Animals

Objective: Although Hu sheep are renowned for their high fecundity, the multi-tissue regulatory networks governing spermatogenesis, particularly within the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by performing a comparative proteomic analysis of the HPT axis in Hu sheep and three other breeds. Methods: We utilized data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics to analyze hypothalamic, pituitary, and testis tissues from 36 samples across four breeds. The experimental workflow included protein extraction, enzymatic digestion, LC-MS/MS, and subsequent bioinformatic analyses, complemented by histological examination. Results: Hu sheep exhibited accelerated testicular development and an earlier onset of spermatogenesis. Comprehensive proteomic profiling identified a total of 10,528 proteins, with 771 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) detected in the testis. These testicular DEPs were significantly enriched in pathways related to spermatogenesis, the blood–testis barrier, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Notably, the cAMP signaling pathway was consistently enriched across all three tissues, underscoring its pivotal role in regulating spermatogenesis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis further highlighted hub proteins, such as MET, suggesting their potential involvement in somatic cell functions and the spermatogenic microenvironment. Key findings were validated by Western blot analysis. Conclusion: This study is the first multi-tissue proteomic investigation proposing a model in which the high reproductive performance of Hu sheep is potentially linked to the efficient, coordinated regulation of spermatogenesis-related proteins and signaling pathways—particularly in the testis. These findings offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of male reproduction in sheep and identify potential targets for future research and breeding applications.

This study aimed to characterize the site-specific variation in skin traits of Shenxian pigs and to identify key genetic loci regulating skin thickness. A total of 50 Shenxian pigs were selected, and skin samples were collected from nine different anatomical sites. Total skin thickness was precisely measured, and collagen content was determined for each site. Based on literature review and database screening, TAF11 was identified as a candidate gene. Genotyping of the g.35543837 locus was performed using Sanger sequencing and KASP, followed by association analysis between different genotypes and skin thickness traits. The results showed significant site-specific variations in skin thickness (1.26–7.20 mm) and collagen content (7.01–24.54 g/100 g) in Shenxian pigs. Association analysis revealed that the TAF11 g.35543837 C > G variant was significantly associated with increased skin thickness, with the effect being particularly evident in gilt. Individuals with the CG genotype exhibited greater skin thickness at multiple anatomical sites compared with those carrying the CC genotype. This study preliminarily identified a potential locus associated with skin thickness in Shenxian pigs within the TAF11 gene. The sex-dependent effect observed at this locus provides a new clue for understanding the genetic basis of this complex trait and offers valuable information for the genetic improvement of skin-related traits in Shenxian pigs.

The scientific understanding of cetacean pathology has advanced significantly in recent decades. However, data concerning the health status of members of the family Kogiidae remains scarce. This study presents a comprehensive pathological assessment and determination of causes of death in 45 stranded kogiids, comprising 35 Kogia breviceps and 10 K. sima, along the coasts of the Canary Islands between 1999 and 2018. Causes of death (CD) were classified as natural (30/45; 66.6%) or anthropogenic (11/45; 24.4%), while the cause remained undetermined in four cases (9%). Among natural causes, the most prevalent etiologies included trauma (13/30; 43.3%), infectious (7/30; 23.3%), parasitic (5/30; 16.6%), cardiomyopathy (3/30; 10%), malnutrition (1/30; 3.3%), and fetal distress (1/30; 3.3%). Anthropogenic causes were vessel collisions (7/11; 63.6%), interactions with fishing activities (2/11; 18.2%), and foreign body-associated pathology (2/11; 18.2%). Notably, intra- and interspecific traumatic interactions were frequently identified in this cohort, and variable degrees of gross and histologic cardiomyopathic changes were observed in 68.9% of individuals (31/45) without evident sex bias. Septicemia caused by Clostridium perfringens and C. tertium was confirmed in three cases. Additionally, cervical gill slit adenitis by Crassicauda sp. (15/45; 33%) and parasitic gastritis by Anisakis sp. (27/45; 60%) were frequent findings. These findings provide novel insights into the pathologic spectrum affecting kogiids and enhance the current understanding of their health status, with implications for diagnostic protocols, stranding response, and conservation strategies.