1000 g maize cob mixed material was synergistically fermented by adding 2.5% composite probiotics and 0.06‐0.08% NSP (nonstarch polysaccharide) enzyme to prepare fermented feed, and its effectiveness as feed for fattening pigs was investigated. The results showed that the appearance, texture, and nutrient quality of maize cobs significantly improved after fermentation, the total number of bacteria was 4.5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g, and the protein content was 7.1%. Compared to the control group, the pigs in the 6% fermented maize cob feed experimental group showed significantly increased daily feed intake, daily weight gain, and nutrient digestion rate (p < 0.05) and reduced feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Most indicators including slaughter performance and meat quality significantly improved. In addition, beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus in the intestines of the finishing pigs significantly increased, and pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli in the intestines and feces were found to be significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The intestinal crypt depth, VH/CD ratio, and ileal mucosal immunity of the finishing pigs also significantly improved (p < 0.05). The cytokine content and gene expression of sIgA, IL‐8, and TNF‐α were found to be significantly increased (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that the addition of 6% fermented maize cob feed to the diets of finishing pigs could promote their growth, improve their production performance and slaughter performance meat quality, and enhance their intestinal microecological balance and immunity.

To research the isolation, identification, physiological property of Clostridium butyricum strain using lactic acid from pig and its effects on intestinal function of weaned piglets, the C. butyricum strain LY33 was isolated with an anaerobic culture method from the intestinal contents of healthy piglets fed with lactic acid bacteria fermented feeds. The strain LY33, which was identified as Clostridium butyricum according to morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequence analyses, was found to be efficient in lactic acid utilisation and butyric acid conversion. Strain LY33 was non-toxic and resistant to heat, gastric acid and bile salts. It utilised lactic acid efficiently when cultured in LADM liquid medium (Lactic acid decomposition medium) under the initial conditions of pH 5.5 and a lactic acid concentration of 132 mmol. Strain LY33 also had inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and other pathogens. Conversely, it promoted the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Compared to the control group fed the basal diet, the indexes of intestinal function of piglets in the experimental group fed the strain LY33 preparation improved markedly, and for most of these indicators, a difference at p < .05 was achieved.

Peripheral and abundant noncoding DNA has been hypothesized to protect the genome and the central protein-coding sequences against DNA damage in somatic genome. In the cytosol, invading exogenous nucleic acids may first be deactivated by small RNAs encoded by noncoding DNA via mechanisms similar to the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas system. In the nucleus, the radicals generated by radiation in the cytosol, radiation energy and invading exogenous nucleic acids are absorbed, blocked and/or reduced by peripheral heterochromatin, and damaged DNA in heterochromatin is removed and excluded from the nucleus to the cytoplasm through nuclear pore complexes. To further strengthen the hypothesis, this review summarizes the experimental evidence supporting the protective function of noncoding DNA in the genome of male germ cells. Based on these data, this review provides evidence supporting the protective role of noncoding DNA in the genome defense of sperm genome through similar mechanisms to those of the somatic genome.

Introduction: Avian leukosis, a viral disease affecting birds such as chickens, presents significant challenges in poultry farming due to tumor formation, decreased egg production, and increased mortality. Despite the absence of a commercial vaccine, avian leukosis virus (ALV) infections have been extensively documented, resulting in substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. This study aimed to develop alginate-chitosan composite microspheres loaded with ALV-J Gp85 protein (referred to as aCHP-gp85) as a potential vaccine candidate.Methods: Sodium alginate and chitosan were utilized as encapsulating materials, with the ALV-J Gp85 protein serving as the active ingredient. The study involved 45 specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens to evaluate the immunological effectiveness of aCHP-gp85 compared to a traditional Freund adjuvant-gp85 vaccine (Freund-gp85). Two rounds of vaccination were administered, and antibody levels, mRNA expression of immune markers, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and immune response were assessed. An animal challenge experiment was conducted to evaluate the vaccine’s efficacy in reducing ALV-J virus presence and improving clinical conditions.Results: The results demonstrated that aCHP-gp85 induced a significant and sustained increase in antibody levels compared to Freund-gp85, with the elevated response lasting for 84 days. Furthermore, aCHP-gp85 significantly upregulated mRNA expression levels of key immune markers, notably TNF-α and IFN-γ. The application of ALV-J Gp85 protein within the aCHP-gp85 group led to a significant increase in splenic lymphocyte proliferation and immune response. In the animal challenge experiment, aCHP-gp85 effectively reduced ALV-J virus presence and improved clinical conditions compared to other groups, with no significant pathological changes observed.Discussion: The findings suggest that aCHP-gp85 elicits a strong and prolonged immune response compared to Freund-gp85, indicating its potential as an innovative ALV-J vaccine candidate. These results provide valuable insights for addressing avian leukosis in the poultry industry, both academically and practically.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the primary etiological agent of porcine contagious pleuropneumonia, a devastating respiratory disease that causes substantial economic losses to the global swine industry. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains with enhanced virulence poses increasing challenges to disease control and necessitates comprehensive genomic characterization to inform targeted intervention strategies. This study aimed to characterize the genomic features, antimicrobial resistance profile, and pathogenic potential of a novel A. pleuropneumoniae strain isolated from a severe outbreak in China, with particular focus on identifying unique resistance mechanisms and virulence determinants. We isolated strain APPFJLYC01 from lung and bronchial tissues of pigs during a severe pleuropneumonia outbreak in Fujian Province, China (incidence rate 30%, mortality rate 56%). Complete genome sequencing was performed using combined PacBio Sequel II and DNBSEQ platforms, followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis including virulence factor identification, antibiotic resistance gene profiling, phylogenetic analysis, and comparative genomics. Pathogenicity was evaluated through experimental infection of 3-week-old piglets with subsequent clinical, pathological, and histopathological examinations. The genome of APPFJLYC01 strain is 2,308,741 bp in size, encoding 2,149 genes. Notably, it contains 190 virulence factor homologs and 10 resistance genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on CorePan revealed that APPFJLYC01 shares a close evolutionary relationship with strain JL03, potentially due to their shared geographical origin in China. Pathogenicity evaluation in piglets confirms its high virulence. These findings highlight APPFJLYC01 as a multidrug-resistant and highly virulent strain, providing insights for controlling porcine pleuropneumonia.