POU (Pit-Oct-Unc) class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1, or Pit-1) is a transcription factor that directly regulates pituitary hormone-related genes, as well as affects the reproduction and growth in mammals. Thus, POU1F1 gene was investigated as a candidate gene for litter size and growth performance in goats. In the current study, using direct DNA sequencing, c.682G > T, c.723T > G and c.837T > C loci were genotyped in Shaanbei white cashmere (SBWC) goats (n = 609), but c.876 + 110T > C was monomorphic. Besides, the c.682G > T locus was first identified by HinfI (Haemophilus influenzae Rf) restriction endonuclease. Association analysis results showed that the c.682G > T, c.837T > C loci and diplotypes were significantly associated with goat litter size (p < 0.05). The positive genotypes were GT and TT for the two SNPs, respectively, and the optimal diplotype was H3H7 (GTTT-TTTT). On the other hand, the c.682G > T, c.723T > G and c.837T > C strongly affected growth traits and body measurement indexes in SBWC goats (p < 0.05). The positive genotypes or allele of these SNPs were GT, G and TT, respectively. Additionally, the goats with H3H7 diplotype also had a greater growth status than others (p < 0.05). Here, individuals with same genotype had both a better litter size and growth traits, showing a positive correlation between these economic traits. Meanwhile, the positive genotypes of four SNPs were combined to obtain the optimal diplotype, which was also H3H7. These SNPs, especially the diplotype, could be used for the genomic selection of excellent individuals with a greater litter size and better growth status in goat breeding.

This study was conducted to investigate potential regulatory mechanisms of hybridization increased the meat production performance in sheep. Thirty-six 3-month-old male lambs of Suffolk sheep (SFK, n = 12), Hu sheep (HH, n = 12), and their F₁ hybrids (SH, n = 12) were selected and raised in individual pens under identical nutritional supply and husbandry management regimes over a 95-day (including a 15-day pre-trial period) experimental period. At the end of the feeding trial, six sheep closest to the average body weight were selected from each group for the subsequent trial, involving the collection of Longissimus dorsi samples and the determination of production performance, muscle fiber characteristic and transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that the SH sheep had significantly higher pre-slaughter live weight and carcass weight than the HH sheep, while lower than those of the SFK sheep (p < 0.05). The muscle fiber density of the SH group was significantly higher than that of the parental groups, while the muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional area were significantly smaller (p < 0.05). The collagen fiber content of the SH group was intermediate between the two parental groups and significantly higher than that of the SFK group (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified 2920 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were mainly enriched in the AMPK, PI3K-Akt, and PPAR signaling pathways. Metabolomic analysis detected 1617 differential metabolites (DMs), which were enriched in the fatty acid degradation and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Integrated analysis revealed that core genes SESN3 and metabolites (malate, testosterone) enhance energy supply capacity through AMPK pathway, thereby promoting muscle fiber proliferation and increasing meat yield in the hybrid sheep. In conclusion, the heterosis of the SH group originates from the remodeling of muscle fiber structure and the synergistic regulation of related pathways, which provides a theoretical basis for sheep crossbreeding.

This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation with Chinese herbal mixture extracts (CHE) on growth performance, Immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota composition in dairy calves. CHE is a compound extracts powder composed of Honeysuckle, Astragalus, Officinal magnolia bark, and Tangerine peel. Forty calves were randomly assigned to four groups: basal diet (CON), basal diet + 0.1% CHE (LCHE), basal diet + 0.2% CHE (MCHE), and basal diet + 0.4% CHE (HCHE). The experiment was conducted for 56 days with daily observations, bi-weekly weighing, blood sampling, and fecal collection toward the end. The addition of the CHE group significantly increased the average daily weight gain (ADG) and decreased the feed/gain ratio (F/G) compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber was higher in HCHE and MCHE groups (p < 0.05). Serum GH and IGF-1 levels increased in MCHE and HCHE groups (p < 0.05). The blood biochemical analysis revealed that the levels of CA and GLU in the MCHE group were higher than those in the CON group, while remaining within the normal physiological range. Both the IgG and IFN-γ levels and the serum antioxidant levels were significantly increased in the CHE supplementation group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed changes in gut microbiota, with increased unclassified Muribaculaceae and UCG-005 species in MCHE and HCHE groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CHE supplementation enhanced digestion, growth performance, immunity, and gut microbiota balance in calves without toxic side effects.Considering both the economic benefits and the effects of the additive, a clinical dosage of 0.2% CHE additive may be recommended.

With the increasing consumer demand for high-quality lamb, crossbreeding has become a key technology for improving the production performance and meat quality of sheep. To evaluate the meat quality advantages and characteristics of Suffolk (SFK) and Hu sheep (HH) and their F₁ crossbreds (SH), thirty-six 3-month-old male lambs of SFK (n = 12), HH (n = 12), and SH (n = 12) were selected and raised in individual pens under the same nutritional and management conditions. After standardized feeding until 6 months of age, the Longissimus dorsi muscle was collected to determine meat quality traits, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and volatile flavor compounds. The results indicated that the L*, a* and b* values of the SH group were significantly lower than those of the parental breeds (p < 0.05), with tenderness being intermediate between the two parent breeds. Notably, drip loss and cooking loss were significantly lower in the SH group (p < 0.05), indicating superior water-holding capacity. In terms of amino acid profiles, the contents of non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) and sweet-tasting amino acids in the SH group were significantly higher than those of the parent breeds (p < 0.05), with the overall profile meeting the FAO/WHO ideal protein pattern. Analysis of fatty acid profiles revealed that the SH group had significantly lower total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (p < 0.05) and significantly higher levels of functional fatty acids (such as CLA), resulting in a significantly higher UFAs (unsaturated fatty acids)/SFAs (saturated fatty acids) ratio (p < 0.05) and superior nutritional value of fat. Furthermore, 32 volatile flavor compounds were detected in the SH group; among them, key aroma-active compounds such as isoamyl formate, 3-methyl-1-butanol, and acetoin were significantly higher than in the parental breeds (p < 0.05), contributing to a unique flavor profile. Consequently, this study systematically reveals the advantages of Suffolk × Hu F₁ crossbreds in terms of meat quality, nutritional value, and flavor characteristics, providing fundamental data for the optimization of crossbreeding systems, breeding selection, and the quality improvement of sheep meat products.

This study focuses on the selection of hybrid combinations of Hu sheep and meat quality analysis. A comparative analysis of meat quality and volatile flavor compounds was conducted using three hybrid groups—Australian White–Hu (AH), White Suffolk–Hu (SH), and Southdown–Hu (NH)—and a pure Hu sheep group (HH) as research subjects. The results show that in terms of basic nutritional quality, the moisture content in the NH group was significantly higher than that in the HH group (p < 0.05), and the crude protein content in the NH group was significantly higher than that in the HH group (p < 0.05). Regarding physicochemical properties, the NH group had significantly higher meat color scores, L*, a*, and b* values, than the other groups (p < 0.05), along with the best tenderness and cooking yield. An analysis of amino acids, fatty acids, and volatile flavor compounds in lambs from different hybrid combinations revealed significant differences in the contents of lys, thr, asp, and his (p < 0.01). Although no significant differences were found in the fatty acid composition scores among the AH, SH, NH, and HH groups, all groups met the FAO/WHO recommended values. The NH group not only had the highest MUFA and total fatty acid content but also the highest levels of trans-petroselinic acid and trans-vaccenic acid, the two most abundant trans fatty acids. A total of 43 volatile organic compounds were detected in the four groups, among which 10 were identified as differential compounds. This study provides a scientific basis for the hybrid utilization of Hu sheep and offers technical support for the transformation and upgrading of the regional meat sheep industry.

Calf diarrhea is a common and severe disease in the livestock industry, leading to poor growth and high mortality rates in calves, thereby causing significant economic losses. With increasing concerns over antibiotic resistance, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural products have garnered widespread attention as alternative therapeutic options for managing calf diarrhea. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the utilization of TCM, natural products, and plant extracts for the prevention and treatment of calf diarrhea. The mechanisms underlying their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and intestinal protective effects are critically analyzed in this review. Additionally, the safety profiles and potential applications of these natural agents are evaluated to provide a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the control of diseases. By integrating the latest research findings, this review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for the green and sustainable prevention and control of calf diarrhea, addressing the urgent need for effective, safe, and environmentally friendly therapeutic strategies in modern animal husbandry.