Transcriptome analysis of sexual dimorphism in dorsal down coloration in goslings.

BACKGROUND: In day-old Hungarian white goose goslings, there is a noticeable difference in dorsal down coloration between males and females, with females having darker dorsal plumage and males having lighter plumage. The ability to autosex day-old goslings based on their dorsal down coloration is important for managing them efficiently and planning their nutrition in the poultry industry. The aim of this study was to determine the biological and genetic factors underlying this difference in dorsal down colorationthrough histological analysis, biochemical assays, transcriptomic profiling, and q‒PCR analysis. RESULTS: Tissue analysis and biochemical assays revealed that compared with males, 17-day-old embryos and day-old goslings of female geese exhibited a greater density of melanin-containing feather follicles and a greater melanin concentration in these follicles during development. Both female and male goslings had lower melanin concentrations in their dorsal skin compared to 17-day-old embryos. Transcriptome analysis identified a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (MC1R, TYR, TYRP1, DCT and MITF) associated with melanogenesis pathways that were downregulated or silenced specifically in the dorsal skin of day-old goslings compared to 17-day-old embryos, affecting melanin synthesis in feather follicles. Additionally, two key genes (MC1R and MITF) associated with feather coloration showed differences between males and females, with females having higher expression levels correlated with increased melanin synthesis and darker plumage. CONCLUSION: The expression of multiple melanogenesis genes determines melanin synthesis in goose feather follicles. The dorsal down coloration of day-old Hungarian white goose goslings shows sexual dimorphism, likely due to differences in the expression of the MC1R and MITF genes between males and females. These results could help us better understand why male and female goslings exhibit different plumage patterns.

Bacillus velezensis strain NA16 shows high poultry feather-degrading efficiency, protease and amino acid production.

Isolated Bacillus velezensis strain NA16, which produces proteases, amino acids and the transcription levels of different keratinolytic enzymes and disulfide reductase genes in whole gene sequencing, was evaluated during feather degradation. The result shows under optimum fermentation conditions, chicken feather fermentation showed total amino acid concentration of 7599 mg/L, degradation efficiency of 99.3% at 72 h, and protease activity of 1058 U/mL and keratinase activity of 288 U/mL at 48 h. Goose feather fermentation showed total amino acid concentration of 4918 mg/L (96 h), and degradation efficiency was 98.9% at 120 h. Chicken feather fermentation broth at 72 h showed high levels of 17 amino acids, particularly phenylalanine (1050 ± 1.90 mg/L), valine (960 ± 1.04 mg/L), and glutamic (950 ± 3.00 mg/L). Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed the essential role of peptide bond cleavage in structural changes and degradation of feathers. Protein purification and zymographic analyses revealed a key role in feather degradation of the 39-kDa protein encoded by gene1031, identified as an S8 family serine peptidase. Whole genome sequencing of NA16 revealed 26 metalloproteinase genes and 22 serine protease genes. Among the proteins, S8 family serine peptidase (gene1031, gene1428) and S9 family peptidase (gene3132) were shown by transcription analysis to play major roles in chicken feather degradation. These findings revealed the transcription levels of different families of keratinolytic enzymes in the degradation of feather keratin by microorganisms, and suggested potential applications of NA16 in feather waste management and amino acid production.

ADPN Regulates Oxidative Stress-Induced Follicular Atresia in Geese by Modulating Granulosa Cell Apoptosis and Autophagy.

Geese are susceptible to oxidative stress during reproduction, which can lead to follicular atresia and impact egg production. Follicular atresia is directly triggered by the apoptosis and autophagy of granulosa cells (GCs). Adiponectin (ADPN), which is secreted by adipose tissue, has good antioxidant and anti-apoptotic capacity, but its role in regulating the apoptosis of GCs in geese is unclear. To investigate this, this study examined the levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in follicular tissues and GCs using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, transcriptomics and other methods. Atretic follicles exhibited high levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis, and autophagic flux was obstructed. Stimulating GCs with H2O2 produced results similar to those of atretic follicles. The effects of ADPN overexpression and knockdown on oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy in GCs were investigated. ADPN was found to modulate autophagy and reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis in GCs, in addition to protecting them from H2O2-induced damage. These results may provide a reasonable reference for improving egg-laying performance of geese.

Integrative and Conjugative Elements and Prophage DNA as Carriers of Resistance Genes in Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Strains from Domestic Geese in Poland.

Goose erysipelas is a serious problem in waterfowl breeding in Poland. However, knowledge of the characteristics of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae strains causing this disease is limited. In this study, the antimicrobial susceptibility and serotypes of four E. rhusiopathiae strains from domestic geese were determined, and their whole-genome sequences (WGSs) were analyzed to detect resistance genes, integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), and prophage DNA. Sequence type and the presence of resistance genes and transposons were compared with 363 publicly available E. rhusiopathiae strains, as well as 13 strains of other Erysipelothrix species. Four strains tested represented serotypes 2 and 5 and the MLST groups ST 4, 32, 242, and 243. Their assembled circular genomes ranged from 1.8 to 1.9 kb with a GC content of 36-37%; a small plasmid was detected in strain 1023. Strains 1023 and 267 were multidrug-resistant. The resistance genes detected in the genome of strain 1023 were erm47, tetM, and lsaE-lnuB-ant(6)-Ia-spw cluster, while strain 267 contained the tetM and ermB genes. Mutations in the gyrA gene were detected in both strains. The tetM gene was embedded in a Tn916-like transposon, which in strain 1023, together with the other resistance genes, was located on a large integrative and conjugative-like element of 130 kb designated as ICEEr1023. A minor integrative element of 74 kb was identified in strain 1012 (ICEEr1012). This work contributes to knowledge about the characteristics of E. rhusiopathiae bacteria and, for the first time, reveals the occurrence of erm47 and ermB resistance genes in strains of this species. Phage infection appears to be responsible for the introduction of the ermB gene into the genome of strain 267, while ICEs most likely play a key role in the spread of the other resistance genes identified in E. rhusiopathiae.

The Development of a Sensitive Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction Test for Quantitative Detection of Goose Astrovirus.

(1) Goose astrovirus (GAstV) is a novel emerging pathogen that causes significant economic losses in waterfowl farming. A convenient, sensitive, and specific detection method for GAstV in field samples is important in order to effectively control GAstV. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a novel, sensitive, good-precision, and absolute quantitation PCR technology which does not require calibration curves. (2) In this study, we developed a ddPCR system for the sensitive and accurate quantification of GAstV using the conserved region of the ORF2 gene. (3) The detection limit of ddPCR was 10 copies/µL, ~28 times greater sensitivity than quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The specificity of the test was determined by the failure of amplification of other avian viruses. Both ddPCR and qPCR tests showed good repeatability and linearity, and the established ddPCR method had high sensitivity and good specificity to GAstV. Clinical sample test results showed that the positive rate of ddPCR (88.89%) was higher than that of qPCR (58.33%). (4) As a result, our results suggest that the newly developed ddPCR method might offer improved analytical sensitivity and specificity in its GAstV measurements. The ddPCR could be widely applied in clinical tests for GAstV infections.

The effect of LINC9137 targeting miR-140-3p-NKAIN3 signal axis on the development of goose testis sertoli cells.

Sertoli cells (SC) are a type of important cells in the testes, which can provide transport proteins, regulatory proteins, growth factors, and other cytokines for the spermatogenic process. They participate in the regulation of the maturation and differentiation of spermatogenic cells and play an important supporting role in the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of germ cells at all levels in the testes. Previous studies found differential expression of LINC9137, miR-140-3p, and Sodium/Potassium Transporting ATPase Interacting 3 (NKAIN3) genesin high and low sperm motility goose testicular tissues. This study investigated the effects of the LINC9137-miR-140-3p-NKAIN3 signal axis on the proliferation and apoptosis of goose testicular sertoli cells at the cellular level, respectively. The results showed that through acridine orange staining, oil red O staining, Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) staining, and RT qPCR assay, it was comprehensively identified that the cultured testicular sertoli cells were purified in vitro. Through the dual luciferase activity detection test, it was found that LINC9137 has a targeted binding site with miR-140-3p and NKAIN3. In addition, this study found that overexpression of miR-140-3p significantly inhibited the expression of LINC9137 and NKAIN3 in sertoli cells, and their expression was significantly increased when miR-140-3p was interfered with. By measuring cell proliferation activity and apoptosis related gene expression, it was found that overexpression of LINC9137 decreased cell proliferation activity (P > 0.05), while the expression level of apoptosis factor Bcl2 Associated X Protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2) increased (P > 0.05). On the contrary, when interfering with LINC9137, the cell proliferation activity of sertoli cells was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the expression level of apoptosis factor Bax/Bcl2 was significantly reduced (P < 0.05); The effect of miR-140-3p on the proliferation and apoptosis of sertoli cells is opposite to that of LINC9137. Meanwhile, this study co transfected overexpressed LINC9137 and miR-140-3p plasmids into sertoli cells, and found that the effect of LINC9137 overexpression on supporting cell proliferation was weakened by miR-140-3p. This study elucidates the role and function of the LINC9137 miR-140-3p-NKAIN3 signaling axis in the development of goose testes and spermatogenesis, establishes a regulatory network related to spermatogenesis, and provides a theoretical basis for studying the genetic regulation of goose spermatogenesis.

Repeatability and reproducibility of hunter-harvest sampling for avian influenza virus surveillance in Great Britain.

Emerging pathogens can threaten human and animal health, necessitating reliable surveillance schemes to enable preparedness. We evaluated the repeatability and reproducibility of a method developed previously during a single year at one study site. Hunter-harvested ducks and geese were sampled for avian influenza virus at three discrete locations in the UK. H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) was detected in four species (mallard [Anas platyrhynchos], Eurasian teal [Anas crecca], Eurasian wigeon [Mareca penelope] and pink-footed goose [Anser brachyrhynchus]) across all three locations and two non-HPAIV H5N1, influenza A positive detections were made from a mallard and Eurasian wigeon at two locations. Virus was detected within 1-to-4 days of sampling at every location. Application of rapid diagnostic methods to samples collected from hunter-harvested waterfowl offers potential as an early warning system for the surveillance and monitoring of emerging and existing strains of avian influenza A viruses in key avian species.

Protein profile analysis of Jilin white goose testicles at different stages of the laying cycle by DIA strategy.

BACKGROUND: Jilin white goose is an excellent local breed in China, with a high annual egg production and laying eggs mainly from February to July each year. The testis, as the only organ that can produce sperm, can affect the sexual maturity and fecundity of male animals. Its growth and development are affected and regulated by a variety of factors. Proteomics is generally applied to identify and quantify proteins in cells and tissues in order to understand the physiological or pathological changes that occur in tissues or cells under specific conditions. Currently, the female poultry reproductive system has been extensively studied, while few related studies focusing on the regulatory mechanism of the reproductive system of male poultry have been conducted. RESULTS: A total of 1753 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were generated in which there were 594, 391 and 768 different proteins showing differential expression in three stages, Initial of Laying Cycle (ILC), Peak of Laying Cycle (PLC) and End of Laying Cycle (ELC). Furthermore, bioinformatics was used to analyze the DEPs. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment, Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were adopted. All DEPs were found to be implicated in multiple biological processes and pathways associated with testicular development, such as renin secretion, Lysosomes, SNARE interactions in vesicle trafficking, the p53 signaling pathway and pathways related to metabolism. Additionally, the reliability of transcriptome results was verified by real-time quantitative PCR by selecting the transcript abundance of 6 selected DEPs at the three stages of the laying cycle. CONCLUSIONS: The funding in this study will provide critical insight into the complex molecular mechanisms and breeding practices underlying the developmental characteristics of testicles in Jilin white goose.

Transcriptome Profiling Unveils Key Genes Regulating the Growth and Development of Yangzhou Goose Knob.

Goose is one of the most economically valuable poultry species and has a distinct appearance due to its possession of a knob. A knob is a hallmark of sexual maturity in goose (Anser cygnoides) and plays crucial roles in artificial selection, health status, social signaling, and body temperature regulation. However, the genetic mechanisms influencing the growth and development of goose knobs remain completely unclear. In this study, histomorphological and transcriptomic analyses of goose knobs in D70, D120, and D300 Yangzhou geese revealed differential changes in tissue morphology during the growth and development of goose knobs and the key core genes that regulate goose knob traits. Observation of tissue sections revealed that as age increased, the thickness of the knob epidermis, cuticle, and spinous cells gradually decreased. Additionally, fat cells in the dermis and subcutaneous connective tissue transitioned from loose to dense. Transcriptome sequencing results, analyzed through differential expression, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and pattern expression analysis methods, showed D70-vs.-D120 (up-regulated: 192; down-regulated: 423), D70-vs.-D300 (up-regulated: 1394; down-regulated: 1893), and D120-vs.-D300 (up-regulated: 1017; down-regulated: 1324). A total of 6243 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, indicating varied expression levels across the three groups in the knob tissues of D70, D120, and D300 Yangzhou geese. These DEGs are significantly enriched in biological processes (BP) such as skin morphogenesis, the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation, and epidermal cell differentiation. Furthermore, they demonstrate enrichment in pathways related to goose knob development, including ECM-receptor interaction, NF-kappa B, and PPAR signaling. Through pattern expression analysis, three gene expression clusters related to goose knob traits were identified. The joint analysis of candidate genes associated with goose knob development and WGCNA led to the identification of key core genes influencing goose knob development. These core genes comprise WNT4, WNT10A, TCF7L2, GATA3, ADRA2A, CASP3, SFN, KDF1, ERRFI1, SPRY1, and EVPL. In summary, this study provides a reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of goose knob growth and development and provides effective ideas and methods for the genetic improvement of goose knob traits.

Effects of Goose Astrovirus Type 2 Infection on Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte and Macrophage Activity In Vitro.

Goose astrovirus type 2 (GAstV-2) is a novel pathogen causing visceral gout in goslings; it not only causes necrosis of renal epithelial cells but also causes spleen damage, indicating that GAstV-2 induces immunosuppression in goslings. However, to date, the interaction between GAstV-2 and immune cells remains unclear. In this study, peripheral blood lymphocytes and macrophages were isolated from goslings without GAstV-2 infection and then inoculated in vitro with GAstV-2, and the virus localization in the lymphocytes and macrophages, proliferation and apoptosis of lymphocytes, and phagocytic activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, and cell polarity in macrophages were determined. The results showed that GAstV-2 was observed in the cytoplasm of CD4 and CD8 T cells and macrophages, indicating that GAstV-2 can infect both lymphocytes and macrophages. GAstV-2 infection reduced the lymphocyte proliferation induced by Concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide stimulation and increased the lymphocyte apoptosis rate and mRNA expression of Fas, demonstrating that GAstV-2 causes damage to lymphocytes. Moreover, GAstV-2 infection enhanced phagocytic activity and production of ROS and NO and induced a proinflammatory phenotype in macrophages (M1 macrophages), indicating that macrophages play an antiviral role during GAstV-2 infection. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that GAstV-2 infection causes damages to lymphocytes, and host macrophages inhibit GAstV-2 invasion during infection.

Isolation, Identification, and Pathogenicity of a Goose Astrovirus Genotype 1 Strain in Goslings in China.

Goose astrovirus genotype 1 (GAstV-1) has emerged in goose farms in some provinces of China in recent years and is considered to be one of the pathogens of gout in goslings in China. However, few studies have been conducted on the dynamic distribution, tissue tropism, and pathogenesis of GAstV-1 in goslings. In 2022, an epidemiological investigation of goose astrovirus (GAstV) in goslings was conducted in seven provinces of China. During the investigation, a GAstV-1 designated as GAstV-JSXZ was identified in the kidney of an 8-day-old gosling and was successfully isolated from a goose embryo. The full genome sequence of GAstV-JSXZ was determined using the next-generation sequencing technique. The complete genome of GAstV-JSXZ was 7299-nt-long. Interestingly, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that Chinese GAstV-1 has formed two distinct subgroups based on the ORF 2 genomes, designated GAstV-1 1a and GAstV-1 1b. The GAstV-JSXZ shared the highest identity with GAstV-1 1a strain FLX and TZ03 in nucleotides (ORF1a: 98.3-98.4%; ORF1b: 92.3-99.1%; ORF2: 95.8-98.8%) and amino acid sequences (ORF1a: 99.4-99.5%; ORF1b: 98.2-98.8%; ORF2: 97.0-99.4%). To evaluate the pathogenicity of GAstV-1, 1-day-old goslings were inoculated with the virus by oral and subcutaneous injection routes, respectively. The results revealed that the virus causes extensive pathological organ damage, especially in the kidney, liver, and thymus. Virus-specific genomic RNA could be detected in the cloacal swabs and tissues of infected goslings throughout the experiment. The viral copy numbers examined in the kidney and intestine were the highest, followed by the liver and spleen. These results are likely to provide a new understanding of the pathogenicity of GAstV-1 in geese.

Effect of different sous-vide cooking temperature-time combinations on the functional and sensory properties of goose meat.

The effect of goose meat sous-vide (SV) cooking at 6 combinations of temperature (60°C, 80°C) and time (4, 6, 12h) on selected functional properties was investigated. The study conducted an assessment of cooking loss (CL), moisture content, pH, longitudinal (LS), and transverse (TS) shrinkage, shear force (SF), texture profile analysis (TPA), color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C, h°), ΔE and carried out sensory evaluation. A total of 168 breast muscles (BM with and without skin) from 17-wk-old "Polish oat geese" were utilized. The CL was affected by both cooking temperature and time. The CL for meat with skin was higher than for without ones, and it was lower for both kinds of meat cooked at 60°C than at 80°C for all cooking times. The LS was higher than the TS. The higher shrinkage was stated for meat cooked at 80°C. There was a reduction in moisture content and slightly increasing pH by increasing temperature and prolonging cooking time. For both kinds of meat, the highest moisture retention was stated at 60°C/4h, and the lowest in samples heated at 80°C/12h. The samples cooked at 60°C were characterized by a higher L* value than those at 80°C. The a* values were higher for samples cooked at 60°C than those at 80°C, whereas b* were higher for meat cooked at 80°C. The SF exhibited a trend of lower values at 60°C compared to samples cooked at 80°C and it increased with prolonged cooking time. The value of hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness for meat cooked at 60°C increased, and for samples cooked at 80°C decreased with increasing cooking time. It was no significant differences in sensory scores for overall palatability for both kinds of meat cooked at 60°C and 80°C. Goose meat cooked at different time and temperature combinations showed extremely desirable overall palatability. Taking into account all discussed parameters, the optimal combination seems to be 60°C/4h.

Effects of fermented cottonseed meal inclusions on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism of geese during 28-70 d of age.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of solid-state fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) inclusion levels on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism in geese from 28 to 70 d of age. A total of 288 twenty-eight-d-old male geese were randomly divided into 4 treatments with FCSM levels of 0, 5, 15 and 25% including 0, 22.74, 67.33, 111.27 mg FG/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment contained 6 replicates and 12 birds per replicate. Treatments of FCSM inclusions from 0 to 25% had no effect on growth rate and feed intake in geese during d 28 to 70. The F/G ratio was increased (P < 0.05) in geese fed the diet with 25% FCSM compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Treatment with 25% FCSM levels had no effect on the contents of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, but increased (P < 0.05) AST and ALT activities in serum of geese at d 70. Treatment with 25% FCSM increased the contents of FG, HDL-C, TC, C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and PUFA and decreased (P < 0.05) the contents of NEFA, SFA, MUFA in liver compared with treatment of 0% FCSM inclusion. Additionally, treatment with 25% FCSM decreased (P < 0.05) the PPARα, AMPK, and LXR mRNA expression related to lipid deposition, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARγ and ACC mRNA expression related to lipolysis in liver compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Overall, treatment with 0 to 15% FCSM (<=67.33 mg FG/kg diet) had no adverse effects on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of geese. However, treatment fed 25% FCSM (111.27 mg FG/kg diet) decreased feed efficiency and promoted hepatic lipid deposition associated with the alteration of related gene expression in geese at 28 to 70 d of age.

Early manifestation of hypophosphatemic rickets in goslings: a potential role of insufficient muscular adenosine triphosphate in motility impairment of early P-deficient geese.

We aimed to determine the onset time of hypophosphatemic rickets and investigate the mechanism of motility impairment through adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in goslings. Two hundred and sixteen 1-day-old male Jiangnan white geese were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 6 replicates and 12 geese per replicate. Birds were fed on 3 diets: a control diet (nonphytic phosphorus, NPP, 0.38%), a P-deficient diet (PD; NPP, 0.08%), and a high P diet (HP; NPP, 0.80%) for 14 d. Subsequently, all birds were shifted to the control diet for an additional 14 d. The cumulative incidence of lameness increased significantly (P < 0.01) starting on d 4, reaching over 80% on d 7 and 100% on d 12 in the PD group. Drinking and eating frequency decreased from d 4 and d 5, respectively, in the PD group compared to the other groups (most P < 0.01). The PD group exhibited shorter and narrower beaks, higher (worse) curvature scores of the beak and costochondral junctions, swelling caput costae, and dirtier feathers since d 4, in contrast to the control and HP groups (most P < 0.01). The HP had bigger (P < 0.05) beak and sternum sizes than the control groups on d 4 to 11. Leg muscle ATP levels were lower (P < 0.01 or 0.05) on d 4 to 11; in contrast, adenosine diphosphate (d 7-11) was higher in PD compared to the control (P < 0.05). Leg muscle ATP level had positive linear (R2 > 0.40) correlations (r > 0.60) with eating and drinking frequencies on d 7 and 11 (P < 0.01). Bone stiffness, feather cleanliness, and ATP levels recovered (P > 0.05) to the control level, whereas bone size did not recover (P < 0.05) in PD and HP after eating the control diet for 2 wk. The onset time of hypophosphatemic rickets was around 4 d in goslings, and insufficient leg muscle ATP was related to the impaired motility observed in early P-deficient geese.

Phosphate type dependent phosphorylation on the interfacial and emulsion stabilizing behaviors of goose liver protein: Perspective of protein charging.

Elucidation on the emulsifying behaviors of goose liver protein (GLP) from interfacial perspective was scarce when protein charging was altered. This work aimed to elucidate the role of phosphorylation on the interfacial associative interaction and then emulsion stabilizing properties of GLP using three structurally relevant phosphates of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium pyrophosphate (TSPP). A monotonic increment of protein charging treated from STMP, STPP to TSPP caused progressively increased particle de-aggregation, surface hydrophobicity and structural flexibility of GLP. Compared with STMP and TSPP, STPP phosphorylation rendered the most strengthened interfacial equilibrium pressure (11.98 ± 0.24 mN/m) due to sufficient unfolding but moderated charging character conveyed. Desorption curve and interfacial protein microstructure indicated that STPP phosphorylation caused the highest interfacial connectivity between proteins adsorbed onto the same droplet, as was also verified by interfacial elastic modulus (10.3 ± 0.21 mN/m). STPP treated GLP also yielded lowest droplet size (8.16 ± 0.10 µm), flocculation (8.18%) and Turbiscan stability index (8.78 ± 0.36) of emulsion but most improved microrheological properties. Overall, phosphorylation functioned itself in fortifying the intradroplet protein-protein interaction but restraining the interdroplet aggregation, and STPP phosphorylation endowed the protein with most enhanced interfacial stabilization and emulsifying efficiency.

Rapid detection of goose megrivirus using TaqMan real-time PCR technology.

The aim of this study was to develop an efficient and accurate platform for the detection of the newly identified goose megrivirus (GoMV). To achieve this goal, we developed a TaqMan real-time PCR technology for the rapid detection and identification of GoMV. Our data showed that the established TaqMan real-time PCR assay had high sensitivity, with the lowest detection limit of 67.3 copies/µL. No positive signal can be observed from other goose origin viruses (including AIV, GPV, GoCV, GHPyV, and GoAstV), with strong specificity. The coefficients of variation of repeated intragroup and intergroup tests were all less than 1.5%, with excellent repeatability. Clinical sample investigation data from domestic Minbei White geese firstly provided evidence that GoMV can be transmitted both horizontally and vertically. In conclusion, since the TaqMan real-time PCR method has high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, it can be a useful candidate tool for GoMV epidemiological investigation.

Parental betaine supplementation promotes gosling growth with epigenetic modulation of IGF gene family in the liver.

Betaine is widely used as a feed additive in the chicken industry to promote laying performance and growth performance, yet it is unknown whether betaine can be used in geese to improve the laying performance of goose breeders and the growth traits of offspring goslings. In this study, laying goose breeders at 39 wk of age were fed basal (Control, CON) or betaine-supplemented diets at low (2.5 g/kg, LBT) or high (5 g/kg, HBT) levels for 7 wk, and the breeder eggs laid in the last week were collected for incubation. Offspring goslings were examined at 35 and 63 d of age. The laying rate tended to be increased (P = 0.065), and the feed efficiency of the breeders was improved by betaine supplementation, while the average daily gain of the offspring goslings was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) in serum and liver were significantly increased in the HBT group (P < 0.05), with age-dependent alterations of serum T3 levels. Concurrently, hepatic mRNA expression of the IGF gene family was significantly increased in goslings derived from betaine-treated breeders (P < 0.05). A higher ratio of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-immunopositive nuclei was found in the liver sections of the HBT group, which was confirmed by significantly upregulated hepatic expression of PCNA mRNA and protein (P < 0.05). Moreover, hepatic expression of thyroxine deiodinase type 1 (Dio1) and thyroid hormone receptor ß (TRß) was also significantly upregulated in goslings of the HBT group (P < 0.05). These changes were associated with significantly higher levels of global DNA 5-mC methylation, together with increased expression of methyl transfer genes (P < 0.05), including betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), and DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). The promoter regions of IGF-2 genes, as well as the predicted TRß binding site on the IGF-2 gene, were significantly hypomethylated (P < 0.05). These results indicate that gosling growth can be improved by dietary betaine supplementation in goose breeders via epigenetic modulation of the IGF gene family, especially IGF-2, in the liver.

The goose industry plays important roles in economics, cultures, and ecosystems, yet the low laying and growth rates of many indigenous breeds hinders the development of the goose farming. Betaine, an important methyl donor, is commonly used as a feed additive in livestock and poultry to enhance animal growth. Dietary supplementation of betaine in laying hens or gestational sows has been reported to promote the growth of their offspring. Here, we sought to investigate whether and how dietary betaine supplementation affects the growth and development of offspring goslings. In this study, goose breeders, both male and female, were fed a basal diet supplemented respectively with 0, 2.5, or 5 g/kg betaine for 7 wk. Goslings hatched from the breeder eggs of different groups were raised under the same standard condition for assessing the growth performance. Parental betaine increases the growth rate of offspring goslings with decreased DNA methylation on the IGF-2 gene promoter and increased expression of the IGF-2 gene in the liver. These results provide scientific evidence for the inter-generational effect of betaine on gosling growth.

Effects of dietary Artemisia annua supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and gut microbiota of geese.

This experiment aimed to study the effect of 1% Artemisia annua added to the diet on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity and intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota of geese. Seventy-two 35-day-old male geese (Zi goose) with similar body weight were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. Each treatment group of 36 geese was divided into 6 subgroups, each having 6 male geese. The experiment lasted for 21 d. Control group (CON) was fed a basal diet and the experimental group (AAL) was fed a basal diet + 1% Artemisia annua. BW, ADG, and ADFI of the AAL group increased (p < 0.05) and the FCR decreased (p < 0.05) compared with the CON group. The addition of Artemisia annua to the diet increased catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities, increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum and jejunum of geese (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, serum IgA, IgG, IgM, and lysozyme (LZM), increased at different time points in the AAL group compared to the CON group (p < 0.05), and decrease in the content of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) , IL-6 (p < 0.05), but no effect on complement C3 and C4. Morphological observation of the small intestine showed that the jejunal crypt depth was decreased in the AAL group (p < 0.05) while elevating the jejunal villus height/crypt depth (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing results showed the Artemisia annua increased the diversity of cecum microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Fecalibacterium, and Paraprevotella. In conclusion, the addition of 1% Artemisia annua to the diet could improve the growth performance, antioxidant and immune ability of geese, as well as improve the development of the jejunum intestinal tract of geese, and change the structure of the cecum microbiota, which had a positive effect on the growth and development of geese. Artemisia annua can be further developed as a feed additive.

Molecular characterization of a virulent goose astrovirus genotype-2 with high mortality in vitro and in vivo.

Goose astrovirus (GAstV) is a newly identified viral pathogen threatening waterfowl, exhibiting a high prevalence across various regions in China. Notably, the Guanghan District of Deyang City, situated in Sichuan Province, has faced a outbreak of GAstV, resulting in significant mortality among goslings due to the induction of gout-like symptoms. In our research, we successfully isolated a GAstV strain known as GAstV SCG3. This strain exhibits efficient replication capabilities, proving virulent in goslings and goose embryos. Our study delved into the characteristics of GAstV SCG3 both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we examined tissue phagocytosis and the distribution of GAstV SCG3 in deceased goslings using H&E staining and IHC techniques. According to the classification established by the ICTV, GAstV SCG3 falls under the category of GAstV genotype-2. Notably, it demonstrates the highest homology with the published AHAU5 sequences, reaching an impressive 98%. Furthermore, our findings revealed that GAstV SCG3 exhibits efficient proliferation exclusively in goose embryos and in LMH cells, while not manifesting in seven other types of avian and mammalian cells. Significantly, the mortality of GAstV on goslings and goose embryos are 93.1 and 80%, respectively. Moreover, the viral load in the livers of infected goslings surpasses that in the kidneys when compared with the attenuated strain GAstV SCG2. The mortality of GAstV is usually between 20% and 50%, our study marks the first report of a virulent GAstV strain with such a high mortality.