Abstract:This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary betaine supplementation on the feed intake,fecal score,blood indicators,and intestinal microbiota in pet dogs.Twenty healthy Poodles(half male and half female)with similar age and a body weight of(7.02±0.78)kg were randomly divided into two groups,with 10 replicates in each group,and one dog in each replicate.The control group was fed a basal diet,while the experimental group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.2%betaine.The pre-trial period was seven days,and the formal trial period was 21 days.The results showed that there were no significant differences in feed intake,body weight,fecal score,and plasma biochemical indicators between the two groups(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the content of endotoxin(LPS)in the serum of the experimental group was significantly reduced(P<0.05),and the concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein(ECP),malondialdehyde(MDA),as well as the activities of myeloperoxidase(MPO)and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)in the feces were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Acetatifactor muris,Bacteroides caecimuris,and Limosilactobacillus fermentum,in the feces of the experimental group significantly increased,and the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Fusobacterium and Enterococcus faecalis significantly decreased.The study indicates that adding 0.2%betaine to the diet can reduce serum LPS content,enhance antioxidant capacity,promote the proliferation of intestinal probiotics,and thereby improve intestinal health in Poodles.

Abstract:This study aimed to investigate the nutritional quality of Apiaceae plants in the grasslands of Western Hunan and screen for superior germplasms.A total of eight Apiaceae plant samples(three at the vegetative stage and five at the flowering stage)were collected from the grasslands.Their nutritional components,including dry matter(DM),crude protein(CP),crude fat(EE),crude fiber(CF),crude ash(Ash),and nitrogen-free extract(NFE),were determined and comprehensively evaluated using the grey relational analysis method.The results showed that in the samples during the nutrient period,the DM content of the plants ranged from 11.83%to 34.48%,the CP content ranged from 8.37%to 9.67%,the EE content ranged from 1.87%to 3.04%,the CF content ranged from 29.12%to 36.55%,the ash content ranged from 10.53%to 13.01%,and the NFE content ranged from 40.67%to 45.84%.In the samples during the flowering period,the DM content of the plants ranged from 17.65%to 44.44%,the CP content ranged from 8.83%to 12.15%,the EE content ranged from 1.84%to 2.92%,the CF content ranged from 26.43%to 36.23%,the ash content ranged from 7.80%to 13.43%,and the NFE content ranged from 39.10%to 48.00%.The DM content of all plant samples(different growth stages)ranged from 20.54%to 27.89%,the CP content ranged from 8.92%to 10.12%,the EE content ranged from 2.42%to 2.55%,the CF content ranged from 32.37%to 33.73%,the Ash content ranged from 11.13%to 11.64%,and the NFE content ranged from 43.28%to 43.83%.The comprehensive evaluation of grey relational degree indicated that Oenanthe linearis had the highest relational degree and the better nutritional quality at the vegetative stage,while Torilis japonica had the highest relational degree and the better nutritional quality at the flowering stage.The study shows that the nutritional quality of Apiaceae plants at the flowering stage is superior to that at the vegetative stage.

Abstract:This experiment aimed to analyze the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)and related pathways in space-mutated alfalfa materials under drought stress.Using both space-mutated and non-mutated materials as the research subjects,drought stress was simulated with polyethylene glycol 6000(PEG-6000),while distilled water treatment served as the control group.Four treatments were established:Non-mutated material+distilled water(CK1),non-mutated material+drought stress(T1),mutated material+distilled water(CK2),and mutated material+drought stress(T2).Each treatment had three replicates,with 20 seedlings per replicate.After treatment,transcriptome sequencing was conducted to analyze DEGs,and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used for validation.The results showed that for the Juneng 7,DS310FY,and Adina,the total numbers of DEGs in the CK1-VS-T1,CK2-VS-T2,AND T1-VS-T2 comparison groups were 1 373,1 050,and 259,1 654,1 649,and 1 177,and 1 077,951,and 599,respectively.Compared to their respective controls,under drought stress,Juneng 7 had a higher number of up-regulated genes,while DS310FY had a higher number of down-regulated genes.For Adina,the non-mutated material showed slightly more up-regulated genes,whereas the mutated material showed slightly more down-regulated genes.Compared to the T1 treatment,the T2 treatment showed more down-regulated genes in Juneng 7 and Adina,but more up-regulated genes in DS310FY.Gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were enriched in the biological processes of metabolic process,cellular process,and single-organism process,the molecular functions of binding and catalytic activity,and the cellular components of cell part,cell,and membrane.Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were enriched in pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction,biosynthesis of secondary metabolites,and the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway-plant.Among the six genes verified by RT-qPCR,the expression trends of five genes were consistent with the transcriptome data.The study shows that after space mutation,Juneng 7 may enhance its drought tolerance by suppressing the up-regulation of certain genes,while DS310FY shows the opposite pattern.The reduced drought tolerance in Adina may be due to the down-regulation of related genes.Plant hormone signal transduction,biosynthesis of secondary metabolites,and the MAPK signaling pathway-plant are likely key pathways in their response to drought stress.

Abstract:This experiment aimed to screen the optimal formula for fermented palm kernel meal and investigate the effects of replacing part of the concentrate with fermented palm kernel meal on nutrient apparent digestibility and serum biochemical indexes in beef breeding cows.Experiment 1:Ten groups were set up,each with three replicates,500 g per replicate,including one control group(unfermented palm kernel meal)and nine treatment groups(group T1 to group T9).The treatment groups were fermented at 37℃in the dark for 72 hours using three different microbial-enzyme combinations applied to three palm kernel meal formulas,to screen for the best fermentation combination.Experiment 2:Ninety healthy Simmental breeding cows with similar age,parity,and crossbreeding background were randomly divided into three groups,with three replicates per group and 10 cows per replicate.The control group was fed a basal diet.Experimental group Ⅰ replaced part of the concentrate in the basal diet with 6%self-made fermented palm kernel meal,and the experimental group Ⅱ replaced part with 6%commercially available fermented palm kernel meal.The pre-test period was 14 days,and the formal test period was 90 days.The results showed that the crude fiber(CF)content in group T2 was extremely lower than in the control group(P<0.01),and the neutral detergent fiber(NDF)content was significantly lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The apparent digestibility of crude protein(CP)in experimental group Ⅰ was significantly higher than in the control group and experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.05),and the apparent digestibility of NDF was extremely higher than in the control group and experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.01).The serum urea nitrogen(BUN)content in experimental group Ⅰ was significantly lower than in the control group and experimental group Ⅱ(P<0.05).The study shows that the optimal fermentation formula is 60.0%palm kernel meal+10.0%corn flour+10.0%wheat bran+0.5%microbial-enzyme agent(Pediococcus acidilactici+Saccharomyces cerevisiae+protease+xylanase)+20.0%water.Adding 6%self-made fermented palm kernel meal to the diet of beef breeding cows can improve nutrient apparent digestibility without adverse effects on serum biochemical indexes.

Abstract:Allicin is a natural organic sulfide extracted from garlic.It possesses multiple functions such as promoting growth,aiding digestion,anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial,and improving rumen fermentation and fatty acid composition.In recent years,as the demand for green,safe,residue-free and non-resistant feed additives in the livestock and poultry breeding industry has been increasing,allicin,as a natural plant extract,has received extensive attention in livestock production.This article reviews the biological functions of allicin,including broad-spectrum antimicrobial,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,intestinal health maintenance,and promotion of growth.It focuses on discussing its application effects in pigs,chickens,ruminants production,analyzes the existing problems in current research and application,and prospects for future development directions.The aim is to provide a reference for the in-depth research and broader application of allicin in the healthy farming of livestock and poultry.

Abstract:This study aimed to establish a method using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(HPLC-ICP-MS)for the determination of trivalent chromium[Cr(Ⅲ)]and hexavalent chromium[Cr(Ⅵ)]in the feed additive calcium hydrogen phosphate.Cr(Ⅵ)was extracted from the samples using an alkaline solution,while Cr(Ⅲ)was extracted using a dilute nitric acid solution.Chromatographic separation was performed on an AS7 anion exchange column(10 μm,4 mm×250 mm)with isocratic elution using a 100 mmol/L ammonium nitrate solution as the mobile phase.The results showed good linearity for both Cr(Ⅲ)and Cr(Ⅵ)within the range of 0～100 μg/L,with correlation coefficients greater than 0.999.Method validation demonstrated that for Cr(Ⅲ),the limit of detection was 0.1 mg/kg,the limit of quantification was 0.4 mg/kg,the recovery rate ranged from 90.6%to 97.9%,and the relative standard deviation(RSD)was between 3.6%and 5.2%.For Cr(Ⅵ),the limit of detection was 0.2 mg/kg,the limit of quantification was 0.4 mg/kg,the recovery rate ranged from 92.8%to 107.5%,and the RSD was between 4.5%and 8.4%.The study shows that the established method is simple,efficient,accurate,and reliable,and is suitable for the quantitative analysis of different forms of chromium in the feed additive calcium hydrogen phosphate.

Abstract:This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different pretreatment methods on the nutritional composition and fermentation quality of fermented feed produced from Lycium barbarum branches and leaves.The experiment included a control group(group CK,no pretreatment),0.1%cellulase(group T1),0.2%citric acid(group T2),and 0.1%cellulase+0.2%citric acid group(group T3),with three replicates per group.After pretreatment at 40℃for 24 hours,each group was inoculated with 5%Lactobacillus plantarum and subjected to anaerobic fermentation at 25℃with 55%moisture content for 12 days.The results showed that compared to group CK,cellulose,hemicellulose,and lignin concentrations in groups T1,T2,and T3 decreased,while crude protein content significantly increased(P<0.05).Group T1 achieved the highest lactic acid content,approximately 3.6 times higher than group CK.Group T2 showed the highest acetic acid content,significantly higher than the other groups(P<0.05).Overall,group T1 had the best fermentation performance.Microbial community analysis revealed that Lactobacillus was the dominant bacterial genus,while Pichia was the predominant fungal genus.The primary metabolic pathways were focused on amino acid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism.Correlation analysis of environmental factors further confirmed that the viable count of lactic acid bacteria was the key regulatory factor in the fermentation process,critically influencing fatty acid metabolism.The study indicates that the experimental results provide a reference for the resource utilization of Lycium barbarum branches and leaves as feed material.

Abstract:This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementary fermented Desmodium intortum forage on the laying performance and egg quality of Linwu ducks under heat stress conditions.A total of 216 healthy Linwu laying ducks with similar body condition were selected at the onset of a continuous high-temperature period.They were randomly divided into two groups,with three replicates per group and 36 ducks per replicate.Control group was fed a basal diet,while supplemental feeding group replaced 3%of the basal diet with fermented Desmodium intortum forage.The trial period lasted for nine weeks.The results showed that when the daily maximum temperature in the duck house consistently exceeded 30℃,the laying rate in control group significantly decreased and recovered slowly even after the high temperatures subsided.Compared to the month before the high-temperature period,the weekly egg production rate of the control group during the experimental period decreased by 2.57%～18.03%.In contrast,the decrease in the laying rate of supplemental feeding group during the same period was only 1.07%to 8.35%.The average laying rate in supplemental feeding group during the supplementary feeding period increased by 6.26%compared to the control group,and the feed-egg ratio decreased by 3.57%.There was no significant difference in egg quality indicators between the two groups(P>0.05),but the yolk ratio and eggshell thickness of the supplementary feeding group on the 60th day showed an increasing trend.The nitrogen content in the excreta of supplemental feeding group was decreased by 6.80%compared to the control group,indicating higher nitrogen utilization efficiency.The study shows that supplementary this fermented Desmodium intortum forage can alleviate heat stress in Linwu ducks,improve nitrogen utilization,and thereby help maintain a higher laying rate.It is recommended for practical application in farming during summer and early autumn.

Abstract:This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary crude protein levels on the growth performance and serum biochemical indices of African ostrich chicks.A total of 120 healthy 45-day-old African ostrich chicks with similar initial body weights were selected and randomly divided into five groups,with six replicates per group and four chicks per replicate.Groups Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,and Ⅴ were fed diets with crude protein levels of 16.50%,18.00%,19.50%,21.00%,and 22.50%,respectively.The pre-test period was seven days,and the formal test period was 35 days.The results showed that the average daily gain(ADG)of Group Ⅳ was extremely higher than that of the other groups(P<0.01).The feed-to-gain ratio(F/G)of Group Ⅴ was extremely higher than that of the other groups(P<0.01),while Group Ⅳ had the lowest F/G,which was significantly or extremely lower than that of the other groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).On day 35,Group Ⅳ exhibited the highest values for body measurement indices,body length,neck length and leg length were significantly greater than that of Group Ⅴ(P<0.05),body height was significantly greater than that of Group Ⅱ(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in body width and cannon bone circumference among the groups(P>0.05).Body weight showed a extremely positive correlation with all body measurement traits(P<0.01),with the highest correlation coefficient observed for neck length(0.800).Serum total cholesterol(TC)content in Group Ⅴ was significantly or extremely lower than that in the other groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while no significant differences were found in other serum biochemical indices among the groups(P>0.05).The study shows that Group Ⅳ demonstrated the best growth performance and normal metabolic status,confirming 21.00%as the optimal dietary crude protein level for ostrich chicks.

Abstract:This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of adding Lactobacillus rhamnosus(LR)and Lactobacillus brevis(LB)on the fermentation quality of Italian ryegrass silage.Using Italian ryegrass as the raw material for ensiling,the trial consisted of three treatment groups:Control group(group CK),group LR,and group LB,with three replicates per group.Samples were collected on the 10th and 30th days of ensiling to assess sensory,fermentation quality,and nutritional composition.The results showed that the addition of lactic acid bacteria significantly improved the fermentation quality of the Italian ryegrass silage,with more pronounced effects observed as the fermentation period extended.On the 30th day of silage,compared with group CK,the concentrations of lactic acid(LA),propionic acid(PA),water-soluble carbohydrates(WSC),and crude protein(CP)in groups LR and LB were extremely improved(P<0.01).Conversely,the pH value,and the concentrations of butyric acid(BA),acid detergent fiber(ADF)and neutral detergent fiber(NDF),as well as yeast and Escherichia coli counts,were extremely reduced(P<0.01).The study shows that both LR and LB can effectively lower the pH value of silage,thereby improving its fermentation quality and nutritional composition.Among them,LB has a better effect in promoting the fermentation process of the silage.

Abstract:The experiment aimed to reveal the differences in meat quality and the formation mechanism of flavor compounds in different parts of Qilian Tibetan sheep.The study employed untargeted metabolomics technology to compare and analyze the metabolic profiles of the leg muscle and longissimus dorsi muscle of Qilian Tibetan sheep.Six healthy 12-month-old Qilian Tibetan sheep raised under identical environmental conditions were selected.After slaughter,samples of the longissimus dorsi muscle and leg muscle were collected.Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was used for metabolite separation and identification,and principal component analysis(PCA)and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA)were applied for statistical analysis of the data.The results showed that a total of 20 significantly different metabolic pathways were identified,including the oxidative phosphorylation pathway,pyruvate metabolism pathway,and phosphoinositide metabolism pathway.The differential metabolites between the leg muscle and the longissimus dorsi muscle were mainly involved in pathways such as pyruvate metabolism,phosphoinositide metabolism,the citric acid cycle,tryptophan metabolism,phenylalanine metabolism,and tyrosine metabolism.These pathways played important regulatory roles in the formation of flavor compounds in Qilian Tibetan sheep.A total of 130 significantly different metabolites were identified,among which 61 metabolites were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05),and 69 metabolites were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05).The study shows that there were significant differences in metabolic levels between the leg muscle and the longissimus dorsi muscle,with key differential metabolites,such as phosphoenolpyruvate and glutamate,serving as precursors of flavor compounds,and playing an important role in the formation of mutton flavor.

Abstract:The construction of digital infrastructure provides an important driving force for improving the ecological efficiency of feed enterprises.Based on the data of listed feed enterprises in China from 2011 to 2024,this paper empirically tests the impact of digital infrastructure construction on the ecological efficiency of feed enterprises.The results showed that the construction of digital infrastructure had a significant effect on improving the ecological efficiency of feed enterprises,and the conclusion was still valid after a series of robustness tests and endogenous treatment.The mechanism test shows that innovation quality is an important channel for the construction of digital infrastructure to promote the ecological efficiency of feed enterprises,and plays a certain intermediary role.Under the regulation of labor flow,the construction of digital infrastructure and the ecological efficiency of feed enterprises show a positive regulatory effect.The study indicates that we should fully rely on the comprehensive advantages of digital technology,digital applications,and hardware carriers derived from digital infrastructure construction,inject digital momentum into the development of feed enterprises from the three core dimensions of production process,operation mode,and management mechanism,and accelerate the sustainable improvement of ecological efficiency of feed enterprises.

Abstract:This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of the Xianshanhuang compound preparation on the growth performance and immune function of Trachinotus ovatus.A total of 630 healthy Trachinotus ovatus with an initial body weight of(4.57±0.31)g were selected and randomly divided into seven groups,with three replicates per group and 30 fish per replicate.The control group was fed with basic diet,while the experimental groups were added with 2.5,5.0,10.0,15.0,20.0,and 25.0 g/kg of Xianshanhuang compound preparation to the basic diet.The pre-test period was seven days,and the formal test period was 30 days.The results showed that on the 30th day of the experiment,compared with the control group,the weight gain rate(WGR)and specific growth rate(SCR)of the group 10.0 were significantly increased(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the blood routine indicators among all groups(P>0.05).Histological sections of the liver and spleen displayed clear structures,with no significant pathological changes observed in each group.In the liver and spleen tissues of group 10.0,the expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was decreased,while the expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),and interferon alpha-3 reverse transcription product(IFNa3-RT)were increased,but there was no significant difference(P>0.05).The study shows that feeding Trachinotus ovatus with the Xianshanhuang compound preparation at 10.0 g/kg for 30 days has no toxic or side effects,demonstrates good safety,and can improve the growth performance of Trachinotus ovatus.

Abstract:This study aimed to systematically elucidate the multi-component,multi-target mechanism of Glycyrrhiza intervention in porcine respiratory disease complex(PRDC)by employing network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.Active components of licorice were screened and their potential targets were predicted using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform(TCMSP).Disease targets related to PRDC were simultaneously retrieved from the GeneCards and OMIM databases.After intersecting these datasets,a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and a'component-target'network were constructed.Subsequently,gene ontology(GO)functional enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway analyses were performed.Molecular docking was utilized to validate the binding activity between the core active components and the key targets.The results showed that the core active components of licorice were 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid,coumarin,quercitrin,eriodictyol,and isolicoflavonol.The key targets involved caspase-3(CASP3),tumor necrosis factor(TNF),epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase SRC(SRC).GO enrichment analysis yielded 943 entries for biological process(BP),138 for cellular component(CC),and 302 for molecular function(MF).KEGG analysis primarily involved the regulation of inflammatory mediators on the transient receptor potential(TRP)channel pathway,Ras signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B(PI3K-Akt)signaling pathway,and hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1)signaling pathway.Molecular docking results demonstrated stable binding between the core active components and key targets,with the most robust interaction observed between 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid and CASP3.The study shows that licorice likely exerts its therapeutic effect on PRDC by acting through the aforementioned core components on key targets such as CASP3,TNF,EGFR,STAT3,and SRC,thereby regulating multiple pathways involved in inflammatory response,cell metabolism,and proliferation.

Abstract:This study aimed to establish a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC)method for the determination of paprika red in feed(main components were capsanthin and capsorubin).The samples were extracted with acetonitrile,subjected to high-speed centrifugation,and the supernatant was taken for analysis.Chromatographic separation was performed on a Poroshell 120 EC-C8 column(100.0 mm×3.0 mm×2.7 μm)using acetonitrile and 0.3%phosphoric acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution.The flow rate was 0.5 mL/min,the column temperature was at 35℃,the detection wavelength was 475 nm,and the injection volume was 5 μL.Quantitative analysis was conducted using the external standard method.The results showed good linear relationships for capsanthin and capsorubin within the range of 0.02 to 5.00 mg/L,with correlation coefficients(R2)of 1.000 0 and 0.999 9,respectively.The limits of detection and quantification were 0.05 mg/kg and 0.10 mg/kg,respectively.At three spiking levels of 0.1,0.5,and 1.0 mg/kg,the average recovery rates of capsanthin and capsorubin in three types of compound feed ranged from 88.3%to 99.1%.The intra-and inter-batch relative standard deviations(RSD)were in the ranges of 1.4%～7.6%and 2.4%～8.3%,respectively.Interference tests indicated no interference from other common carotenoids such as astaxanthin during the determination of the target analytes.The detection results of actual samples were consistent with the product label values.The study shows that the established method is simple,accurate,reliable,and suitable for the rapid quantitative detection of paprika red in feed.

Abstract:This study aimed to investigate the germination characteristics of different oat varieties under simulated drought conditions.Using five oat varieties as experimental materials,drought stress was simulated with polyethylene glycol-6000(PEG-6000)solutions at concentrations of 0(control),5%,10%,15%,and 20%.On the 10th day of germination,germination rate,germination potential,root length,shoot length,and dry weight were measured,and germination index,germination vigor index,and vigor index were calculated.Correlation and subordinate function analyses were performed on the major germination traits.The results showed that under 5%PEG-6000 stress,the germination rate and vigor index of Mengnong No.2 were significantly higher than those of other varieties(P<0.05).The germination index of both Mengnong No.2 and Mengnong No.1 were significantly higher than those of other varieties(P<0.05),and the germination vigor index of Mengnong No.1 was significantly higher than that of other varieties(P<0.05).Under 10%PEG-6000 stress,the germination potential,germination index,and germination vigor index of Mengnong No.1 were significantly higher than those of other varieties(P<0.05).Under 15%PEG-6000 stress,the germination index of Mengnong No.2 was significantly higher than that of other varieties(P<0.05),while the germination potential and vigor index of Mengnong No.1 were significantly higher than those of other varieties(P<0.05).Under 20%PEG-6000 stress,the germination rate,vigor index,and germination index of Mengnong No.2 were significantly higher than those of other varieties(P<0.05),and the root dry weight of Mengnong No.1 was significantly higher than that of other varieties(P<0.05).The comprehensive drought resistance evaluation value of five varieties was:Mengnong No.1>Mengnong No.2>Richard>Qinghai sweet oat>Line 7-3-8.The study shows that Mengnong No.1 and Mengnong No.2 exhibit strong drought resistance during the germination stage.

Abstract:With the growing emphasis on environmental protection and the promotion of green farming practices,plant essential oils have gained increasing attention in animal production due to their natural origin and high efficacy.Plant essential oils are complex mixtures of various natural compounds,primarily including terpenoids,aromatic compounds,oxygenated derivatives,aliphatic compounds,and nitrogen-and sulfur-containing compounds.Compared to antibiotics,which are prone to inducing resistance and residue issues,plant essential oils not only exhibit multiple biological activities such as antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and intestinal microbiota-regulating properties but also better align with the modern livestock industry's demand for green,safe,and sustainable development.They have become a research hotspot in animal husbandry.This article reviews the classification of plant essential oils,elaborates on their mechanisms in regulating physiological functions and improving production performance in animals,and immune modulation,and product quality enhancement based on the latest research progress,to provide a reference for the application of plant essential oils in animal production.

Abstract:This article utilized panel data from 20 Chinese provinces with a foundation in grassland animal husbandry from 2011 to 2024,to analyze the boosting effect of digital economy development on the ecological efficiency of grassland animal husbandry.The results showed that the digital economy development significantly enhanced the ecological efficiency of grassland animal husbandry,technology transfer played a mediating role in the process through which digital economy development improved ecological efficiency,and there existed a threshold effect in the process of digital economy development promoting ecological efficiency,with the digital economy itself as the threshold variable.The study shows that the in-depth application of the digital economy paves new pathways and infuses new momentum for the continuous improvement of ecological efficiency of grassland animal husbandry.

Abstract:This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of compound Chinese herbal medicine extract on the growth performance,oxidative stress,serum biochemical,and immune indices of weaned lambs.A total of 72 healthy two-month-old weaned lambs with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups,with three replicates per group and six lambs per replicate.Control group was fed a basal diet,while experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1%(group 0.1%),0.2%(group 0.2%)and 0.3%(group 0.3%)of the compound Chinese herbal medicine extract,respectively.The pre-test period was 10 days,and the formal test period was 50 days.The results showed that compared with the control group,the final weight and average daily gain(ADG)were significantly increased in groups 0.2%and 0.3%(P<0.05),while the feed-to-gain ratio(F/G)was significantly decreased in group 0.3%(P<0.05).The diarrhea rate was significantly lower in experimental groups(P<0.05).Serum total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity were significantly increased in experimental groups(P<0.05).Serum glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and catalase(CAT)activities were significantly increased in groups 0.2%and 0.3%(P<0.05),and serum malondialdehyde(MDA)content was significantly decreased in group 0.3%(P<0.05).Serum albumin(ALB)content was significantly increased in the experimental groups(P<0.05),while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)content was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Serum urea nitrogen(BUN),total cholesterol(TC),and triglyceride(TG)concentrations were significantly decreased in groups 0.2%and 0.3%(P<0.05),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)content was significantly increased(P<0.05).Serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST)activity was significantly increased in the group 0.3%(P<0.05).Serum immunoglobulin G(IgG)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)concentrations were significantly increased in experimental groups(P<0.05).Serum immunoglobulin A(IgA)and immunoglobulin M(IgM)concentrations were significantly increased in groups 0.2%and 0.3%(P<0.05),while interleukin-6(IL-6)content was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The study shows that the compound Chinese herbal medicine extract can improve the growth performance,enhance antioxidant capacity,optimize serum biochemical indices,and strengthen the immune function of weaned lambs,with a 0.2%addition level demonstrating optimal effect.

Abstract:China is rich in straw resources,and the conversion of straw into feed is a crucial support for the development of ecological circular agriculture and sustainable development.However,the low utilization rate of straw as feed currently represents a major bottleneck in straw resource utilization.Steam explosion is a green and efficient pretreatment technology,primarily applied to the processing of lignocellulosic biomass(such as wood,straw,and rice straw).It works by separating the cellulose,hemicellulose,and lignin within the raw material's structure,breaking down its recalcitrance barrier,thereby enhancing the conversion and utilization efficiency of the feedstock.Steam explosion does not rely on chemical reagents,avoiding secondary pollution.Compared to traditional pretreatment technologies,it is more environmentally friendly and efficient,holding broad prospects in the field of biomass conversion.This article reviews the key influencing factors such as the process principle,material and equipment parameters of steam explosion pretreatment of straw,and combines the application effect of this technology in animal production,aiming to provide a reference for the efficient utilization of steam explosion in straw feed.