Integrated Lipidomics and Transcriptomics Analyses Reveal Key Regulators of Fat Deposition in Different Adipose Tissues of Geese (Anser cygnoides).

The fat deposition of different adipose tissues is widely recognized as correlated, with distinct effects on meat quality traits and reproductive performance in poultry. In this study, we utilized lipidomics and transcriptomics analyses to investigate the heterogeneity and regulators of intramuscular fat (IMF), abdominal fat (AF), and subcutaneous fat (SF) in geese. Lipidomic profiling revealed 165, 129, and 77 differential lipid molecules (DLMs) between AF vs. IMF, SF vs. IMF, and SF vs. AF, respectively, with 47 common DLMs identified between AF vs. IMF and SF vs. IMF. Transcriptomic analysis identified 3369, 5758, and 131 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AF vs. IMF, SF vs. IMF, and SF vs. AF, respectively, with 2510 common DEGs identified between AF vs. IMF and SF vs. IMF. The KEGG results indicate that DLMs were predominantly enriched in glycerophospholipid and glycerolipid metabolism pathways, while DEGs were primarily enriched in metabolic pathways. Pearson correlation analysis identified FABP4, LPL, PLCB1, DSE, and PDE5A as potential factors influencing fat deposition. This study elucidates the heterogeneity and regulatory factors of different adipose tissues in geese, offering new insights for targeted improvements in goose meat quality and production efficiency.

Temporal variation characteristics of microbial aerosols in the goose house environment.

1. Preventing disease is important in poultry production systems, but this has mainly been studied in chickens. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of microbial aerosols in intensive goose house environments.2. To evaluate the environmental quality of geese housing, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was collected using an ambient air particulate matter sampler. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyse bacterial diversity and relative abundance. Results showed that the number of general and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were 1,578 and 19 112 in all PM2.5 samples. Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Acidobacterota were the four most abundant phyla in PM2.5.3. Compared with bacterial phyla in the PM2.5 from chicken houses, those in the genus Acidobacterota were increased in goose housing. There are various genera of bacteria present in PM2.5, and their composition was similar across different samples. No significant change was observed in the diversity of microbiota in the PM2.5, although multiple pathogenic bacteria were detected.4. A prediction function showed that a variety of bacterial phyla correlated positively with the human diseases.5. In summary, the microbial aerosols in the goose shed pose significant risks to the health of the geese. Regular monitoring of the composition of microbial aerosols is important for the healthy growth of geese and disease prevention and control.

Geese as reservoirs of human colon cancer-associated Streptococcus gallolyticus.

Recently, an increased number of reports have described pathogens of animal origin that cause a variety of infections and a rise in their transmission to humans. Streptococcus gallolyticus, a member of the Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC), is one of these pathogens and infects a wide range of hosts from mammals to poultry and has a broad functionality ranging from pathogenicity to food fermentation. As S. gallolyticus causes complications including bacteremia, infective endocarditis, and colorectal malignancy in humans, it is important to investigate its occurrence in various hosts, including geese, to prevent potential zoonotic transmissions. This study aimed to investigate the presence of S. gallolyticus in the droppings of clinically healthy and diarrheic geese, which were raised intensively and semi-intensively, by the in vitro culture method, characterize the isolates recovered by PCR and sequence-based molecular methods and determine their antibiotic susceptibility by the disk diffusion and gradient test methods. For this purpose, 150 samples of fresh goose droppings were used. Culture positivity for S. gallolyticus was determined as 8% (12/150). PCR analysis identified 54.55% (n = 6) of the isolates as S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus and 45.45% (n = 5) as S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. Following the 16S rRNA sequence and ERIC-PCR analyses, S. gallolyticus subspecies exhibited identical cluster and band profiles that could be easily distinguished from each other and were clonally identified. High rates of susceptibility to florfenicol, penicillin, rifampicin, and vancomycin were detected among the isolates, regardless of the subspecies diversity. Both subspecies showed high levels of resistance to bacitracin, clindamycin, doxycycline, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and erythromycin and multiple MDR profiles, indicating their potential to become superbugs. This first report from Türkiye demonstrates the occurrence of the S. gallolyticus subspecies in geese. In view of the recent increase of geese production and the consumption of goose meat in Türkiye, the occurrence of S. gallolyticus in geese should not be ignored to prevent zoonotic transmission.

Isolation and identification of specific Enterococcus faecalis phage C-3 and G21-7 against Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli and its application to one-day-old geese.

Colibacillosis caused by Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), including peritonitis, respiratory tract inflammation and ovaritis, is recognized as one of the most common and economically destructive bacterial diseases in poultry worldwide. In this study, the characteristics and inhibitory potential of phages were investigated by double-layer plate method, transmission electron microscopy, whole genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and animal experiments. The results showed that phages C-3 and G21-7 isolated from sewage around goose farms infected multiple O serogroups (O1, O2, O18, O78, O157, O26, O145, O178, O103 and O104) Escherichia coli (E.coli) with a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10 and 1, respectively. According to the one-step growth curve, the incubation time of both bacteriophage C-3 and G21-7 was 10 min. Sensitivity tests confirmed that C-3 and G21-6 are stable at 4 to 50 °C and pH in the range of 4 to 11. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis, phages C-3 and G21-7 belong to Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) phage species of the genus Saphexavirus of Herelleviridae family. According to genomic analysis, phage C-3 and G21-7 were 58,097 bp and 57,339 bp in size, respectively, with G+C content of 39.91% and 39.99%, encoding proteins of 97 CDS (105 to 3,993 bp) and 96 CDS (105 to 3,993 bp), and both contained 2 tRNAs. Both phages contained two tail proteins and holin-endolysin system coding genes, and neither carried resistance genes nor virulence factors. Phage mixture has a good safety profile and has shown good survival probability and feed efficiency in both treatment and prophylaxis experiments with one-day-old goslings. These results suggest that phage C-3 and G21-7 can be used as potential antimicrobials for the prevention and treatment of APEC.

Molecular and transcriptomic analysis of the ovary during laying and brooding stages in Zhedong white geese (Anser cygnoides domesticus).

1. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms affecting brooding in Zhedong white geese by examining differences in reproductive endocrine levels, ovarian histology and transcriptomics.2. Twenty 18-month-old Zhedong white geese were selected to examine their ovaries using histological, biochemical, molecular biological, and high-throughput sequencing techniques during the laying and brooding periods.3. The results showed that the number of atretic follicles and apoptotic cells in the ovaries increased significantly (p < 0.05), the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone and oestradiol decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and the level of prolactin increased significantly (p < 0.01) during the brooding stage.4. In broody geese, the expression of CASP3, CASP9, P53, BAX, and Cyt-c were considerably higher (p < 0.05), but BCL2 expression was significantly lower (p < 0.05).5. In ovarian tissues, 260 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 13 differentially expressed miRNA and 60 differentially expressed mRNA were all discovered using transcriptome sequencing analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed mRNA and non-coding RNA target genes were primarily involved in ECM-receptor interaction, cell adhesion, cardiac muscle contraction, mTOR signalling, and the calcium signalling pathway.6. In conclusion, follicular atrophy and apoptosis occurred in the ovaries and serum reproductive hormone levels were significantly changed during the brooding period of Zhedong white geese. COL3A1, COL1A2, GRIA1, RNF152, miR-192, and miR-194 may be important candidates for the regulation of brooding behaviour, with the mTOR signalling pathway playing a key role.

Disposition kinetics and tissue residues of tilmicosin following intravenous, subcutaneous, single and multiple oral dosing in geese (Anser anser domesticus).

Tilmicosin (TMC), a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic, is widely used in veterinary medicine due to its broad-spectrum, bacteriostatic properties. Frequently administered in various birds species, it is likely used off-label in geese as well. The study sought to investigate TMC's pharmacokinetics, tissue residues, in geese through in vivo experiments. The study involved longitudinal open studies on 15 healthy adult males, with three phases separated by one-month washout periods. Geese were administered TMC through intravenous (IV, 5 mg/kg), subcutaneous (SC, 10 mg/kg), and oral (PO, 25 mg/kg for five consecutive days) routes, with blood samples drawn at specific intervals. Tissue samples were also collected for subsequent analysis at pre-assigned times. TMC in goose plasma was quantified by a fully validated HPLC method. Plasma concentrations were quantified up to 4 hr for the PO and IV routes, and up to 10 hr in the SC route. Significant variations in bioavailability were observed between SC (87%) and PO (4%) routes. The body extraction ratio was low at 0.03, suggesting minimal ability of the liver and kidneys to eliminate TMC. Multiple oral doses showed no plasma accumulation, but tissue data revealed extensive distribution and prolonged residence, up to 120 h, suggesting a sustained therapeutic effect despite the brief plasma half-life. Regarding the multiple PO doses, provisional withdrawal times of 6, 7.5, and 8 days were suggested for the liver, muscles, and kidneys, respectively, according to the MRL set for these matrices in chickens by EMA. In conclusion, while the practical oral administration is discouraged at the population level, SC administration of TMC may be appropriate for geese, albeit impractical for flock therapy.

The DNA methylation status of the vitamin A signaling associated with testicular degeneration induced by long-day photoperiods in Magang geese.

Magang geese are typical short-day breeders whose reproductive behaviors are significantly influenced by photoperiod. Exposure to a long-day photoperiod results in testicular regression and spermatogenesis arrest in Magang geese. To investigate the epigenetic influence of DNA methylation on the seasonal testicular regression in Magang geese, we conducted whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and transcriptome sequencing of testes across 3 reproductive phases during a long-day photoperiod. A total of 250,326 differentially methylated regions (DMR) were identified among the 3 comparison groups, with a significant number showing hypermethylation, especially in intronic regions of the genome. Integrating bisulfite sequencing with transcriptome sequencing data revealed that DMR-associated genes tend to be differentially expressed in the testes, highlighting a potential regulatory role for DNA methylation in gene expression. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between changes in the methylation of CG DMRs and changes in the expression of their associated genes in the testes. A total of 3,359 DMR-associated differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified; functional enrichment analyses revealed that motor proteins, MAPK signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, phagosome, TGF-beta signaling pathway, and calcium signaling might contribute to the testicular regression process. GSEA revealed that the significantly enriched activated hallmark gene set was associated with apoptosis and estrogen response during testicular regression, while the repressed hallmark gene set was involved in spermatogenesis. Our study also revealed that methylation changes significantly impacted the expression level of vitamin A metabolism-related genes during testicular degeneration, with hypermethylation of STRA6 and increased calmodulin levels indicating vitamin A efflux during the testicular regression. These findings were corroborated by pyrosequencing and real-time qPCR, which revealed that the vitamin A metabolic pathway plays a pivotal role in testicular degeneration under long-day conditions. Additionally, metabolomics analysis revealed an insufficiency of vitamin A and an abnormally high level of oxysterols accumulated in the testes during testicular regression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that testicular degeneration in Magang geese induced by a long-day photoperiod is linked to vitamin A homeostasis disruption, which manifests as the hypermethylation status of STRA6, vitamin A efflux, and a high level of oxysterol accumulation. These findings offer new insights into the effects of DNA methylation on the seasonal testicular regression that occurs during long-day photoperiods in Magang geese.

Potential regulator of meat quality in geese: C1QTNF1 implications on cell proliferation and muscle growth.

Goose creates important economic value depending on their enrich nutrients of meat. Our previous study investigates potential candidate genes associated with variations in meat quality between Xianghai Flying (XHF) Goose and Zi Goose through genomic and transcriptome integrated analysis. Screening of 5 differential expression candidate genes related to muscle development identified by the FST, XP-EHH and RNA-seq in breast muscle from various geese. Among them, C1QTNF1 (C1q and TNF related protein 1), a gene of unknown function in goose, which observed mutations in coding sequence regions in sequencing data. Its function was explored after overexpression and knockdown which designed depending on the genetic sequence of the goose, respectively. Results showed that over-expression of C1QTNF1 significantly enhances cell proliferation and viability. In addition, the expression levels of the fusion marker gene Myomaker and the differentiation marker gene MyoD are significantly upregulated in cells. Knock-down C1QTNF1 leads to down regulated Myomaker and MyoD which involved muscle formation. But, the expression level of muscle atrophy marker MuRF is not significantly changed among different transfection groups. Since protein structures and interactions are closely related to their functions, we further analyzed the C1QTNF1 for physicochemical properties, structural predictions, protein interactions and homology. It can be reasonably inferred that C1QTNF1 has a similar effect to collagen, which may affect muscle development. In summary, we first speculate that C1QTNF1 may play an important regulatory role in muscle growth and development and thereby contributes to the further understanding of the genetic mechanisms that underlie meat quality traits of goose.

Identification of potential candidate genes for the Huoyan trait in developing Wulong goose embryos by transcriptomic analysis.

1. The Wulong goose is a Chinese breed and a source of high-quality meat and eggs. A characteristic of the Wulong goose is that a proportion of the birds do not have eyelids, known as the Huoyon trait.2. Wulong geese exhibiting the Huoyan trait at embryonic stages of 9 days (E9), 12 days (E12) and 14 days (E14) were selected alongside those with normal eyelids for comprehensive transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) and functional enrichment analyses were performed and finally, eight DEG were chosen to verify the accuracy of qPCR sequencing.3. Overall, 466, 962 and 550 DEG were obtained from the three control groups, D9 vs. N9, D12 vs. N12 and D14 vs. N14, respectively, by differential analysis (p < 0.05). CDKN1C, CRH, CROCC and TYSND1 were significantly expressed in the three groups. Enrichment analysis revealed the enrichment of CROCC and TYSND1 in pathways of cell cycle process, endocytosis, microtubule-based process, microtubule organising centre organisation, protein processing and protein maturation. CDKN1C and CRH were enriched in the cell cycle and cAMP signalling pathway.4. Some collagen family genes were detected among the DEGs, including COL3A1, COL4A5, COL4A2 and COL4A1. FREM1 and FREM2 genes were detected in both Huoyan and normal eyelids. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in FREM1 expression between ED9 and ED14 in female embryos, but this difference was not observed in male embryos.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Pasteurella multocida Isolates from Clinical Cases of Waterfowl in Hungary between 2022 and 2023.

The waterfowl industry represents a narrow, yet economically significant, sector within the poultry industry. Although less prominent, the waterfowl sector is nonetheless of equal importance to any other livestock sector in terms of antimicrobial resistance and animal health issues. This study assesses the antimicrobial resistance profile of Pasteurella multocida bacterial strains isolated from clinical cases in Hungary's duck and goose populations, determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 27 samples collected from 15 different locations. The results indicate that the isolated strains were susceptible to most antibiotics, except for notable resistance to enrofloxacin. These findings support that Pasteurella multocida largely retained its susceptibility. However, the observed resistance to enrofloxacin suggests overuse of fluoroquinolones, which indicates the potential need for stricter regulation of their use in the poultry industry.

Comparative transcriptomic analyses reveal key genes underlying melanin distribution during embryonic development in geese (Anser anser).

1. Melanin distribution typically exhibits a gradient dilution along the dorsal-ventral axis of the body, including in domestic geese. However, the specific genes and molecular mechanisms responsible for this melanin distribution pattern remain incompletely understood.2. The transcriptomic comparisons were conducted at three embryonic stages, specifically on embryonic d 15 (E15), 22 (E22), and 29 (E29), between the pigmented dorsal skin and the depigmented distal foot.3. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with melanin synthesis were identified, particularly TYR, TYRP1, and EDNRB2, which exhibited significantly higher expression levels in the dorsal skin at E15 and E22. However, expression levels significantly decreased in later stages (E29).4. The ASIP gene showed remarkably high-expression levels in the distal feet compared to the dorsal skin post-E22 stage (log2FC: 5.31/6.88 at E22/E29). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis detected eight terms associated with melanin synthesis and melanosome formation (p < 0.05), including melanosome membrane (GO: 0033162) and melanin biosynthetic process (GO: 0042438). Additionally, KEGG pathway analysis showed significant enrichment of the melanogenesis pathway (hsa004916) at d 22 (E22).

Where east meets west: Phylogeography of the high Arctic North American brant goose.

Genetic variation in Arctic species is often influenced by vicariance during the Pleistocene, as ice sheets fragmented the landscape and displaced populations to low- and high-latitude refugia. The formation of secondary contact or suture zones during periods of ice sheet retraction has important consequences on genetic diversity by facilitating genetic connectivity between formerly isolated populations. Brant geese (Branta bernicla) are a maritime migratory waterfowl (Anseriformes) species that almost exclusively uses coastal habitats. Within North America, brant geese are characterized by two phenotypically distinct subspecies that utilize disjunct breeding and wintering areas in the northern Pacific and Atlantic. In the Western High Arctic of Canada, brant geese consist of individuals with an intermediate phenotype that are rarely observed nesting outside this region. We examined the genetic structure of brant geese populations from each subspecies and areas consisting of intermediate phenotypes using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence data and microsatellite loci. We found a strong east-west partition in both marker types consistent with refugial populations. Within subspecies, structure was also observed at mtDNA while microsatellite data suggested the presence of only two distinct genetic clusters. The Western High Arctic (WHA) appears to be a secondary contact zone for both Atlantic and Pacific lineages as mtDNA and nuclear genotypes were assigned to both subspecies, and admixed individuals were observed in this region. The mtDNA sequence data outside WHA suggests no or very restricted intermixing between Atlantic and Pacific wintering populations which is consistent with published banding and telemetry data. Our study indicates that, although brant geese in the WHA are not a genetically distinct lineage, this region may act as a reservoir of genetic diversity and may be an area of high conservation value given the potential of low reproductive output in this species.

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.

Supplementing Ryegrass Ameliorates Commercial Diet-Induced Gut Microbial Dysbiosis-Associated Spleen Dysfunctions by Gut-Microbiota-Spleen Axis.

The type and composition of food strongly affect the variation and enrichment of the gut microbiota. The gut-microbiota-spleen axis has been developed, incorporating the spleen's function and maturation. However, how short-chain fatty-acid-producing gut microbiota can be considered to recover spleen function, particularly in spleens damaged by changed gut microbiota, is unknown in geese. Therefore, the gut microbial composition of the caecal chyme of geese was assessed by 16S rRNA microbial genes, and a Tax4Fun analysis identified the enrichment of KEGG orthologues involved in lipopolysaccharide production. The concentrations of LPS, reactive oxygen species, antioxidant/oxidant enzymes, and immunoglobulins were measured from serum samples and spleen tissues using ELISA kits. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was employed to detect the Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1-Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2), B cell and T cell targeting markers, and anti-inflammatory/inflammatory cytokines from the spleen tissues of geese. The SCFAs were determined from the caecal chyme of geese by using gas chromatography. In this study, ryegrass-enriched gut microbiota such as Eggerthellaceae, Oscillospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, and Lachnospiraceae attenuated commercial diet-induced gut microbial alterations and spleen dysfunctions in geese. Ryegrass significantly improved the SCFAs (acetic, butyric, propionic, isovaleric, and valeric acids), AMPK pathway-activated Nrf2 redox signaling cascades, B cells (B220, CD19, and IgD), and T cells (CD3, CD4, CD8, and IL-2, with an exception of IL-17 and TGF-ß) to activate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) in geese. In conclusion, ryegrass-improved reprogramming of the gut microbiota restored the spleen functions by attenuating LPS-induced oxidative stress and systemic inflammation through the gut-microbiota-spleen axis in geese.

Economical-environmental-technical optimal power flow solutions using a novel self-adaptive wild geese algorithm with stochastic wind and solar power.

This study introduces an enhanced self-adaptive wild goose algorithm (SAWGA) for solving economical-environmental-technical optimal power flow (OPF) problems in traditional and modern energy systems. Leveraging adaptive search strategies and robust diversity capabilities, SAWGA distinguishes itself from classical WGA by incorporating four potent optimizers. The algorithm's application to optimize an OPF model on the different IEEE 30-bus and 118-bus electrical networks, featuring conventional thermal power units alongside solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power (WT) units, addresses the rising uncertainties in operating conditions, particularly with the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs). The inherent complexity of OPF problems in electrical networks, exacerbated by the inclusion of RESs like PV and WT units, poses significant challenges. Traditional optimization algorithms struggle due to the problem's high complexity, susceptibility to local optima, and numerous continuous and discrete decision parameters. The study's simulation results underscore the efficacy of SAWGA in achieving optimal solutions for OPF, notably reducing overall fuel consumption costs in a faster and more efficient convergence. Noteworthy attributes of SAWGA include its remarkable capabilities in optimizing various objective functions, effective management of OPF challenges, and consistent outperformance compared to traditional WGA and other modern algorithms. The method exhibits a robust ability to achieve global or nearly global optimal settings for decision parameters, emphasizing its superiority in total cost reduction and rapid convergence.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of oral deracoxib in geese (Anser anser domesticus).

The integration of pain management in veterinary practice, driven by heightened animal welfare concerns, extends to avian species where subtle and nonspecific behavioral signs pose challenges. Given that safety concerns with classical NSAIDs highlight the need for more targeted alternatives in birds, this study explores the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of Deracoxib (DX), a COX-2 selective NSAID approved for use in dogs, following a single oral administration in geese. Six healthy female geese received 4 mg/kg DX. Blood was drawn from the left wing vein to heparinized tubes at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 h. Plasma DX concentrations were measured using HPLC coupled to an UV detector, and the data were pharmacokinetically analyzed using PKanalix™ software in a non-compartmental approach. The results indicated a terminal half-life of 6.3 h and a Tmax of 1 h, with no observed adverse effects. While refraining from claiming absolute safety based on a single dose, it is worth highlighting that further safety studies for DX in geese are warranted, suggesting a possibility for intermittent use. In addition, drawing conclusions on efficacy and suitability awaits further research, particularly in understanding COX-2 selectivity and protein binding characteristics specific to geese.

Optimization of Fermented Maize Stover for the Fattening Phase of Geese: Effect on Production Performance and Gut Microflora.

To optimize the utilization of fermented maize stover (FMS) feed during the fattening phase of Xianghai flying geese (XFG), a total of 300 XFG at 125 days of age were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups with three replicates of 25 in each set. Group A was fed the basal fattening diet, while the B, C, and D groups were fed the basic fattening diet and diets supplemented with 5%, 10% or 15% FMS, respectively. The findings indicate that the production performance indicators (especially the dressed, eviscerated and breast muscle yield) of Group D closely resembled Group A more than Groups B and C. Intestinal morphometry found that the jejunal villus height and the villus height/crypt depth were significantly increased in Group D compared to Group A. Next, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the extracted DNA revealed that beneficial microbiota (Coprococcus and Victivallis) showed increased abundance in Group D. Cecal flora function analysis further revealed that some amino acid and glycerol biosynthesis were found to be associated with growth performance in geese. These findings suggest that incorporating 15% FMS as a substitute for a portion of the feed during the fattening phase of XFG can effectively sustain their production performance, optimize the gut microbial community and morphometrical traits, provide new insight into using non-conventional feed resources to reduce feed cost and improve economic benefits in the breeding industry.

Shrimp classification for white spot syndrome detection through enhanced gated recurrent unit-based wild geese migration optimization algorithm.

The major dangerous viral infection for cultivated shrimps is WSSV. The virus is extremely dangerous, spreads swiftly, and may result in up to 100% mortality in 3-10 days. The vast wrapped double stranded DNA virus known as WSSV describes a member of the Nimaviridae viral family's species Whispovirus. It impacts a variety of crustacean hosts but predominantly marine shrimp species that are raised for commercial purposes. The entire age groups are affected by the virus, which leads to widespread mortality. Mesodermal and ectodermal tissues, like the lymph nodes, gills, and cuticular epithelium, represents the centres of infection. Complete genome sequencing related to the WSSV strains from Thailand, China, and Taiwan has identified minute genetic variations amongst them. There exist conflicting findings on the causes of WSSV pathogenicity, which involve variations in the size associated with the genome, the count of tandem repeats, and the availability or lack of certain proteins. Hence, this paper plans to perform the shrimp classification for the WSSV on the basis of novel deep learning methodology. Initially, the data is gathered from the farms as well as internet sources. Next, the pre-processing of the gathered shrimp images is accomplished using the LBP technique. These pre-processed images undergo the segmentation process utilizing the TGVFCMS approach. The extraction of the features from these segmented images is performed by the PLDA technique. In the final step, the classification of the shrimp into healthy shrimp and WSSV affected shrimp is done by the EGRU, in which the parameter tuning is accomplished by the wild GMO algorithm with the consideration of accuracy maximization as the major objective function. Performance indicators for accuracy have been compared with those of various conventional methods, and the results show that the methodology is capable of accurately identifying the shrimp WSSV illness.

Responding to avian influenza A H5N1 detection on a hospital property in Maine-An interdisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: The risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses currently circulating in wild and domestic birds in the Americas is considered low for the general public; however, detections in humans have been reported and warning signs of increased zoonotic potential have been identified. In December 2022, two Canada geese residing on the grounds of an urban hospital in Maine tested positive for influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. AIMS: Given the opportunity for exposure to staff and hospital visitors through potentially infected faeces on the property, public health authorities determined mitigation efforts were needed to prevent the spread of disease. The ensuing response relied on collaboration between the public health and animal health agencies to guide the hospital through efforts in preventing possible zoonotic transmission to humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mitigation efforts included staff communication and education, environmental cleaning and disinfection, enhanced illness surveillance among staff and patients, and exposure and source reduction. RESULTS: No human H5N1 cases were identified, and no additional detections in birds on the property occurred. Hospital staff identified barriers to preparedness resulting from a lack of understanding of avian influenza A viruses and transmission prevention methods, including avian influenza risk in resident wild bird populations and proper wildlife management methods. CONCLUSION: As this virus continues to circulate at the animal-human interface, this event and resulting response highlights the need for influenza A H5N1 risk awareness and guidance for facilities and groups not traditionally involved in avian influenza responses.

Effects of essential oil mixtures on expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in geese (Anser anser).

The use of essential oils has recently increased in the poultry sector. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of essential oil mixture (juniper, mint, oregano and rosemary oil) on fatty acid oxidation and lipogenic gene expression in geese. Research groups were formed as C (control; no additives), EK1 (0.4 ml/l essential oil mixture supplemented) and EK2 (0.8 ml/l essential oil mixture supplemented). Relative expression levels of genes included in lipogenesis (ACCα, ChREBP, FASN, LXRα and SREBP-1) expression levels of genes included in fatty acid oxidation (ACOX1, CPT1, CPT1A, PPARα and PPARγ) were measured using RT-qPCR. Group EK1 upregulates the mRNA expression levels of genes involved in lipogenesis such as ACCα, ChREBP and SREBP-1, while it downregulates the mRNA expression in levels of all genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. Group EK2 increases the mRNA expression levels of genes involved in lipogenesis such as ACCα, FASN and SREBP-1, while it decreased mRNA expression at the levels of all genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, as in the other group. In the study, adding an essential oil mixture to drinking water is predicted to increase fatty liver because it upregulates genes related to fat synthesis (lipogenesis) and downregulates genes related to fat degradation (fatty acid oxidation).