Fermented cottonseed meal improves production performance and reduces fat deposition in broiler chickens

Niu Jun Li,Wei Lian Qing,Luo Yuan Qing,Yang Wen Ting,Lu Qi Cheng,Zheng Xin Xia,Niu Yu Jie,Sheng Wen,Cheng Hong,Zhang Wen Ju,Nie Cun Xi 아세아·태평양축산학회 2021 Animal Bioscience Vol.34 No.4

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on growth performance, carcass traits, and fat deposition in white-feather broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 480 male one-day-old white-feather broiler chickens were selected randomly and divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 chickens in each. The experimental chickens were fed diets including 3%, 6%, or 9% FCSM fermented by Candida tropicalis until 42 days old. In the experiment, the chickens of the control group were fed soybean meal. Results: FCSM supplementation linearly decreased the feed conversion ratio from d 15 to 21 and d 36 to 42, respectively (p<0.05). The percentage of carcass and semi-eviscerate increased in response to dietary FCSM supplementation at d 21 (p<0.05). The percentage of eviscerated and semi-eviscerate of 3FCSM was higher than that in other groups at d 35 (p<0.05). At the age of 42 d, the percentage of carcass increased in a quadratic way among increasing FCSM in diets (p<0.05). The subcutaneous fat thickness linearly decreased with the increasing levels of FCSM at d 21 (p<0.05). Gompertz and Logistic functions provided a better fit on abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat, respectively. The best fitted equation predicted that the maximum growth rate of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness occurred at d 28. FCSM had no significant effects on the shape of growth curve of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness, but reduced the height of the curve. Birds receiving the 6FCSM diet for 21 d had smaller adipocyte surface and lower serum glucose as well as triglyceride concentration. Conclusion: FCSM is beneficial for broiler chickens as it positively affects their growth and carcass in addition to altering their fat deposition. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on growth performance, carcass traits, and fat deposition in white-feather broiler chickens.Methods: A total of 480 male one-day-old white-feather broiler chickens were selected randomly and divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 chickens in each. The experimental chickens were fed diets including 3%, 6%, or 9% FCSM fermented by <i>Candida tropicalis</i> until 42 days old. In the experiment, the chickens of the control group were fed soybean meal.Results: FCSM supplementation linearly decreased the feed conversion ratio from d 15 to 21 and d 36 to 42, respectively (p<0.05). The percentage of carcass and semi-eviscerate increased in response to dietary FCSM supplementation at d 21 (p<0.05). The percentage of eviscerated and semi-eviscerate of 3FCSM was higher than that in other groups at d 35 (p<0.05). At the age of 42 d, the percentage of carcass increased in a quadratic way among increasing FCSM in diets (p<0.05). The subcutaneous fat thickness linearly decreased with the increasing levels of FCSM at d 21 (p<0.05). Gompertz and Logistic functions provided a better fit on abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat, respectively. The best fitted equation predicted that the maximum growth rate of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness occurred at d 28. FCSM had no significant effects on the shape of growth curve of abdominal fat weight and subcutaneous fat thickness, but reduced the height of the curve. Birds receiving the 6FCSM diet for 21 d had smaller adipocyte surface and lower serum glucose as well as triglyceride concentration.Conclusion: FCSM is beneficial for broiler chickens as it positively affects their growth and carcass in addition to altering their fat deposition.

Mathematical Analysis Power Spectrum of M-ary MSK and Detection with Optimum Maximum Likelihood

( Zheng Niu ),( Yuzhong Jiang ),( Shuyan G Jia ),( Zhi Huang ),( Wenliang Zou ),( Gang Liu ),( Yu Li ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2021 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.15 No.8

In this paper, the power spectral density(PSD) for Multilevel Minimum Shift Keyed signal with modulation index h=1/2 (M-ary MSK) are derived using the mathematical method of the Markov Chain model. At first, according to an essential requirement of the phase continuity characteristics of MSK signals, a complete model of the whole process of signal generation is built. Then, the derivations for autocorrelation functions are carried out precisely. After that, we verified the correctness and accuracy of the theoretical derivation by comparing the derived results with numerical simulations using MATLAB. We also divided the spectrum into four components according to the derivation. By analyzing these figures in the graphic, each component determines the characteristics of the spectrum. It is vital for enhanced spectral characteristics. To more visually represent the energy concentration of the main flap and the roll-down speed of the side flap, the specific out-of-band power of M-ary MSK is given. OMLCD(Optimum Maximum Likelihood Coherent Detection) of M-ary MSK is adopted to compare the signal received with prepared in advance in a code element T to go for the best. And M-ary MSK BER(Bit Error Rate) is compared with the same ary PSK (Phase Shift Keying) with M=2,4,6,8. The results show the detection method could improve performance by increasing the length of L(memory inherent) in the phase continuity.

Nitric Oxide-induced Protein S-nitrosylation Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Accelerates Post-ovulatory Aging of Oocytes in Cattle

Niu, Ying-Jie,Zhou, Dongjie,Zhou, Wenjun,Nie, Zheng-Wen,Kim, Ju-Yeon,Oh, YoungJin,Lee, So-Rim,Cui, Xiang-Shun The Korean Society of Animal Reproduction and Biot 2020 한국동물생명공학회지 Vol.35 No.1

Nitric oxide (NO)-induced protein S-nitrosylation triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and was related to cell senescence. However, the exact mechanism of these damages is not clear. In the present study, to investigate the relationship between in vitro aging and NO-induced protein S-nitrosylation, oocytes were treated with sodium nitroprusside dihydrate (SNP), and the resultant S-nitrosylated proteins were detected through biotin-switch assay. The results showed that levels of protein S-nitroso thiols (SNO)s and expression of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) increased, while activity and function of mitochondria were impaired during oocyte aging. Addition of SNP, a NO donor, to the oocyte culture led to accelerated oocyte aging, increased mitochondrial dysfunction and damage, apoptosis, ATP deficiency, and enhanced ROS production. These results suggested that the increased NO signal during oocyte aging in vitro, accelerated oocyte degradation due to increased protein S-nitrosylation, and ROS-related redox signaling.

Oviduct-specific Glycoprotein 1 Locus is Associated with Litter Size and Weight of Ovaries in Pigs

Niu, B.Y.,Xiong, Y.Z.,Li, F.E.,Jiang, S.W.,Deng, C.Y.,Ding, S.H.,Guo, W.H.,Lei, M.G.,Zheng, R.,Zuo, B.,Xu, D.Q.,Li, J.L. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2006 Animal Bioscience Vol.19 No.5

Oviduct-specific glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1) is implicated in playing a role in fertilization and early embryo development. In this study, we have obtained the sequence of intron 9 of OVGP1 gene in swine. Comparative sequencing of Meishan (a native Chinese breed) and Large White pig breeds revealed an A/T substitution at position 943. A PCR-EcoRI-RFLP assay was developed to detect this mutation. Polymorphism analysis in Qingping animals showed that pigs with BB genotype had lower number of piglets born alive (NBA) in multiple parities than pigs with AA (p<0.05) and AB genotype (p<0.01). In Large $White{\times}Meishan$ ($LW{\times}M$) $F_2$ offspring, the weight of both ovaries (OW) of the BB genotype was significantly lighter than that of AB (p = 0.05) and AA (p<0.01) genotypes. Analysis of the data also revealed that the mutation locus affected these two traits mostly by additive effects. These studies indicated that the polymorphism was associated with NBA and OW in two distinct populations and further investigations in more purebreds or crossbreds are needed to confirm these results.

Thiamethoxam Induces Meiotic Arrest and Affects Embryo Developmental Potential of Bovine Oocytes

Zheng-Wen Nie,Ying-Jie Niu,Wenjun Zhou,Yong-Han Kim,Kyung-Tae Shin,Xiang-Shun Cui 한국수정란이식학회 2018 한국수정란이식학회 학술대회 Vol.2018 No.11

Thiamethoxam (TMX) is a neonicotinoid insecticide. Residues of TMX have been detected in various crops. Although it has specific high toxicity to insects and is designed to exterminate them, the toxicity has also found in mammals recently. Differ from acetylcholine toxicity, TMX has peroxide toxicity in mammals. Matured oocytes have the capacity of fertilization, but oocytes own abundant mitochondria and its maturation is vulnerable to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can override antioxidant defenses, produce oxidative stress and DNA damage that triggers apoptosis and necrosis in organisms. However little is known about the harm of ROS induced by TMX during oocytes maturation. Here, bovine germ-vesicle (GV) oocytes were cultured to metaphase of the second meiosis (MII) stage in vitro with or without TMX. During this process, oocytes were evaluated by various methods. Microscopic examination showed that 1.6 mM TMX significantly inhibited the maturation process in which oocytes were arrested before MI stage or between MI and MII stage. Correspond to this two periods, immunofluorescence staining and enzyme activity analysis showed that active CDC25 and CDC2 reduced in TMX group compared to control; time lapse and immunofluorescence staining gave results that Cyclin B could not be degraded, actin cap could not form, and Bub3 could not be removed from kinetochores. In addition, MII oocytes exposed to TMX showed disordered chromosomes and spindle. To study further, oocytes cultured for 24 h were analyzed. On the one hand, these oocytes in TMX group accumulated more ROS and produced significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased apoptotic signal compared to control by methods of quantities for dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCHFDA), 5,5′,6,6′-Tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide and Annexin-V, but the level of γH2AX protein in TMX group did not decline significantly compared with control. On the another hand, these oocytes were activated to be parthenogenetic embryos and cultured. Assessment for embryo development showed decreased rates of cleavage, morula and blastocyst in TMX group compared to control in vitro. In conclusion, these results suggest that ROS induced by TMX results in dysfunction of mitochondria and apoptosis, which block bovine oocytes to MI stage, trap them at AI/TI stage and trigger disordered chromosomes and spindle at MII stage. Additionally, MII oocytes with poor qualities result from TMX lose abilities to cleavage and develop to be morulae and blastocysts.

Differential Frost Tolerance and Enzymatic Activities in the Leaves and Immature Fruits of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

Zheng, Guohua,Niu, Xianqian,Zhang, Jinbiao,Wu, Hanwen,Lin, Xiuxiang,Pan, Dongming Korean Society of Horticultural Science 2015 원예과학기술지 Vol.33 No.3

In this experiment, five commercial cultivars and one wild species of loquat were used to investigate frost tolerance and enzymatic activities in leaves and young fruits under cold stress at $-3^{\circ}C$. The frost injury, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and oxygen-scavenging enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were studied. This results showed that the wild species 'Wild Oak-leaf' loquat was the most frost tolerant among accessions tested, followed by the cultivar 'Golden Block'. Other cultivars, 'Wu Gong Bai', 'Taicheng 4', 'Xiangzhong 11' and 'Zaozhong 6', were relatively weak in frost tolerance. The enzymatic activities of SOD, POD and CAT increased initially and then decreased as the exposure time increased. However, the enzymatic peak occurred later in the frost-tolerant accession than in the frost-sensitive accession. The correlation coefficients of MDA contents between leaves and immature fruits were from 0.93 to 0.99 in the five commercial loquat cultivars. For the 'Wild Oak-leaf' loquat, the correlation coefficients of MDA and POD were 0.98 and 0.95, respectively, but the coefficients for SOD, CAT and APX were relatively low. In general, there were good correlations between loquat leaves and immature fruits in MDA content and enzyme activities. These results indicate that analysis of these physiological and biochemical activities in loquat leaves could potentially be used to predict the cold tolerance in loquat at immature fruit stage and to accelerate breeding programs for cold tolerance in loquat.

Thiamethoxam Effects the Quality of Blastocyst via Activation of Ros-induced DNA Damage Checkpoint in Pigs

Zheng-Wen Nie,Ying-Jie Niu,Wenjun Zhou,Kyung-Tae Shin,Yong-Han Kim,Xiang-Shun Cui 한국동물생명공학회(구 한국동물번식학회) 2018 발생공학 국제심포지엄 및 학술대회 Vol.2018 No.06

Changes in Cell Ca²⁺ Distribution in Loquat Leaves and Its Effects on Cold Tolerance

Zheng, Guohua,Pan, Dongming,Niu, Xianqian,Wu, Hanwen,Zhang, Jinbiao Korean Society of Horticultural Science 2014 원예과학기술지 Vol.32 No.5

Calcium has been associated with improved cold tolerance in many crops. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in leaf cell $Ca^{2+}$ distribution and cell organelle ultrastructure of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) plants in response to cold stress at $-3^{\circ}C$, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two loquat accessions, Zaozhong 6 (a commercial cultivar) and oakleaf loquat (a wild relative) were used. Cold tolerance, as measured by leaf browning rate, was higher in oakleaf plants, and calcium treatment improved cold tolerance in both species. Cold stress first induced inward transport of $Ca^{2+}$ from the intracellular space. Then, the imported $Ca^{2+}$ was aggregated around the chloroplast membrane, finally entering the chloroplast. This pattern of $Ca^{2+}$ distribution in leaf cells occurred earlier in Zaozhong 6 than in the wild loquat. With increasing time of cold exposure, the chloroplast membranes of Zaozhong 6 leaves were damaged, blurred and even disappeared, while those of wild oakleaf loquat leaves maintained their structure longer. In Zaozhong 6, cold stress induced a clear cavity between poorly structured granal thylakoids and vesicles appearing inside the chloroplast, while in oakleaf leaves cold stress had little effect on the ultrastructure of chloroplasts (although chloroplast membranes looked blurred). Loquat leaves accumulated free calcium ions around chloroplasts in response to cold stress, with earlier calcium accumulation occurring in the cold-sensitive cultivar Zaozhong 6 than in wild oakleaf loquat. These results demonstrate that these two loquat species have differences in both cold tolerance and calcium accumulation dynamics.

Research on College Students' Application Behavior Based on Blackboard System - A Case Study on Business College of Beijing Union University

Li Zheng,Yinghua Niu 보안공학연구지원센터 2015 International Journal of Smart Home Vol.9 No.5

Blackboard system is a network platform that is widely used by Universities and Colleges both at home and abroad. Its role is to broaden students' learning time, space and to assist the students' learning in their class hours and also after their class. Based on the data of a questionnaire on local college students’ attitude and behavior on the e-learning platform of Blackboard, this thesis presents a generalization and analysis the characteristic of students’ e-learning behavior by addressing their three behaviors: Information retrieval and processing behavior, social interaction behavior, and problems solving behavior. The behavioral characteristics of students’ application of Blackboard were analyzed in detail. The results showed that: overall, there is no great gender difference in the three aspects, but there are significant differences in different grades. Finally, according to the results of the questionnaire and statistical analysis, several suggestions and advices of curriculum construction based on Blackboard were put forward.

The Regulation and Function of Histone Methylation

YanXiao Niu;Jiaoteng Bai,Shuzhi Zheng 한국식물학회 2018 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.61 No.6

Histones are wrapped around by genomic DNAto form nucleosomes which are the basic units of chromatin. In eukaryotes histones undergo various covalent modificationssuch as methylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitinationand ribosylation. Histone modifications play a fundamentalrole in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression inmulticellular eukaryotes. Histone methylation is one of themost important modifications occurring on Lysine (K) andArginine (R) residues of histones, dynamically regulated byhistone methyltransferases and demethylases. Identificationsof such histone modification enzymes and to study how theywork are the most fundamental questions needs to beanswered. Uncovering the regulation and functions of thevarious histone methylation enzymes will help us to betterunderstand the epigenetic code. This review summarizes theregulation of histone methyltransferases activity, the recruitmentof methyltransferases and the distribution patterns andfunction of histone methylations.