{"title":"Partial Substitution of Cereal Grains With Sugar-Rich Castella By-Product on Nutrient Digestibility and Lactation Performance of Dairy Cows","authors":"Sandi Nayohan, Daiki Kasugai, Masaya Matamura, Yoshimasa Nishikawa, Didier Kichochi Barwani, Makoto Kondo","doi":"10.1111/asj.70086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70086","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study investigated the effect of partially replacing corn with castella by-product, a sugar-rich feedstuff, on the lactation performance and nutrient digestibility of dairy cows. Eleven late-lactating Holstein cows were used in the experiment employing a crossover design with two periods of 21 days, including 18 days of adaptation and 3 days of data collection, under group-feeding. Castella by-product was incorporated into the diet at 7% on a dry matter (DM) basis, which replaced 30% DM of the starch-rich grains used in the diet. The results showed that the inclusion of the castella increased the digestibilities of DM, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber (<i>p</i> < 0.05) despite its high sugar content, while decreasing starch digestibility (<i>p</i> < 0.05), without affecting fecal pH, fecal DM, or microbial protein synthesis in the rumen (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The castella diet did not differ significantly from the corn diet for milk yield, milk composition, milk fatty acid profile, or microbial protein synthesis in the rumen (<i>p</i> > 0.05). In summary, the partial replacement of corn with castella by-product in the diet yielded comparable lactation performance outcomes to those of the control diet in dairy cows.</p>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/asj.70086","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144673170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Changes in Antimicrobial Component Concentrations at the Onset of the Dry Period and Peripartum in Dairy Cows","authors":"Jirapat Jaisue, Jinkun Sun, Nur Laili Marufah, Masashi Itagaki, Naoki Isobe","doi":"10.1111/asj.70085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70085","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We aimed to clarify antimicrobial component (AMC) dynamics during the dry period in dairy cows and determine the impacts of varying somatic cell count (SCC) at the onset of the dry period on the subsequent changes in AMC concentrations in milk. Milk samples obtained from Holstein dairy cows were categorized into low-SCC and high-SCC groups. AMC concentrations in milk were measured at four time points: (1) Onset of the dry period, (2) before calving, (3) immediately after calving, and (4) 1 week postpartum. In the low-SCC group, SCC and lingual antimicrobial peptide increased prepartum but decreased 1 week postpartum. Milk lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin concentrations increased prepartum but declined after calving, while cathelicidin-7, S100A7, and S100A8 concentrations increased after calving compared to those prepartum in both groups. S100A7 concentrations in the low-SCC group were significantly higher than those in the high-SCC group prepartum and immediately after calving. However, S100A8 concentrations in the low-SCC group were significantly lower than those in the high-SCC group prepartum and 1 week postpartum. These results suggest that some AMCs were elevated after the onset of the dry period and immediately after calving and highlight the importance of mitigating inflammation in the mammary glands before the onset of the dry period.</p>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/asj.70085","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144673173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Response of the Ruminal Microbial Environment to a High-Dose Supplementation of Blended Essential Oils","authors":"Peng Zhaoyu, Kasumi Fujimura, Alimari Endo, Yutaka Uyeno","doi":"10.1111/asj.70087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70087","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted two experiments to investigate the effects of a high-dose blend of essential oils (BEO) on rumen microbial community structure and methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) production. The first was an in vitro study that measured gas production, methane emissions, and microbial composition when two BEO levels (0.1% and 1.0% of the substrate) were added to a forage-based substrate incubated with rumen fluid from dry cows. The second was a feeding trial using a crossover design with four Japanese native goats to evaluate the effects of BEO at 1 g/DM feed on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial composition. Both experiments demonstrated that BEO supplementation reduced CH<sub>4</sub> production and influenced rumen fermentation parameters. However, BEO altered microbial composition and carbohydrate fermentation patterns differently between the two experiments. In in vitro study, many of the major bacterial groups exhibited population shifts, whereas only one family, Acidoaminococcaceae, decreased in the rumen community of goats fed BEO for 3 weeks. Overall, the results suggest inconsistencies in the microbial response, which may underlie variations in methane emissions and rumen microbiota composition. Our findings imply that BEO broadly suppresses microbial activity, shifting fermentation toward the utilization of readily digestible carbohydrates and leading to reduced methane production.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144657707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Detection of QTLs and Candidate Polymorphisms for Percentage of Oleic Acid Through GWAS and Post-GWAS Analysis in Japanese Black Beef","authors":"Fuki Kawaguchi, Natsuki Maeda, Ryotaro Ito, Eiji Iwamoto, Emi Yoshida, Kenji Oyama, Hideyuki Mannen, Shinji Sasazaki","doi":"10.1111/asj.70083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70083","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fatty acid composition is a key trait affecting meat quality in Japanese Black cattle. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on Hyogo population of Japanese Black cattle (<i>n</i> = 432) for the percentage of oleic acid (C18:1). Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected on chromosomes 6 and 19 (BTA6 and BTA19). Focusing on the QTL on BTA6, we conducted a detailed search for candidate polymorphisms. Using whole-genome resequencing data (<i>n</i> = 42), all polymorphisms were detected within 83 genes located on the candidate region (chr6: 55–83 Mbp). Based on variant annotations and linkage disequilibrium coefficients with the most significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphism from GWAS (top SNP), 93 variants were extracted as potential causal polymorphisms. Validation revealed that four variants, located within four different genes, had <i>p</i> values comparable to the top SNP. Among them, CWH43 emerged as a strong candidate, as it regulates the intracellular Mn<sup>2+</sup> concentrations, which influence fatty acid metabolism. Notably, the SNP in CWH43 was located upstream of the gene, suggesting a possible regulatory role in gene expression. These findings provide important insights into the genetic basis of fatty acid composition and support the identification of functional polymorphisms in Japanese Black cattle.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144647091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Behavior, Welfare, and Meat Quality of Japanese Black Cattle Under Different Transportation Methods","authors":"Gianne Bianca P. Manalo, Mitsushi Kobayashi, Jitsuo Mizowaki, Masayuki Nagase, Makoto Iwamoto, Kenta Koike, Shigeru Ninomiya","doi":"10.1111/asj.70082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70082","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Despite extensive research on livestock transportation, the specific effects of different transportation methods on the behavior, welfare, and meat quality parameters of Japanese Black cattle (JBC) remain unclear. This study is the first comprehensive investigation comparing two transport methods: same farm (SF) and multiple farm (MF), while accounting for combined factors such as distance and introduction of unfamiliar animal along the journey. A total of 42 JBC steers (784 ± 81.3 kg) from three production farms (Farms A, B, and C) were observed using focal sampling at a slaughter facility. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to analyze the effects of two transportation methods. Results showed that cattle transported via the MF method exhibited significantly higher frequencies of drinking (<i>p</i> = 0.005) and eating (<i>p</i> = 0.005), suggesting increased fatigue. Additionally, self-grooming behavior was significantly higher in Farm B under the SF method (<i>p</i> = 0.002). No significant differences in meat quality parameters were observed between the two transportation methods. These findings suggest that transporting animals from SF method may help reduce transport-related stress upon arrival at the slaughter facility. Further investigation is needed to explore the physiological and economic implications of different transportation methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/asj.70082","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144647090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhenzhen Zhang, Huali Chen, Li Ding, Ya Chen, Chunhui Yin, Pan Zhou, Honglin Yan, Qingbi Gou
{"title":"ceRNA Profiling Reveals circSAMD4A Promoted Porcine Adipocytes Differentiation via Targeting miR-127/PRKAR2B","authors":"Zhenzhen Zhang, Huali Chen, Li Ding, Ya Chen, Chunhui Yin, Pan Zhou, Honglin Yan, Qingbi Gou","doi":"10.1111/asj.70072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Pork quality is critically influenced by fat deposition patterns, with emerging evidence implicating circular RNAs (circRNAs) as key regulators of adipogenesis, though the specific circRNAs controlling lipogenesis remain incompletely characterized. To systematically elucidate the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network governing porcine adipocyte differentiation, we isolated primary preadipocytes from piglets, induced differentiation, and performed comprehensive RNA sequencing that identified 504 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs, 126 DE miRNAs, and 1615 DE mRNAs between proliferative and differentiated states, revealing an extensive transcriptomic rewiring during adipogenesis. Functional characterization demonstrated that two circRNAs, circSAMD4A and circLPAR1, significantly promoted lipid accumulation. The further mechanistic studies established that circSAMD4A functions by competitively binding miR-127, alleviating the repression of PRKAR2B, thereby enhancing adipogenic differentiation. These findings not only advance fundamental understanding of circRNA biology in adipose tissue but also provide actionable molecular targets for precision breeding strategies aimed at optimizing intramuscular fat deposition.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144520102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparison of Teat End Massage Characteristics Across Liner Types Using a Modeling Device","authors":"Masafumi Enokidani","doi":"10.1111/asj.70078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study evaluated teat end massages (TEMs) associated with various liner shapes and provides foundational data for assessing the impact of liner design on teat ends. A silicon dropper, simulating a teat end, was attached to one end of a stainless tube, with a pressure sensor attached to the opposite end. Twelve liner types were tested under vacuum settings of 40 or 50 kPa, with liners positioned at depths of 7 and 10 cm from the liner mouthpiece. TEMs were recorded over 10-s periods at 0.1-s intervals. TEMs were also conducted after altering the pulsation ratio. TEMs were consistently higher at 50 kPa for all liners and increased at a depth of 10 cm compared with 7 cm. Significant differences (<i>p</i> < 0.01) in TEMs were observed across four categories of liner types, with non-round liners exhibiting higher TEMs. The D-phase duration was correlated with average TEMs, but not with maximum TEMs. Based on these findings, the study recommends using either a round liner with outer ribs or a round silicone liner with a pulsation ratio of 60:40 to promote teat end health.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144514700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Extremely Low Doses of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides From Streptococcus thermophilus LacZ Strongly Induce CXCL5 in Macrophages","authors":"Md. Rayhan Chowdhury, Ariful Islam, Takeshi Shimosato","doi":"10.1111/asj.70080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70080","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Infectious diseases pose significant challenges to livestock production, compromising animal health and reducing economic productivity. To address these challenges, CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) have emerged as promising immunomodulators that stimulate the innate immune system through Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), offering a potential strategy for enhancing disease resistance in livestock. This study examined MsST, a class B CpG-ODN derived from <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i>, a representative lactic acid bacterium widely used in yogurt production, and its role in modulating CXCL5 expression in macrophages. At a low concentration, MsST significantly enhanced CXCL5 secretion in mouse splenocytes and bone marrow-derived macrophages, outperforming other CpG-ODNs and TLR4 ligands. These effects were mediated by TLR9 and CD11b<sup>+</sup> macrophages and highlighted the potential of MsST to bolster immune responses against infections. MsST strongly suppressed <i>Abca1</i> in splenocytes, while the other tested CpG-ODNs increased the <i>Abca1</i> levels. Although MsST may help enhance disease resistance in livestock due to potent induction of CXCL5, suppressing <i>Abca1</i> raises concerns regarding lipid metabolism. The dual effects of MsST underscore the need for further research to evaluate broader implications of the utility of MsST and optimize safety and efficacy. MsST is a promising yet complex candidate for improving animal health through immunomodulation.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144492744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Martin Škrlep, Klavdija Poklukar, Sam Millet, Marjeta Čandek-Potokar
{"title":"Reducing Protein Levels in Diets for Local Pig Breeds: A Case Study on Fat-Type Krškopolje Pig","authors":"Martin Škrlep, Klavdija Poklukar, Sam Millet, Marjeta Čandek-Potokar","doi":"10.1111/asj.70077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70077","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study investigated the effects of reduced dietary protein levels in fat-type local breed Krškopolje pig in conventional indoor and organic outdoor systems. Two tests were conducted: one in conventional system (<i>n</i> = 28 pigs) and one in organic outdoor system (<i>n</i> = 24 pigs). Two dietary strategies varying in crude protein (CP) level were tested: control, high protein (HP) with phases of 15%, 12.5%, and 10% CP content and low protein (LP) with phases of 15% and 10% CP content. The ingredients used were identical, but in the organic diet, they came from organic agriculture. The feed was offered ad libitum. Feed distribution was recorded, pigs were weighed, and the thickness of the backfat and longissimus lumborum muscle was measured with ultrasound. After 228 days, pigs were slaughtered, and carcass and meat quality were assessed. Modeling growth data with InraPorc indicated that protein and essential amino acid requirements were generally met, except for lysine in the LP diets, which appeared with the transition to a 10% protein diet. Lysine deficiency was more pronounced in the organic than in conventional system. Overall growth rate was similar in LP and HP groups. There were no pertinent differences in carcass or meat quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/asj.70077","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144482147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Change Detection in Rumen Fermentation Characteristics and Ruminal Methane Gas Emissions Caused by Substituting Steam-Flaked Corn With Steam-Flaked Wheat Grains in Beef Finishing Diets in Laboratory Conditions","authors":"Byeng Ryel Min, Rui Chen, Nar Gurung, Sandra Solaiman, Mariline Hilaire, Hossam Ismael, Heba Abdo, Santosh Chaudhary, Frank Abrahamsen","doi":"10.1111/asj.70075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The main objective of the current study was to assess the associative impacts of substituting steam-flaked corn (SFC) with steam-flaked wheat (SFW) in beef cattle diets on in vitro rumen fermentation profiles, in vitro dry matter disappearance rate (IVDMD), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, when dietary total mixed ration (TMR) diets were suspended with rumen fluid. Rumen fluid was collected from the three donor steers 2 h after feeding. Adding 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% levels of the replacement of SFC with SFW grains dramatically increased the GHG emissions and ruminal pH (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Simultaneously, when SFW supplementation increased, IVDMD decreased (linear <i>p</i> < 0.05). Interestingly, in the presence of SFW, ruminal acetate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate increased linearly (<i>p</i> < 0.05), whereas valerate, butanol (quadratic, <i>p</i> < 0.01), phenol, and ethanol productions decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.01) with increasing SFW. The rumen's IVDMD and a molar proportion of acetate (<i>R</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.62; <i>p</i> < 0.01) were significantly related to ruminal CH<sub>4</sub> production. The study's key findings indicated that partial replacement of ground SFW with SFC could not be effective in mitigating GHG emissions by altering rumen fermentation profiles compared to SFC.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7890,"journal":{"name":"Animal Science Journal","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144367592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}