• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.247-253
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and a probiotic mixture on egg quality, blood parameters, and corticosterone content in broiler breeder stock in summer in Korea. A total of 72 broiler breeders (Arbor Acres) at 49 weeks old were randomly divided into the following three groups of 24 heads each: control, GABA, and probiotics (1 × 10⁸/g Bacillus licheniformis, 1 × 10⁷/g Lactiplantibacillus plantaru, and 1 × 10⁷/g Clostridium butyricum). The hens were fed a diet containing 50 mg of GABA/kg of feed and 0.1% probiotics for 6 weeks. Egg quality, blood parameters, and stress levels (corticosterone concentration) of the broiler breeders were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the egg weight, albumen height, Haugh units, yolk color, shell thickness, or shell strength between the groups. There were no significant between-group differences in the blood biochemical profile, including total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, and inorganic phosphorus concentrations. The corticosterone concentration was significantly lower in the GABA and probiotics groups than the control group (P < 0.05) at 6 weeks of age. In conclusion, these results suggest that dietary probiotics and GABA significantly improve the stress levels of broiler breeders in summer in Korea.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.144-155
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• 2023

Objective: Adipocyte differentiation is regulated by a variety of functional genes and noncoding RNAs. However, the role of miRNAs in lipid deposition of goat white adipose tissue is still unclear. Therefore, this study revealed the miRNA expression profile in goat subcutaneous adipocytes by sRNA-seq. Methods: The miRNA expressed in goat subcutaneous preadipocytes and the mature adipocytes were sequenced by sRNA-seq. The differentially expressed miRNAs (DEm) were screened and gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia for genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function combined with oil red O staining, Bodipy staining, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were utilized to determine the effect of miR-133a-3p on adipocyte differentiation. Results: A total of 218 DEm were screened out. The target genes of these DEm were significantly enriched in GO items such as biological regulation and in KEGG terms such as FAK signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. qPCR verified that the expression trend of miRNA was consistent with miRNA-seq. The gain-of-function or loss-of-function of miR-133a-3p showed that it promoted or inhibited the accumulation of lipid droplets, and CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and C/EBPβ were extremely significantly up-regulated or down-regulated respectively (p<0.01), the loss-of-function also led to a significant down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study successfully identified miRNAs expression patterns in goat subcutaneous adipocytes, and functional identification indicates that miR-133a-3p is a positive regulator of the differentiation process of goat subcutaneous adipocytes. Our results lay the foundation for the molecular mechanism of lipid deposition in meat-source goats from the perspective of miRNA.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.239-246
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and a probiotic mixture on egg production and quality, blood parameters, and stress levels (corticosterone) in Hy-Line parent stock during summer in Korea. A total of 105 Hy-Line parent stock aged 24 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, each containing thirty-five birds: control, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and probiotics (1 × 10⁸/g Bacillus licheniformis, 1 × 10⁷/g Lactobacillus plantarum, and 1 × 10⁷/g Corynebacterium butyricum). The hens were fed a diet containing 50 ppm GABA or 0.1% probiotics for 6 weeks. Compared with the control group, the hen-day egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio over the total period were significantly higher in the probiotic group (P<0.05). In contrast no significant differences were detected among groups with respect to egg weight, albumen height, Haugh units, yolk color, shell thickness or shell strength. Similarly, no significant difference were observed among groups with regards to biochemical profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, and inorganic phosphorus). However, compared with the control group, we did detect significant reductions in corticosterone levels in the GABA and probiotics groups (P<0.05). On the basis of our findings in this study, it would appear that dietary GABA and probiotics can alleviate heat stress in Hy-Line parent stock, with probiotics in particular being found to promote significant improvements in the hen-day egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion of laying hens during the summer season in Korea.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.404-416
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• 2023

Objective: Daweizi (DWZ) is a famous indigenous pig breed in China and characterized by tender meat and high fat percentage. However, the expression profiles and functions of transcripts in DWZ pigs is still in infancy. The object of this study was to depict the transcript profiles in DWZ pigs and screen the potential pathway influence adipogenesis and fat deposition, Methods: Histological analysis of backfat tissue was firstly performed between DWZ and lean-type Yorkshire pigs, and then RNA sequencing technology was utilized to explore miRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs profiles in backfat tissue. 18 differentially expressed (DE) transcripts were randomly selected for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) to validate the reliability of the sequencing results. Finally, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted to investigate the potential pathways influence adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, and a schematic model was further proposed. Results: A total of 1,625 differentially expressed transcripts were identified in DWZ pigs, including 27 upregulated and 45 downregulated miRNAs, 64 upregulated and 119 down-regulated lncRNA, 814 upregulated and 556 downregulated mRNAs. QPCR analysis exhibited strong consistency with the sequencing data. GO and KEGG analysis elucidated that the differentially expressed transcripts were mainly associated with cell growth and death, signal transduction, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), PI3K-Akt, adipocytokine and foxo signaling pathways, all of which are strongly involved in cell development, lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. Further analysis indicated that the BGIR9823_87926/miR-194a-5p/AQP7 network may be effective in the process of adipocyte differentiation or adipogenesis. Conclusion: Our study provides comprehensive insights into the regulatory network of backfat deposition and lipid metabolism in pigs from the point of view of miRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.570-583
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• 2023

Objective: Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play critical roles in embryo development, and immune responses to infectious diseases. In this study, to investigate the roles of FGFs, we performed genome-wide identification, expression, and functional analyses of FGF family members in chickens. Methods: Chicken FGFs genes were identified and analyzed by using bioinformatics approach. Expression profiles and Hierarchical cluster analysis of the FGFs genes in different chicken tissues were obtained from the genome-wide RNA-seq. Results: A total of 20 FGF genes were identified in the chicken genome, which were classified into seven distinct groups (A-F) in the phylogenetic tree. Gene structure analysis revealed that members of the same clade had the same or similar exon-intron structure. Chromosome mapping suggested that FGF genes were widely dispersed across the chicken genome and were located on chromosomes 1, 4-6, 9-10, 13, 15, 28, and Z. In addition, the interactions among FGF proteins and between FGFs and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins are limited, indicating that the remaining functions of FGF proteins should be further investigated in chickens. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis showed that FGF gene interacts with MAPK genes and are involved in stimulating signaling pathway and regulating immune responses. Furthermore, this study identified 15 differentially expressed genes (DEG) in 21 different growth stages during early chicken embryo development. RNA-sequencing data identified the DEG of FGFs on 1- and 3-days post infection in two indigenous Ri chicken lines infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 (HPAIV). Finally, all the genes examined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and RNA-Seq analyses showed similar responses to HPAIV infection in indigenous Ri chicken lines (R² = 0.92-0.95, p<0.01). Conclusion: This study provides significant insights into the potential functions of FGFs in chickens, including the regulation of MAPK signaling pathways and the immune response of chickens to HPAIV infections.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.535-549
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• 2023

This study was to investigate the effects of different phytogenic feed additives (PFA) dosage levels in growing- finishing pigs stressed by high stocking density. A total of 72 mix sexed 12 weeks growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with initial body weight (BW) of 49.28 ± 4.58 kg were used for 8 weeks. There were 3 replicate pens in each treatment group, with 3 pigs per pen. The dietary treatment groups consisted of basal diets in animal welfare density (negative control [NC]), basal diet in high stocking density (positive control [PC]), PC + 0.04% essential oil (ES1), PC + 0.08% essential oil (ES2), PC + 0.10% bitter citrus extract & essential oil (CES1), PC + 0.20% bitter citrus extract & essential oil (CES2), PC + 0.05% grape pomace extract (GP1), PC + 0.10% grape pomace extract (GP2). The reduction of space allowance decreased (p < 0.05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy. Also, the fecal score of PC groups increased (p < 0.05) compared with other groups. Basic behaviors (feed intake, standing, lying) were inactive (p < 0.05) and singularity behavior (biting) was increased (p < 0.10) under high stocking density. There was no difference in blood profile. However, the supplementation of PFA alleviated the negative effects such as reduced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and some increasing stress indicators in th blood (cortisol) and animal behavior (biting). In conclusion, the negative effect of high stocking density was most effectively mitigated by the normal dosage of the mixture of bitter citrus extract and essential oil additive (CES1).

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.639-658
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• 2023

Although goat meat has several health benefits than other red meats but comsumers reluctant it due to its unpleasant flavor. This study aimed to investigate the odorant of goat meat as well as compare the quality traits of meat regarding sex status. The loin meats [non-castrated male (NCM), castrated male (CM), and female (FM)] were collected and stored at 4℃ in a laboratory refrigerator and analyzed on the 1^st, 5^th, and 8^th consecutive days. The moisture content was the lowest and the protein content was highest in FM (p<0.05). Fat and ash content in NCM and FM were similar while lowest in CM. The CIE L^* was significantly higher in NCM, but there were no significant differences of CIE a^* and CIE b^* within groups at initial day. The color intensity increased on the 5^th storage day and decreased again after the 8^th storage day, except in NCM. NCM displayed the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value (p<0.05), whereas CM displayed a higher pH value than other groups throughout the storage period. Indole levels were the highest in NCM (0.031 mg/kg); however, skatole levels were not significant differences across all treatments (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the fatty acid composition between NCM and CM (p>0.05), whereas a significant difference was observed in FM (p<0.05). Most of the water-soluble metabolites showed significant differences between sexes. Overall, sex status effects on quality properties of meat and castration can improve the overall sensory acceptance by reducing goaty flavor of Korean native black goat meat.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.1517-1529
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• 2023

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the phylogenetic and expression analysis of the angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL) gene family and their role in lipid metabolism in pigs. Methods: In this study, the amino acid sequence analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and chromosome adjacent gene analysis were performed to identify the ANGPTL gene family in pigs. According to the body weight data from 60 Jinhua pigs, different tissues of 6 pigs with average body weight were used to determine the expression profile of ANGPTL1-8. The ileum, subcutaneous fat, and liver of 8 pigs with distinct fatness were selected to analyze the gene expression of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8. Results: The sequence length of ANGPTLs in pigs was between 1,186 and 1,991 bp, and the pig ANGPTL family members shared common features with human homologous genes, including the high similarity of the amino acid sequence and chromosome flanking genes. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that ANGPTL1-7 had a highly conserved domain except for ANGPTL8. Phylogenetic analysis showed that each ANGPTL homologous gene shared a common origin. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that ANGPTL family members had different expression patterns in different tissues. ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 were mainly expressed in the liver, while ANGPTL4 was expressed in many other tissues, such as the intestine and subcutaneous fat. The expression levels of ANGPTL3 in the liver and ANGPTL4 in the liver, intestine and subcutaneous fat of Jinhua pigs with low propensity for adipogenesis were significantly higher than those of high propensity for adipogenesis. Conclusion: These results increase our knowledge about the biological role of the ANGPTL family in this important economic species, it will also help to better understand the role of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8 in lipid metabolism of pigs, and provide innovative ideas for developing strategies to improve meat quality of pigs.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.87-93
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• 2024

Objectives: Obesity is a globally prevalent public health issue. Hence, there is a need for the development of safer and more effective anti-obesity drugs. Lythrum salicaria, a traditional medicinal herb used for centuries, has been reported to improve lipid metabolism and fat accumulation. It also has a low toxicity profile. Therefore, its potential as a functional ingredient in health functional foods needs to be evaluated. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 90 participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Each subject will orally receive L. salicaria extract (1,350 mg/day) (500 mg L. salicaria+850 mg lactose as vehicle) or lactose (1,350 mg/day) as a hard capsule formula for 84 days (12 weeks). The primary outcome will be body fat mass (kg), which will be assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (performed only at visits 2 and 4). Secondary outcomes include body mass index, body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage (%) measured using DXA, lean body mass (kg) measured using DXA (assessed only at visits 2 and 4), lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), free fatty acid, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and leptin. Conclusions: This protocol will be implemented after approval of Institutional Review Board of Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital (approval number: PNUKHIRB-2022-08-002) and registration with the Korean National Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) (CRIS-KCT0008060). The results of this trial will provide potential of L. salicaria as a new anti-obesity functional food with fat-reducing effects and low toxicity.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.185-194
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• 2002

This study was conducted to compare the biochemical properties on chicken meat among Korean Ogol Chicken(KOC), the Cross-bred Ogol chicken(CBO), and broiler(BRO). The results were as follows: the total protein content of the CBO was significantly(P<0.05) higher by 0.83% in male and by 1.37% in female than that of KOC. In the total protein content, CBO also had significantly(P<0.05) higher percentages than that of BRO(21.73%). In the total fat content of CBO, there was a significant (P<0.05)difference between male(0.69%) and female(0.91%). However, on the regarding both sexes the total fat content percentage of CBO was a greatly lower than that of BRO(1.92%). The CBO showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher calcium ion content, with 103.67 ppm and 118.00 ppm in male and female, respectively, than traditional broiler breed(73.80 ppm). But KOC and CBO contained similar calcium ion content in each other. The CBO contained significantly(P<0.05) higher essential amino acids(cystine, serine, lucine, phenylalanine, arginine, proline) than the BRO. In fatty acid composition, the CBO contained higher unsaturated fatty acids, with 34.22 and 26.23% for male and female, respectively, than the KOC containing 29.76 and 24.59% fur male and female, respectively. These were substantially higher levels compared to 19.59% in BRO. Higher trend in Docosa hexaenoic acid(DHA) level was observed in the CBO(5.47% and 2.89% for male and female, respectively) compared to the KOC(2.92% and 1.00%). While DHA in the broiler meat was not detectable. In the ratio between n-6 and n-3, the CBO(3.87∼6.14) appeared to have a better profile than BRO(25.71). The brightness of Commision Internationale do L＇Eclairage for CBO were 56.97 and 58.06 for male and female, respectively. Whereas broiler meat showed 62.88. Collectively, these color properties were higher than KOC.