Organic Iodine Improves the Growth Performance and Gut Health of Fujian Yellow Rabbits.

Organic iodine is a new trace element additive that is highly efficient in regulating cell growth, function, and metabolism. This study demonstrated that organic iodine improves the growth performance and gut health of Fujian yellow rabbits. A total of 160 healthy rabbits of similar weight were randomly divided into four groups, which were treated with organic iodine (0, 0.

Whole-genome sequencing identifies potential candidate genes for egg production traits in laying ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

Egg production traits are economically important in laying ducks. Genetic molecular mechanisms and candidate genes underlying these traits remain unclear. In this study, whole genome variants were identified through whole-genome resequencing using three high-egg producing (HEN) and three low-egg producing (LEN) laying ducks.

Progress in the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying the high prolificacy of the Erhualian pig.

The Erhualian pig, originally distributed in the Taihu area, is well known for its universally high fertility. Previous studies have found that high ovulation numbers, low embryo mortality and high uterine volumes are important physiological characteristics underlying the high prolificacy of the Erhualian pig. Although candidate genes such as follicle-stimulating hormone β (FSHβ) and several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosome 2, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13 and 15 have been reported to affect the litter size in the Erhualian pig, the key genes related to high prolificacy remain poorly understood.

Microbial shifts in the porcine distal gut in response to diets supplemented with Enterococcus Faecalis as alternatives to antibiotics.

Gut microbiota plays an important role in host health and nutrient digestion of animals. Probiotics have become one of effective alternatives to antibiotics enhancing animal health and performance through modulating gut microbiota. Previously, our research demonstrated that dietary Enterococcus Faecalis UC-100 substituting antibiotics enhanced growth and health of weaned pigs.

Dynamic distribution of the gut microbiota and the relationship with apparent crude fiber digestibility and growth stages in pigs.

The gut microbiota plays an important role in nutrient digestibility in animals. To examine changes in the pig gut microbiota across growth stages and its effects on nutrient digestion, the gut microbiota population in pigs at 28 days (before weaning), and 60, 90, and 150 days of age was assessed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The apparent digestibility of crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) was also assessed in these pigs.