The α_S2 casein (α_S2-CN) is an important component in milk, but the variation of buffalo CSN1S2 and its corresponding variants are not clear. In this study, 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in CSN1S2 by DNA sequencing. Based on them, 11 α_S2-CN variants were inferred and named. There are eight amino acid differences between buffalo and cattle in the sequences of α_S2-CN variants. The results provide insights into the variation, characteristics and function of buffalo CSN1S2.

We measured physical meat quality of a slow-growing broiler as an alternative to fast-growing broiler, and we used slatted floor housing and free-range production as alternatives to conventional deep litter. Taking into account genotype × housing system interactions for meat pH and shear force traits, a fast-growing broiler may be more appropriate for fully slated housing and a slow-growing broiler may be more suitable for a free-range housing system.

In this review, we discuss the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) on digestion, gut microbiota composition, metabolism, intestinal morphology, immunology, and growth performance in pigs. We give an overview of the different effects of FOS considering the chemical structure, the dose and duration of FOS, and differences between sexes. In conclusion, FOS represents a nutritional strategy of interest in pigs to improve the beneficial bacteria of the gut, the immunity, and growth traits.

To speed up the progress of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cattle breeding, kinesin family member 1A (KIF1A) genes were chosen based on our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis results. We detected insertion/deletion (InDel) variation in these three candidate genes in 438 individual cattle (Xinjiang Brown cattle and Wagyu × Luxi crossbreed cattle). These findings may aid future analyses of InDel genotypes in cattle breeds and speed up the progress of MAS in cattle breeding.

Testicular transcriptomes were analyzed to characterize the differentially expressed genes between mulard and Pekin ducks, which will help establish gene expression datasets to assist in further determining the mechanisms of genetic sterility in mulard ducks. Paraffin sections were made to compare the developmental differences in testis tissue between the two breeds. A comparative transcriptome sequencing of testis tissues was performed, and the expression of candidate genes was verified.

Nutritional requirements can be met, and carcass quality can be achieved by using concentrate supplementing (0, 1.5, and 3 % body weight) in the diets of lambs grazing tropical pastures (Panicum maximum cv. 'Aruana' and Brachiaria brizantha cv. 'Marandu'). The finishing period can be shorted with supplementation of 3 % of body weight. The discriminant analysis can identify differences between rearing systems based on all carcass traits. This analysis can be used in carcass traceability systems.

This study aimed to assess drip loss measurements in mutton taken by different methods (EZ and bag, BM) and their relationship with pH values and color. Mutton samples originating from 20 ewes of Istrian sheep were used to examine the effect of the method on drip loss after 24 and 48 h. EZ and BM method in mutton do not provide equivalent results for measuring drip loss. Comparisons of the results obtained with different methods should be avoided or at least performed with great precaution.

The objective of the current research was to evaluate genetic relationships among indigenous Turkish Karayaka sheep subpopulations as well as genetic diversity. Our results show a high genetic differentiation among subpopulations, which is quite interesting when considered for only one breed. This differentiation should be taken into consideration when preparing conservation programs and future breeding strategies.

The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition and fatty acid content of the muscle tissues of lambs and adult sheep. The results support the inclusion of dietitian-recommended mutton into the human diet and the promotion of the production of meat from adult animals as a high-value product. The sheep industry could benefit economically, particularly in countries where this meat type has not enjoyed a high standing in consumer preferences.

In order to reveal whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 α (PPARGC1A) gene is involved in the process of milk fat synthesis in buffalo, we analyzed the function and expression of this gene here. The results showed that buffalo PPARGC1A played a key role in the lipid synthesis of mammary gland. Eight SNPs were found in its coding region, of which three were non-synonymous. This study revealed that the PPARGC1A is closely related to buffalo milk fat synthesis.