected from a large-scale farm in Aral City, and mannitol salt agar （MSA） was used to isolate S. aureus strains. The isolates were confirmed by phenotypic identification method and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The biofilm formation ability of the isolates was determined. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was performed using K-B disk diffusion method. PCR assay was employed to detect the virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes.[Result]After isolation and molecular biology identification, two S. aureus strains were obtained from the milk samples, with a separation rate of 33.33% （2/6）. Both isolates had strong biofilm formation ability （+++）. The two isolates were sensitive to rifampicin and resistant to penicillin, cefoxitin, tetracycline, erythromycin, temicoxacin, clindamycin and sulfamethoxazole. Out of the five tested antimicrobial resistance genes, both isolates carried ant （4） gene and mecA gene. A total of six virulence genes were detected among the twenty tested virulence genes. Among these, both isolates carried seg, sei, hlb, fnbA and clfA genes. One isolate carried hla gene.[Conclusion]The porcine milk derived S. aureus strains in this farm had strong biofilm formation ability and carried multiple virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, exhibiting multiple-drug resistance.

Bone is the hard connective tissue in vertebrates, which has the functions of constituting the basic scaffolding of the body, protecting organs, supporting body weight and maintaining locomotion. Skeletal development is mainly accomplished through intramembranous osteogenesis and endochondral ossification, and is a process in which a complex regulatory network of multiple regulatory factors works together to maintain bone health in livestock and poultry. Integrin is a trans-membrane receptor on the cell membrane that mediates cell-matrix interactions. It not only has the role of causing cell adhesion, but is also capable of triggering corresponding responses in the body through bidirectional transmission of intracellular and extracellular signals. Integrin regulates multiple signaling pathways, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway, and plays an important role in maintaining bone health in livestock and poultry. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is mediated by enzyme-linked receptors and is capable of regulating cellular life activities. It can regulate cartilage metabolism homeostasis through inflammation, autophagy and apoptosis, which is of great importance for maintaining bone health. Based on the research progress in the relationships among bone metabolism, integrin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in livestock and poultry both domestically and internationally, this article reviews the effects of integrin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway on bone metabolism, and the impacts of integrin on bone metabolism via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, in hoping to provide theoretical bases for exploring the key role of integrin in regulating bone health in livestock and poultry via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.