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Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices

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A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 9769

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hanfang Zeng

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Guest Editor

College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Interests: physiological regulation of ruminants

Dr. Xiangyu Pan

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Guest Editor

College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China
Interests: ruminants host-microbial crosstalk; genetic improvment of meat quality traits; transtriptional regulation of ruminants complex traits

Dr. Yongfu La

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Guest Editor

Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
Interests: ruminants meat quality improvement; improvement of production performance in ruminants

Dr. Chao Yang

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai Univerity, Xining 810016, China
Interests: nutritional regulation of gastro-intestinal health in ruminants; ruminants meat quality improvement; low-protein-diet and application of functional nutrients in ruminants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid advancement of modern biological technologies and agricultural engineering offers novel approaches to enhancing animal welfare, boosting the efficiency of production, and improving the quality of products in ruminant production systems.

This Special Issue welcomes the submission of articles that address the application of cutting-edge technologies—including bio-based feeds, microbial fermentation and other innovative feed processing techniques, advanced breeding strategies, intelligent livestock farming equipment, and novel feed additives—to improve animal health (e.g., gut microbial balance, antioxidation, and stress resilience) and enhance the efficiency of production and quality of ruminant-derived products (e.g., meat and milk). We also welcome studies utilizing multi-omics approaches (e.g., phenomics, genomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, etc.) to explore key scientific questions related to achieving welfare-oriented, efficient, and high-quality ruminant production.

Dr. Hanfang Zeng
Dr. Xiangyu Pan
Dr. Yongfu La
Dr. Chao Yang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

animal health
efficient ruminant production
precision livestock farming
feed innovation
multi-omics integration

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1203 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Active Dry Yeast on Production Performance, Meat Quality, and Rumen Microecology in Lambs

by Borui Han, Xuegang Shi, Chen Zheng, Hanfang Zeng, Yi Wang and Ting Liu

Animals 2026, 16(8), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081228 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 170

Abstract

In this study, we examined whether dietary ADY improves growth, digestibility of feed nutrients, meat quality, and rumen microbial ecology in lambs. This experiment enrolled 90 healthy, similarly weighted (29.0 ± 0.5 kg) four-month-old Duhan lambs, which were randomly and evenly distributed into two treatment groups: a control group fed the basal diet and an ADY group fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.3 g/d per lamb of active dry yeast. The supplementation amount was adjusted weekly according to feed intake to maintain a constant daily dose. The results showed that, compared with the control group, ADY significantly increased the lambs’ average daily gain (ADG) and enhanced the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05), and significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio (F/G) (p < 0.05). These improvements were accompanied by a shift in rumen fermentation toward propionate production, evidenced by higher NH₃-N, Total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) and propionate proportion and a lower acetate proportion and acetate-to-propionate ratio (p < 0.05). ADY also altered the rumen microbiota, increasing Proteobacteria and Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-001 while decreasing norank_o_Clostridia_UCG-014 (p < 0.05). In muscle, ADY significantly increased the proportions of C14:0 and C18:3n-3 (p < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of C13:0, C18:0 and C18:2n-6t were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with ADY enhanced rumen fermentation, improved rumen microbial composition, and promoted nutrient utilization in lambs, thereby improving growth performance and meat quality. In addition, certain rumen microbial taxa may be associated with the formation of specific muscle fatty acids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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16 pages, 1973 KB

Open AccessArticle

Replacing up to 50% of Corn Silage with Triticale Silage Alters the Fecal Microbiome but Not Milk Yield or Composition in Mid-Lactation Holstein Cows

by Erlong Wang, Xiaoxia Han, Weidong Sun, Chen Zheng and Wenhua Du

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071122 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 309

Abstract

Diversifying forage sources may improve the sustainability and flexibility of dairy production. In a 60 d feeding trial, 72 mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to three treatments (24 cows/group) and fed a total mixed ration in which corn silage represented 41.16% of dietary dry matter in the control diet; 25% or 50% of this corn silage fraction was replaced with triticale silage (TS) on a dry matter basis. The study evaluated whether partial TS substitution could maintain lactational performance while affecting fecal fermentation and microbiota. Replacing corn silage with TS did not affect milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, major milk components, or metabolic indicators. However, 50% replacement increased fecal bacterial richness and diversity, as reflected by ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices, and altered the overall microbial community structure. This treatment also changed fecal volatile fatty acid profiles, including increasing the proportions of branched-chain volatile fatty acids. Overall, TS can replace up to 50% of the corn silage fraction in the ration of mid-lactation cows without compromising milk production or composition, while modifying hindgut microbial ecology and fermentation patterns, thereby offering greater ration flexibility when corn silage availability is limited or costly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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17 pages, 1192 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ante-Mortem Vitamin D₃ Supplementation on Meat Quality in Yanbian Yellow Bulls

by Binru Li, Beibei Hao, Hongyan Xu, Xinxin Zhang, Zewen Wu, Bingbing Wang, Yang Yi, Mengxia Sun, Yanzhu Yang and Guangjun Xia

Animals 2026, 16(5), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16050818 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 290

Abstract

This preliminary study investigated the effects of ante-mortem Vitamin D₃ (VD₃) supplementation on blood parameters and meat quality in Yanbian yellow bulls. Twenty healthy Yanbian yellow bulls (intact male Yanbian yellow bulls, 30 ± 1 months of age; initial body weight 534 ± 15 kg) were allocated into five groups: a control (basal diet) and four treatment groups with varying VD₃ regimens (3 × 10⁶ or 6 × 10⁶ IU/d for 7 days, with or without a 7-day withdrawal). Results demonstrated that, compared to the control group, VD₃ supplementation elevated serum calcium (p < 0.01) and phosphorus levels (p < 0.05) while enhancing antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) and immunoglobulin production (p < 0.01). Muscle calcium deposition increased (p < 0.01), accompanied by higher meat lightness (CIE L*) values (p < 0.01) and reduced drip loss rate (p < 0.01). Shear force decreased across cuts (p < 0.01), which was linked to calpain-mediated protein degradation and sarcomere elongation (p < 0.01). Under the conditions of this study, the protocol involving 3.0 × 10⁶ IU/d VD₃ supplementation for 7 days followed by a 7-day withdrawal yielded the most favorable outcomes. These findings suggest a potential strategy to improve beef quality by regulating calcium homeostasis and enhancing muscle proteolysis, warranting further validation in larger populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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20 pages, 4131 KB

Open AccessArticle

Calcium Nitrate Supplementation Improves Meat Quality in Hu Sheep via Microbial and Transcriptomic Regulation

by Yuanshu Zheng, Chen Zheng, Kang Sun, Huihui Liu, Huiyu Fan, Yi Wang, Xuan Nan, Lijing An, Faming Pan, Xinji Wang, Guoyan Xu and Ting Liu

Animals 2026, 16(2), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020325 - 21 Jan 2026

Viewed by 465

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that incorporating nitrate into animal feed can effectively decrease methane production in ruminants, though its impact on carcass characteristics and meat attributes in Hu sheep requires further investigation. This experiment examined how a dietary inclusion of 3% calcium nitrate (CN) influenced slaughter parameters, meat properties, gut microbial populations, and host gene regulation in Hu sheep. The study involved sixty healthy male Hu sheep aged 120 days with comparable body weights (31.11 ± 3.39 kg), randomly allocated into two groups: a control group receiving standard feed (CON) and a CN-supplemented group. The trial lasted 60 days, including a 15-day adaptation period and a 45-day formal trial period. They were housed individually and fed twice daily (at 8:00 and 18:00). The findings revealed that CN supplementation notably reduced the water loss rate in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD), elevated meat color brightness, and enhanced the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly n-6 PUFA, along with the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio. Conversely, it reduced the levels of saturated fatty acids such as myristic acid (C14:0) and oleic acid (C18:1n9t). Additionally, the treatment boosted ruminal Ammoniacal nitrogen content and total short-chain fatty acid production, thereby contributing to energy metabolism in the animals. Microbiological examination demonstrated that CN supplementation led to a decrease in Fibrobacterota and Methanobrevibacter populations within the ruminal environment, while promoting the growth of Proteobacteria in the duodenal region. The gene expression profiling of digestive tract tissues showed an increased activity in nitrogen processing genes (including CA4) and oxidative phosphorylation pathways (such as ATP6), indicating an improved metabolic efficiency and acid–base homeostasis in the host animals. These findings demonstrate that CN-enriched diets enhance the carcass characteristics of Hu sheep by modifying intramuscular lipid profiles through gastrointestinal microbial community restructuring and metabolic pathway adjustments. Such modifications affect energy utilization and acid–base equilibrium, ultimately impacting muscle characteristics and adipose tissue distribution, presenting viable approaches for eco-friendly livestock farming practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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17 pages, 3213 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Migration and Adaptive Evolution in Tibetan Sheep Populations

by Wentao Zhang, Chao Yuan, Tingting Guo, Bowen Chen, Fan Wang, Jianbin Liu and Zengkui Lu

Animals 2026, 16(2), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020317 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 465

Abstract

The genetic basis for Tibetan sheep adaptation to different high-altitude environments remains unknown. This study conducted whole-genome resequencing on 80 Tibetan sheep individuals from four major distribution areas on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Based on the high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained, an analysis of population-level genomic selection signals was performed. Population genomic analysis revealed that Tibetan sheep distributed across China originated in northern China but showed evidence of gene flow from South Asian sheep. Between populations from extremely high-altitude and mid-altitude regions, selection analyses identified five strongly positive selected genes (HIF1AN [Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha Subunit Inhibitor], HBE1 [Hemoglobin Subunit Epsilon 1], HBE2 [Hemoglobin Subunit Epsilon 2], TNFAIP3 [TNF Alpha Induced Protein 3], RAD50 [RAD50 Double Strand Break Repair Protein]). These genes are associated with adaptation to hypoxia and intense UV radiation in high-altitude environments. Selection analyses between populations from extremely high-altitude and mid-altitude regions identified five strongly selected genes (HIF1AN [Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha Subunit Inhibitor], HBE1 [Hemoglobin Subunit Epsilon 1], HBE2 [Hemoglobin Subunit Epsilon 2], TNFAIP3 [TNF Alpha Induced Protein 3], RAD50 [RAD50 Double Strand Break Repair Protein]) associated with hypoxia and intense UV radiation in high-altitude environments. Comparative genomic analyses of populations in cold and arid environments identified several candidate genes related to energy and water homeostasis, as well as hair development (TP53 [Tumor Protein P53], ATG101 [Autophagy Related 101], ATP12A [ATPase H+/K+ Transporting Non-Gastric Alpha2 Subunit], KRT80 [Keratin 80], KRT7 [Keratin 7]). Additionally, Tibetan sheep in the high-altitude arid deserts exhibit stronger adaptive selection for energy homeostasis and water utilization; meanwhile, the HIF-1 [Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1] signaling pathway helps counteract oxidative stress induced by extreme water scarcity in the plateau environment. Our study supports the hypothesis that Tibetan sheep originated in northern China and identifies distinct adaptive features in the Tibetan sheep genome corresponding to their habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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18 pages, 1699 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Added Cellulases and Pectinases on Ruminal Fermentation Parameters and Bacterial Communities in Goats Supplemented with Macadamia Integrifolia Husks: An In Vitro Study

by Faguo Cai, Jiancheng Han, Donghong Zhu, Ximei Song, Hui Zeng, Xiaosong Zhang, Anmiao Chen, Zehua Li, Shiyang Huang, Jingbo Liu, Mao Li, Hu Liu and Hanlin Zhou

Animals 2025, 15(22), 3337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223337 - 19 Nov 2025

Viewed by 668

Abstract

Macadamia integrifolia husk has great potential for use as a feedstuff in ruminants. However, little information regarding its effects on ruminal fermentation traits is available at present. Hence, this in vitro study aims to investigate the effects of Macadamia integrifolia husk as a substrate, supplemented with enzymes at different levels (0 g/kg cellulases + pectinases, CON; 0.5 cellulases + 0.5 g/kg pectinases, TRE1; 1.0 g/kg cellulases + 0.5 g/kg pectinases, TRE2; 1.5 cellulases + 0.5 g/kg pectinases, TRE3), on gas production, fermentation traits, and bacterial communities in goats. The results demonstrate that gas production was increased in TRE1 and TRE3 groups compared to the CON group at 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h (p < 0.05); DMD was the highest in the TRE3 group and the lowest in the CON group at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h (p < 0.05); and NDFD was the highest in the TRE1 group and the lowest in the CON group at 6 h, then the highest in the TRE3 group and the lowest in the CON group at 12, 24, and 48 h (p < 0.05). The concentrations of MCP, TVFAs, acetate, and propionate were the highest in the TRE3 group and the lowest in the CON group (p< 0.05). The abundance of Bacillota was the highest in the TRE1 group and the lowest in the TRE2 group (p < 0.05), whereas that of Synergistota and Actinomycetota was the lowest in the CON group and the highest in the TRE2 group (p < 0.05). Acidobacteriota was the most abundant in the TRE3 group and the least abundant in the TRE1 group (p < 0.05). The most abundant genus was norank_p_Bacteroidota, comprising approximately 29.3%, 30.6%, 30.4%, and 31.7% of the total bacteria in the CON, TRE1, TRE2, and TRE3 groups, respectively; this was followed by Succiniclasticum, comprising approximately 6.3%, 5.8%, 6.1%, and 7.0% of the total bacteria in the CON, TRE1, TRE2, and TRE3 groups, respectively. This study provides new insights regarding the use of Macadamia integrifolia husk as a feedstuff in goats; in particular, supplementation with cellulases and pectinases could effectively improve its utilization. The results suggest that the optimal supplementary levels of cellulases and pectinases are 1.5 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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22 pages, 1673 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Levels of Lycium ruthenicum Leaves on Rumen Fermentation, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids and Rumen Bacterial Diversity in Sheep

by Yaya Guo, Jinlong Li, Congbin Xu, Liangzhong Hou, Yuxia Yang, Yan Ma, Yong Tuo and Tongjun Guo

Animals 2025, 15(21), 3118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15213118 - 27 Oct 2025

Viewed by 845

Abstract

Lycium ruthenicum leaves (LRL), as an agricultural by-product rich in bioactive compounds, can be used as an unconventional feedstuff in animal diets and have the potential to improve animal health. This study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with graded levels of LRL on rumen fermentation, meat amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and rumen bacterial diversity in sheep. Forty three-month-old male Dorper × Hu crossbred F1 lambs with an initial body weight of 29.58 ± 2.06 kg were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10). Over a continuous 63-day trial period, the lambs were fed diets containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% LRL, respectively. At the end of the trial, rumen fluid and longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected to assess rumen fermentation characteristics, bacterial community structure, and meat quality. The results showed that: (1) The concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) in the rumen were increased in the LRL5% group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). (2) The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and the genus Ruminococcus increased (p < 0.05), while the relative abundance of the genus Prevotella decreased (p < 0.05) in the LRL5% group. (3) Meat L* increased (p < 0.05), and a* decreased (p < 0.05) in the LRL-supplemented groups. (4) The content of sweet amino acids in meat increased in LRL groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the contents of non-essential amino acids, sweet amino acids, and total amino acids in meat increased linearly with increasing dietary LRL levels (p < 0.05). (5) Compared with the CON group, the content of C18:0 in meat decreased in the LRL5% group (p < 0.05), while the content of C20:1 increased in the LRL10% group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with LRL can improve meat quality, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacterial community structure in sheep. The recommended dietary inclusion level of LRL ranges from 5% to 15%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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17 pages, 1703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Whole-Genome Resequencing Identifies Candidate Genes for Tail Fat Deposition in Sheep

by Xiaowen Zhang, Yufei Li, Yongqing Zhao, Penghui Guo, Yong Cai, Hongwei Xu, Xin Cao, Qiongyi Li, Xiaoxia Ma, Derong Zhang and Jialin Bai

Animals 2025, 15(20), 3046; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15203046 - 20 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1096

Abstract

Excessive adipose tissue accumulation in sheep disrupts insulin signaling, inducing insulin resistance, and alters energy partitioning mechanisms. These changes adversely affect both ovine health and production efficiency. This study employed whole-genome resequencing to conduct selection signal analysis in long-fat-tailed (Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep) and short-fat-tailed (Hu sheep) breeds, investigating the genetic basis underlying divergent lipid metabolism-related traits between these distinct tail phenotypes. Fifteen healthy adult individuals, each from long-fat-tailed (Lanzhou Large-tailed sheep) and short-fat-tailed (Hu sheep) breeds, underwent whole-genome resequencing. Whole-genome resequencing analyses via F_ST, XP-CLR, and XP-EHH identified 75 significantly selected regions (p < 0.01), revealing eight key candidate genes (DAB1, DPP10, EPHA6, GPC5, KLF12, PAK7, PTPN3, TENM3). Subsequent functional enrichment analysis demonstrated significant enrichment of DAB1 and GPC5 in lipid metabolic processes (GO:0006629). Employing whole-genome resequencing-based selection signal analysis in long-fat-tailed (Lanzhou Large-tailed sheep) and short-fat-tailed (Hu sheep) breeds, this study identified two key lipid metabolism-associated genes (DAB1 and GPC5). These findings provide critical insights for conserving genetic resources and informing molecular breeding strategies targeting divergent tail phenotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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17 pages, 1001 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Rumen-Protected Lysine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Rumen Fermentation and Bacterial Community on Feedlot Yaks Offered Corn-Based Diets

by Yan Li, Yuzhong Chen, Peng Wu, Abraham Allan Degen, Kelei He, Qianyun Zhang, Xinsheng Zhao, Wanyu Li, Aiwen Zhang and Jianwei Zhou

Animals 2025, 15(19), 2901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192901 - 4 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1251

Abstract

Feedlots rely on corn-based total mixed rations (TMR) to finish yaks. However, corn is markedly deficient in lysine and, therefore, we hypothesized that feedlot yaks supplemented with rumen-protected lysine (RPLys) would improve performance. To test this hypothesis, twelve 2.5-year-old male yaks (122 ± 5.3 kg) were selected, and divided into a control (CON) and RPLys-supplemented (RPL) group. All yaks were provided with a pelleted diet that consisted of 25.0% corn stalk, 31.6% corn grain, and 24.0% corn by-products; while RPL yaks were supplemented with 37.0 g/d RPLys. Dry matter intake was not affected (p = 0.671) by RPLys supplementation, but the average daily gain was greater (p < 0.05; 1.46 vs. 1.25 kg/d) and the feed-to-gain ratio was lesser (p < 0.01; 3.39 vs. 3.90) in RPL than CON yaks. Serum urea nitrogen concentration and aspartate aminotransferase were greater (p < 0.05) in the CON than the RPL group. However, plasma lysine concentration was greater (p < 0.05), while threonine tended to be greater (p = 0.065) in RPL than CON yaks. Rumen ammonia-N concentration was lesser (p < 0.05) in RPL than CON yaks, but pH and volatile fatty acids concentration did not differ (p > 0.10) between groups. The relative abundances of the ruminal bacterial phyla of Firmicutes and Elusimicrobiota were greater (p < 0.05), whereas of the phylum Bacteroidota and genus Butyrivibrio were lesser (p < 0.05) in RPL than CON yaks. In general, the rumen microbiota was altered toward more abundant N utilization taxa in RPLys-supplemented yaks. RPLys-supplemented yaks had elevated plasma lysine and improved feed conversion ratio, providing the first evidence that bypass lysine improves the growth performance of yaks on corn-based diets in feedlots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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17 pages, 1305 KB

Open AccessArticle

Daidzein Changes Production Performance, Meat Quality, and Transcriptome of Muscle in Heat-Stressed Jinjiang Cattle

by Huan Liang, Kun Fu, Lin Li, Xiaozhen Song, Long Wang, Lanjiao Xu and Mingren Qu

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182650 - 10 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 961

Abstract

This research was carried out to assess the impact of daidzein supplementation on production performance, serum biochemical indexes, meat quality, and the transcriptome of the longissimus dorsi (LM) muscle in heat-stressed Jinjiang cattle. Twenty 20-month-old Jinjiang cattle (initial mean ± SE: 438 ± 34.6 kg of body weight) were randomly divided into two treatment groups (n = 10 per treatment): control treatment and daidzein treatment (1000 mg/kg concentrate). After a 100-day feeding trial (consisting of a 10-day adaptation period and a 90-day daidzein feeding period), blood and LM muscle samples were collected on day 100. Daidzein significantly increased the average daily dry matter intake (ADMI), the concentration of free fatty acid (FFA) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) in serum, and the marbling score of the LM muscle. Additionally, daidzein significantly decreased the concentration of total cholesterol (TC) and leptin in serum, along with the shear force and L* value of LM in heat-stressed Jinjiang cattle. The transcriptome analysis demonstrated that 238 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through differential expression analysis, among which 168 genes were downregulated and 70 genes were upregulated. The results of KEGG pathways showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways related to beef tenderness, including the FoxO signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Daidzein significantly affected the candidate genes (FOSL1, DGKH, Gadd45G, GAL, SEMA3, TOB, FABP8, TRIB2, Nech1, and GSTA3) involved in adipocyte differentiation, as well as genes (CSTB and ACTN) related to connective tissue structure in heat-stressed Jinjiang cattle. Daidzein plays a positive role in relieving heat stress and improving beef quality in heat-stressed Jinjiang cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Passive Immunity Establishment Through Colostral IgG Absorption in Neonatal Ruminants: Foundation for Efficient Ruminant Production

by Chao Yang, Mei Du, Anum Ali Ahmad, Yan Cheng and Kefyalew Gebeyew

Animals 2025, 15(21), 3093; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15213093 - 24 Oct 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2659

Abstract

Passive immunity, the acquisition of specific immune protection through external antibodies or immune components, is critically important for neonatal survival. In ruminants, however, neonatal hypogammaglobulinemia, a consequence of their epitheliochorial placental structure preventing prenatal antibody transfer, often leads to high morbidity and mortality. Consequently, neonatal ruminants are entirely dependent on the timely consumption of colostrum to acquire sufficient immunoglobulin G (IgG) for protection. Establishing robust passive immunity is therefore a cornerstone for their survival, healthy development, and future production efficiency. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the establishment of passive immunity in neonatal ruminants. We first outline the fundamental principles of passive immunity transfer, then delve into the specific pathways and molecular mechanisms in ruminants. Key factors influencing this process are subsequently discussed. Furthermore, we highlight the long-term impact of passive immunity on adult production performance. This review aims to provide a scientific foundation for optimizing colostrum management strategies and to stimulate future research into the intricate mechanisms of IgG absorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

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