Abstracted/indexed

Intramuscular fat deposition in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Hanwoo is regulated by several genes related to lipid metabolism. One of these genes encodes the enzyme bovine glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, mitochondrial (GPAM). This gene regulates triacylglycerol by gene expression. Thus, our research group has identified SNPs related to the regulation of glycerolipid synthesis in the 3′-UTR of GPAM and verified the function of SNPs affecting intramuscular fat deposition in Hanwoo.

Intramuscular fat is a type of fatty tissue deposited between skeletal muscle fibers and muscle bundles, which is regulated by the number and size of preadipocytes in the muscle, and it is a key factor affecting meat tenderness and juiciness. As a member of miRNAs, a variety of studies suggested that miR-25-3p may play an important role in regulating lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation. This study attempts to investigate the role of miR-25-3p in goat intramuscular preadipocytes.

The objective was to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of nine sheep populations. Overall, these sheep populations in the study exhibited a rich genetic diversity. The nine sheep populations can be divided into two groups. SUF and DST were clustered in one group, and GMM–BAS–BAM, HUS–STH and DOS–DOP were divided into three clusters. This clustering result is consistent with sheep breeding history. TreeMix analysis also hinted at the possible gene flow from GMM to SUF.

Research was conducted to evaluate the effects of plastic slatted floors and a deep-litter system using wood shavings on the growth performance of recent commercial hybrid Pekin ducks with actual field conditions. With the use of plastic slatted floors, the feed conversion rate dropped and the water / feed consumption ratio showed an increase (p < 0.05). This is a remarkable scientific result that is economically favourable for the industry and growers promoting new aspects.

Sixty-eight samples were collected from Egyptian Maghrebi camels to investigate the association of β-casein gene with milk composition traits. β-casein gene, parity and lactation stage recorded significant effect on chemical composition of milk, suggesting the processing of their milk into cheese and butter at the end of lactation stages of the middle parities of their productive life. β-casein gene may be used as a DNA marker in selection programs for the improvement of camel milk composition.