Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are important polypeptide growth factors that play a critical role in many developmental processes, including differentiation, cell proliferation, and migration in mammals. This study employs in silico analyses to characterize the FGF gene family in buffalo, investigating their genome-wide identification, physicochemical properties, and evolutionary patterns. For this purpose, genomic and proteomic sequences of buffalo, cattle, goat, and sheep were retrieved from NCBI database. We identified a total of 22 FGF genes in buffalo. Physicochemical properties observed through ProtParam tool showed notable features of these proteins including in-vitro instability, thermostability, hydrophilicity, and basic nature. Phylogenetic analysis grouped 22 identified genes into nine sub-families based on evolutionary relationships. Additionally, analysis of gene structure, motif patterns, and conserved domains using TBtools revealed the remarkable conservation of this gene family across selected species throughout the course of evolution. Comparative amino acid analysis performed through ClustalW demonstrated significant conservation between buffalo and cattle FGF proteins. Mutational analysis showed three non-synonymous mutations at positions R103 > G, P7 > L, and E98 > Q in FGF4, FGF6, and FGF19, respectively in buffalo. Duplication events revealed only one segmental duplication (FGF10/FGF22) in buffalo and two in cattle (FGF10/FGF22 and FGF13/FGF13-like) with Ka/Ks values <1 indicating purifying selection pressure for these duplications. Comparison of protein structures of buffalo, goat, and sheep exhibited more similarities in respective structures. In conclusion, our study highlights the conservation of the FGF gene family in buffalo during evolution. Furthermore, the identified non-synonymous mutations may have implications for the selection of animals with better performance.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Relaxin family peptides significantly regulate reproduction, nutrient metabolism, and immune response in mammals. The present study aimed to identify and characterize the relaxin family peptides in cattle and buffalo at the genome level. The genomic and proteomic sequences of cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, horse, and camel were accessed through the NCBI database, and BLAST was performed. We identified four relaxin peptides genes (RLN3, INSL3, INSL5, and INSL6) in Bos taurus, whereas three relaxin genes (RLN3, INSL3, and INSL6) in Bubalus bubalis. Evolutionary analysis revealed the conserved nature of relaxin family peptides in buffalo and cattle. Physicochemical properties revealed that relaxin proteins were thermostable, hydrophilic, and basic peptides except for INSL5 which was an acidic peptide. Three nonsynonymous mutations (two in RLN3 at positions A16 > T and P29 > A, and one in INSL6 at position R32 > Q) in Bos taurus, whereas two nonsynonymous mutations (one in RLN3 at positions G105 > w and one in INSL3 at position G22 > R) in Bubalus bubalis, were identified. INSL3 had one indel (insertion) at position 55 in Bos taurus. Gene duplication analysis revealed predominantly segmental duplications (INSL5/RLN3 and INSL6/INSL3 gene pairs) that helped expand this gene family, whereas Bubalus bubalis showed primarily tandem duplication (INSL3/RLN3). Our study concluded that relaxin family peptides remained conserved during the evolution, and gene duplications might help to adapt and enrich specific functions like reproduction, nutrient metabolism, and immune response. Further, the nonsynonymous mutations identified potentially affect these functions in buffalo.

Lipids are essential for animal physiology; however, dysregulated lipid metabolism can induce metabolic stress and impair growth, development, and reproduction. Metabolic homeostasis depends on endocrine-immune system interactions, yet how lipid droplets and organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes, and peroxisomes, contribute to stress‑induced lipid dysregulation remains unclear. The present study aimed to synthesize current evidence on redox-mediated regulation of lipid metabolism and lipid metabolic disorders in animals, highlighting recent advances, and identify key directions for future studies. The present study summarized evidence on how different dietary lipid classes influence metabolism and animal health, as well as the role of bioactive nutrients in metabolic programming. The current study described the endocrine functions of the liver, gut, and adipose tissue, as well as the stress-related interactions among these organs. The present study indicated how lipid droplets engaged in dynamic organelle interactions during stress progression and evaluated the potential of lipid‑focused nutritional interventions as personalized mitigation strategies. In addition, gut microbiota-derived metabolites and related pathways that contribute to redox imbalance, organelle dysfunction, and stress-associated lipid dysregulation were explored. The current study demonstrated that stress-induced disruptions in lipid metabolism involve intricate, multi-organ, and multi-organelle mechanisms driven by redox changes.

The dairy industry forms the backbone of Punjab's agricultural economy, with efficient management of dairy animals playing a critical role in sustaining milk production and enhancing food security. This study evaluates the biotechnological implications of exogenous oxytocin administration on milk yield and reproductive outcomes in peri-urban dairy systems of Faisalabad, Punjab. Data were collected through structured interviews with 145 milk-producing households, complemented by on-farm monitoring and qualitative insights from 20-30 farmers and veterinarians. Results show that 90% of farmers use oxytocin injections for milk letdown, primarily in lactating buffaloes (61%) and, to a lesser extent, cattle (19%). Oxytocin was often administered in cases where calves were absent, died, or rejected by dams, with significant differences (P < 0.05) in usage patterns across production systems. Quantitative analysis indicates that oxytocin if used judiciously, increases daily milk yield by 2-4 liters per animal and enhances reproductive health, reflected in a 10-15% rise in conception rates and a reduction in calving intervals from 14-16 months to 12-14 months (P ≤ 0.005). Additionally, treated animals exhibited a lower incidence of retained placenta (5%) compared to untreated ones (15%). Despite these benefits, prolonged oxytocin use was associated with adverse effects, including disrupted milk ejection reflex, poor estrus signs, high embryonic mortality, increased mastitis incidence, and lowered milk quality for human use. This study underscores the need for biotechnologically informed protocols and veterinary oversight for oxytocin use to balance productivity gains with animal welfare. Recommendations include farmer education on responsible oxytocin use, adherence to standardized dosages, and integration of best practices in animal management. These findings aim to guide sustainable dairy practices in Punjab, ensuring the dual objectives of improved productivity and ethical animal care.

Introduction: The Australorp chicken, known for its exceptional egg production and adaptability, is a valuable genetic resource for the poultry industry. However, the molecular basis underlying their distinctive traits remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify novel genes and genetic variants associated with key production traits in Australorp chickens by performing a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis combined with an in silico genome-wide association study (GWAS). Materials and methods: Whole-genome sequencing data from 12 Australorp chickens were compared with data from four other breeds, including ten Rhode Island Red, eight Leghorn, ten Plymouth Rock, and six Red Jungle Fowl. Quality control and preprocessing were applied to ensure high-quality genomic data for downstream analyses. Comparative genomic analysis revealed several breed-specific genetic variants in Australorp chickens, affecting 50 genes functionally involved in metabolic and reproductive pathways, and 30 genes with reduced or altered functional annotations compared to other breeds. Principal component analysis revealed clear genetic differentiation among Australorp chickens, confirming their distinct genetic structure. Results: In silico GWAS identified significant associations between novel candidate genes (GENE 42, GENE 89) and key production traits, including egg production, egg weight, and disease resistance. Functional annotation revealed that these genes, identified in Australorp chickens (Gallus gallus), are mainly involved in metabolic processes, immune response, and reproductive pathways. Notably, several previously unreported genes were discovered that may contribute to the Australorp's superior egg-laying ability and disease resistance in chickens. Conclusion: The present findings offered new insights into the genetic basis of economically important traits in poultry and laid a foundation for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. The novel genes identified in the present study served as potential targets for improving production traits in commercial chicken breeds and helped advance understanding of avian genomics and evolution.