Guishan Xu

Machine-harvested cotton residue is a major byproduct of cotton processing whose utilization is limited by a lignocellulosic matrix and antinutritional factors. This study combined an L49(76) orthogonal design with entropy-weighted TOPSIS for multi-indicator selection and then used Plackett–Burman screening and Box–Behnken response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize NDF degradability as a response-specific objective. Range analysis showed that fermentation time was the dominant factor for several fiber-related indices. TOPSIS selected A₄B₃C6D2E6F1 as the preferred multi-indicator treatment, corresponding to 15% glucose, 10% urea, 65% moisture, 14 days, a bacterial ratio of Enterococcus faecium: Bacillus licheniformis: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens = 15:10:5, and an enzyme ratio of cellulase: laccase: lignin peroxidase = 5:10:15. Relative to the raw residue, NDF, cellulose, hemicellulose, and ADL contents decreased by 25.83%, 43.54%, 74.40%, and 45.65%, respectively. In the subsequent NDF-oriented RSM stage, PBD identified fermentation time, urea, and glucose as the three quantitative factors taken forward to BBD. The model predicted an NDF degradability of 39.054% at 20.449 days, 9.865% urea, and 9.901% glucose; a rounded operating point of 20 days, 10% urea, and 10% glucose yielded a mean of 37.03% in three replicate runs. Thus, TOPSIS and RSM provided complementary results for different optimization objectives rather than a single global optimum.

This study evaluated the effects of replacing alfalfa (Medicago sativa) with Sesbania cannabina hay on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal microecology in fattening lambs. Forty 3-month-old Aohu crossbred lambs (initial BW: 22.08 ± 0.31 kg) received five isoenergetic, isonitrogenous diets in which S. cannabina hay replaced 0% (CON), 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of alfalfa during a 60-day trial. Growth traits, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, enzyme activities, serum biochemical parameters, ruminal microbiota, and metabolomic profiles were evaluated. Substitution did not affect final body weight, average daily gain, or feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05), but nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation differed among replacement treatments. The 50–100% replacement groups showed higher digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, and fiber, together with higher ruminal protease, cellulase, hemicellulase, and α-amylase activities (p < 0.05). Total volatile fatty acid concentrations were higher in the 50–100% replacement groups, whereas the acetate-to-propionate ratio was lower in all substituted groups. Serum biochemical parameters indicated changes related to protein metabolism without evidence of adverse health effects. Multi-omics analyses revealed distinct differences in ruminal bacterial communities and metabolic profiles among replacement treatments. The 25% replacement group showed relatively limited microbial and metabolic changes. The 75% replacement group exhibited greater bacterial diversity, enrichment of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group and Streptococcus, coordinated microbe–metabolite associations, and changes in bile acid and cholesterol metabolism. Complete substitution was associated with more extensive microbial remodeling and lower abundances of several functional metabolites, without additional benefits to growth performance.

Objective: This study systematically evaluated the nutritional compositions and bioactive compounds of six unconventional feed resources (Pepper residue (PR), Grape marc (MC), Pepper straw (PS), Lycium barbarum branches and leaves (LBBL), Licorice straw (LS), and Cyperus esculentus leaves (CES)). It also assessed the rumen degradability and rumen fermentation characteristics at different substitution levels through in vitro and in situ methods, to explore their potential application in sheep diets. Methods: Samples were analyzed considering nutrient composition, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and bioactive compounds. In situ degradation was measured using rumen-fistulated sheep, and in vitro batch fermentation culture was conducted at varying substitution levels (0–100%) to measure gas production, pH, VFAs, NH₃-N, and microbial crude protein (MCP). Results: The six unconventional feed resources showed significant differences in nutrient composition, bioactive compounds, and fermentation performance. Crude protein (CP) ranged from 4.45% to 15.76%, with LS highest in total amino acids. LBBL contained 4.24 g/kg Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, LS had 9.24 g/kg liquiritin, GM was richest in proanthocyanidins, and PS had more capsaicin than PR. PR exhibited the highest DM degradation (74.77%, p < 0.001), followed by LS; CEL was lowest. PR and LS also had the highest CP degradation. In vitro fermentation revealed significant differences in fermentation characteristics among the six feeds. At 100% replacement, PR and LS exhibited high cumulative gas production, elevated MCP concentrations, and total VFAs of 54.41 and 64.02 mmol/L (p < 0.001), respectively. At 25% replacement, GM and CEL achieved high concentrations of VFAs and maintained MCP levels of 27.84 and 31.57 mg/dL (p < 0.001). PS reached its maximum total VFAs and MCP at 50% replacement, while LBBL reached 64.90 mmol/L total VFAs and 32.63 mg/dL MCP at 75% replacement. Conclusions: Nutrient composition and degradation kinetics varied significantly among substrates. PR had the highest DM degradability, while CEL had the lowest. PR and LS maintained stable fermentation at 100% substitution. GM and CEL were most effective at 25%; PS at 50%; and LBBL at 75% substitution levels.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of ten concentrate feedstuffs on nitrogen balance and urinary purine derivative (PD) excretion in Hu sheep. Fifteen healthy 5-month-old Hu sheep (average body weight:25.31±2.24 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups (5 sheep per group). The experiment consisted of 4 phases, with 3 treatments per phase and 5 replicates per treatment. A single-factor design was adopted, and the experimental diets comprised 10 total mixed rations (TMR). Each diet was fed for 20 days, including a 15-day adaptation period followed by a 5-day formal trial period, during which total feces and urine were collected and stored at −20°C. Results showed that nitrogen intake and total nitrogen excretion in sheep fed soybean meal, rapeseed meal, walnut meal, flaxseed meal, cottonseed meal, and rice distillers’ grains diets were significantly higher than those fed oat-,wheat-, corn-, and wheat bran-based diets (PPPP< 0.05). Xanthine and hypoxanthine collectively represented 9.73%–12.92% of total PD excretion. The purine nitrogen index (PNI) of the four energy-supplemented diets was significantly higher than that of the five protein-supplemented diets (excluding rice distillers’ grains) (P<0.05). These findings indicate that dietary composition and concentrate type significantly influence nitrogen excretion patterns in Hu sheep. Under the experimental conditions,sheep fed low-protein diets excreted nitrogen via both fecal and urinary pathways,whereas high-protein diets shifted nitrogen excretion predominantly to urine,with urinary nitrogen surpassing fecal nitrogen. Urinary PD excretion increased proportionally with elevated dietary nitrogen levels. This study provides critical insights into optimizing feed formulations to enhance nitrogen utilization efficiency and mitigate environmental pollution in ruminant production systems.

This study evaluates the effects of a compound microecological preparation named ATABG, which is composed of antimicrobial peptide ID13 and Saccharomyces boulardii, on Hu sheep’s growth performance, feed digestibility, and rumen parameters. A total of 40 three-month-old Hu sheep (21.65 ± 0.33 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group (Con), which received a basal diet, and the experimental group (ATABG), which received the same diet supplemented with 1 g/kg ATABG on a dry matter basis. After a 10-day pre-feeding period to adapt the animals to the experimental diet, dry matter intake and weight gain were recorded during the subsequent 63-day trial period. Body weight was measured on days 1, 21, 42, and 63 of the trial, and animals were slaughtered on day 63 to collect rumen fluid and tissue. Results indicated that ATABG supplementation significantly increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter (p < 0.05). Rumen fluid analysis revealed increased microbial protein concentration and cellulase activity (p < 0.05) in the ATABG group. Microbiota analysis indicated that ATABG increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcus and Proteobacteria, elevated Firmicutes, and reduced Bacteroidota (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed Ruminococcus was positively associated with crude protein digestibility, while Quinella correlated with growth-related indices (r > 0.4, p < 0.05). In conclusion, ATABG supplementation improves protein digestibility and rumen microbial protein synthesis by enriching Ruminococcus and enhancing cellulase activity, potentially optimizing nitrogen utilization in Hu sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pleurotus ostreatus spent mushroom substrate (P.SMS), which is characterized by high production but low utilization, on feed utilization and liver serum indices from the perspective of duodenal microorganisms. Forty-five 3-month-old Hu sheep were randomly assigned to five groups and fed diets in which whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) was substituted with P.SMS at levels of 0% (Con), 5% (PSMS5), 10% (PSMS10), 15% (PSMS15), or 20% (PSMS20). The results indicated that the addition of P.SMS complexly influenced the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein, with PSMS10 showing the highest digestibility of these nutrients. P.SMS inclusion significantly affected serum alanine aminotransferase levels, with PSMS5 showing higher levels than both the Con and PSMS20 groups (p < 0.05). Importantly, the inclusion of P.SMS did not affect the richness and diversity of duodenal microorganisms. Significant differences in the phyla Verrucomicrobiota and Spirochaetota were observed between the Con and PSMS20 groups. The observed trend towards an increase in the genus Trichoderma (p = 0.057) suggests that P.SMS is susceptible to contamination by this genus, which in turn affects the structure of the intestinal flora. Furthermore, functional gene predictions indicated differences in amino acid metabolism among the groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding with 10% P.SMS resulted in the highest digestibility without adversely affecting the structure of the duodenal community or liver function.

Introduction: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pleurotus Spent Mushroom Substrate (P.SMS) on the rumen microbiota, encompassing bacteria and fungi, as well as their interactions in Hu sheep.Methods: A total of forty-five 3-month-old Hu sheep were randomly assigned to five groups. Each group was fed diets in which whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) was substituted with P.SMS at varying levels: 0% (CON), 5% (PSMS5), 10% (PSMS10), 15% (PSMS15), or 20% (PSMS20).Results: The results indicated that higher proportions of P.SMS during the experimental period might have a detrimental effect on feed utilization efficiency, kidney function, and blood oxygen-carrying capacity. Notably, moderate levels of P.SMS, specifically below 15%, were associated with improvements in rumen NH₃-N levels and absorption capacity. The results indicated that (1) PSMS20 exhibited a significantly higher feed-to-gain ratio compared to CON (P < 0.05); (2) PSMS15 showed a significantly higher NH₃-N content than CON, PSMS5, and PSMS20. Additionally, PSMS10 and PSMS20 had elevated concentrations of NH₃-N compared to CON and PSMS5 (P < 0.05); (3) The length and width of rumen papillae were significantly greater in PSMS20 compared to CON and PSMS5 (P < 0.05); (4) Creatinine levels were significantly higher in PSMS20 than in CON, PSMS5, and PSMS10 (P < 0.05); (5) By the conclusion of the experiment, hemoglobin concentration in PSMS20 showed a significant increase compared to CON (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of P.SMS influenced microorganisms at both the phylum and genus levels: (1) At the phylum level, the prevalence of Patescibacteria was significantly lower in PSMS20 compared to the other groups; (2) PSMS15 exhibited significantly higher relative abundances of Basidiomycota compared to CON and PSMS10, while PSMS20 also demonstrated significantly higher relative abundances compared to CON (P < 0.05); (3) At the genus level, the prevalence of Candidatus_Saccharimonas in PSMS20 was significantly lower than in PSMS5, PSMS10, and PSMS15. Conversely, the prevalence of Phanerochaete in PSMS15 was notably higher than in CON and PSMS10, and it was also significantly elevated in PSMS20 compared to CON (P < 0.05); (4) Correlation analysis indicated no significant correlation between changes in the structure of bacterial and fungal communities.Discussion: Considering these findings, a high percentage of P.SMS negatively impacted feed utilization efficiency, blood oxygen carrying capacity, and kidney function, while a moderate percentage of P.SMS promotes rumen absorption capacity, indicating that feeding 10% P.SMS is optimal.

The Lycium barbarum branches and leaves (LBL) are known to contain a range of active substances that have positive effects on animal immunity and antioxidation. This study aimed to examine how LBL impacts the growth and slaughter performance as well as rumen fermentation and microbiota in Hu sheep. A total of 50 male Hu sheep of indigenous origin, aged 3 months, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 sheep each. The groups were given different levels of LBL supplementation (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) to evaluate growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility. Rumen fluid samples were collected for analysis of the fermentation parameters and rumen chyme was examined to study the rumen microbiota. The slaughter performance, meat quality, and organ index were evaluated at the conclusion of the experiment. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily gain of the LBL1 group were significantly higher than those of the CON group, LBL3 group, and LBL4 group (p < 0.05). The average dry matter intake of the LBL4 group was significantly lower than that of other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of CP in the LBL1 and LBL2 groups was higher than that in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). At the same time, the eye muscle area and grade-rule (GR) value of Hu sheep in the LBL1 group significantly increased and the quality of Hu sheep meat improved (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in organ weight and organ index between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The pH of the rumen fluid in the LBL1 group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the NH₃-N content between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The propionate and valerate in the rumen fluid of Hu sheep in the LBL2 group were significantly higher than those in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). In addition, this had no significant effect on the structure and abundance of the rumen microbiota (p > 0.05). LBL is a promising functional feed. Adding an appropriate amount of LBL to the diet can improve the feed efficiency, growth performance, and meat quality of Hu sheep but has no adverse effects on the rumen. In this experiment, the appropriate supplemental level of LBL in the diet was 3%.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of feed ingredients with different protein-to-fat ratios on growth, slaughter performance and meat quality of Small-Tail Han lambs. Forty-five Small-Tail Han lambs (♂) (BW = 34.00 ± 2.5 kg, age = 120 ± 9 d) were randomly divided into groups with three different experimental treatments: (1) PF 5, with the ratio of protein to fat (CP:EE) of 50 to 5; (2) PF10, CP: EE = 50:10; (3) PF20, CP: EE = 50:20. Each treatment group had 15 lambs, and each sheep was a repeat. This experiment lasted for 65 days, with feed intake recorded daily, and animals being weighed on days 0, 30, and 65. At the conclusion of the experiment, eight lambs from each group were slaughtered to assess slaughter performance and meat quality. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of the three groups were 315.27, 370.15 and 319.42 g/d, respectively. The PF10 group had the highest ADG (370.15 g) (p < 0.05). Forestomach weights (1216.88 g) of the PF10 group were significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in fat percentages in various parts of body among treatments. Feed conversion of the PF10 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of PF 5 and PF 20 groups. Furthermore, the PF10 group had a higher (p > 0.05) carcass weight and slaughter rate and there were few differences between the other groups in terms of dry matter intake, meat quality, organ weight, and fat deposition (p > 0.05). The protein–energy supplement with protein-to-fat ratio, PF10 appeared to be more desirable to promote the growth and development in Small-Tail Han Lambs.

The quality of lamb meat is positively correlated with intramuscular fat content. In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of adipocytes. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of miR-92a-3p on the differentiation of goat intramuscular preadipocytes. The results showed that the expression level of miR-92a-3p was low in the early stage of differentiation, reached the highest level on the third day of differentiation, and then decreased. And miR-92a-3p can inhibit the accumulation of lipid droplets and down-regulate the determinants of adipogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, by predicting target genes, we found that miR-92a-3p affects the differentiation of goat intramuscular preadipocytes and the accumulation of lipid droplets by regulating the expression of goat gene APOL6. This study provides important new information to better understand the relationship between miRNAs and the differentiation of goat intramuscular preadipocytes, thus providing a new reference for goat intramuscular adipogenesis.