Lactation initiation refers to a functional change in the mammary organ from a non-lactating state to a lactating state, and a series of cytological changes in the mammary epithelium from a non-secreting state to a secreting state. Like the development of the mammary gland, it is regulated by many factors (including hormones, cytokines, signaling molecules, and proteases). In most non-pregnant animals, a certain degree of lactation also occurs after exposure to specific stimuli, promoting the development of their mammary glands. These specific stimuli can be divided into two categories: before and after parturition. The former inhibits lactation and decreases activity, and the latter promotes lactation and increases activity. Here we present a review of recent progress in research on the key factors of lactation initiation to provide a powerful rationale for the study of the lactation initiation process and mammary gland development.

Like other pentacyclic triterpenoids, oleanolic acid, a natural plant metabolite prevalent in plant peels, stems, and leaves, is regarded as a possible drug candidate. A growing number of studies have shown that oleanolic acid exhibits a variety of beneficial properties, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, the rapid advance of nanotechnology has dramatically improved oleanolic acid’s bioavailability and minimized its disadvantages, leading to unexpected changes in its pharmacological activity and use. Therefore, our aim was to review the progress of research on the distribution and biological properties of oleanolic acid in plants and to discuss new pharmaceutical approaches for oleanolic acid.

The realization of carbon peak and carbon neutrality requires a comprehensive and profound transformation of economic and social systems. It is imperative not only for addressing climate change but also for the transformation and upgrading of various industries. This shift entails transitioning from high energy consumption and pollution to focusing on high-quality development, thereby facilitating the transition to a green and low-carbon economy and ultimately realizing sustainable economic and social progress. As modern agriculture evolves and agricultural modernization advances, there is substantial potential and demand for emission reduction in agricultural sectors and rural areas. Agricultural institutions of tertiary education undertake the crucial responsibility of cultivating talents capable of contributing to carbon neutrality efforts. Consequently, it is essential to integrate the concept of carbon neutrality into undergraduate education to meet the growing need for cultivating a workforce capable of achieving national carbon neutrality goals. In this study, a questionnaire is used to analyze the views and current situation of students majoring in animal production regarding the concept of carbon neutrality, and to explore how to conceptualize a knowledge system of carbon neutrality applicable to animal production programs in agricultural institutions.

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance and iterate, various industries have undergone intelligent reformation. China’s animal husbandry industry, given its importance for people’s livelihoods, is no exception to this transformation. Using AI technology in this field is becoming increasingly common since it not only improves production efficiency but also revolutionizes traditional business models. Animal science is a fundamental discipline that drives the progress of animal husbandry by studying the growth, breeding, nutritional needs, and feeding management of livestock and poultry. This discipline also explores advanced veterinary theories and technologies for epidemic prevention and control. The ultimate objective of this discipline is to ensure the production of high-quality and sufficient animal products to fulfill the demands of both production and daily life. It is predicted that the deep integration of AI technology into animal science will bring unprecedented opportunities to the animal husbandry industry. This study aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on students’ learning experiences and future educational directions. By situating the research within the context of current developments in educational technology, we hope to provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers and employ a questionnaire survey to explore the perceptions and attitudes of students majoring in animal science from various agricultural institutions in China toward this integration. The results of the study provide valuable and practical references for the cultivation and development of artificial intelligence talent in China’s livestock industry.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in fatty acid composition of milk from Holstein cows, Jersey cows, Saanen goats, and humans at different lactation period and to find possible milk that is more suitable as a base for infant milk powder.Methods: Human breast milk, Saanen milk, Holstein milk, and Jersey milk were collected at different lactation stages. Gas chromatography was used to determine the fatty acid composition of breast milk, Saanen goat's milk, Holstein cow's milk and Jersey cows at different stages of lactation. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between different fatty acids.Results: The results show that the types and relative contents of fatty acids varied among the different varieties of milk. The main fatty acids in breast milk are palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, which oleic acid is the most abundant. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) differed between lactation stages, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) did not differ significantly. Cow's milk and goat's milk were mainly dominated by SFAs, and Chinese Holstein cow's milk had the highest SFA content (72.54%). Caprylic and capric acids in SFAs were the characteristic fatty acids of goat's milk, and their contents were significantly higher than those of breast milk and cow's milk (p<0.05). The ratio of SFA:MUFA:PUFA breast milk was 1.72:1.45:1, Saanen goat's milk was 14.47:6:1, Chinese Holstein cow's milk was 14.98:4.84:1, and Jersey cow's milk was 13.32:4.47:1.Conclusion: None of the ruminant milk has the same proportion of fatty acids as breast milk, so none of them can completely replace breast milk. From the perspective of fatty acids, it is a better choice to choose Saanen goat milk or Jersey milk as a base and then add other ingredients to form infant milk powder.

A crucial part of the livestock industry is dairy cattle which contribute significantly to the livestock economy