1
|
Xiao J, Chen T, Peng R, Alugongo GM, Yang H, Khan MZ, Liu S, Ma Y, Wang J, Wang W, Wang Y, Li S, Cao Z. The age at first consumption of forage in calves and its effect on growth and rumination in the short- and long-term. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:107. [PMID: 37482622 PMCID: PMC10364370 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous investigations into the effect of dietary forage on calf performance have been inconsistent, and there is a paucity of information exploring the effect of age on the growth performance and rumination of calves. Eighty-four female Holstein calves (41.5 ± 4.2 kg) were enrolled at birth, a subset of the calves were fed calf starter only (CON, n = 21) while the rest (n = 63) were classified into three treatment groups: the early (EHAY, n = 26, 5.1 ± 0.8 d), the middle (MHAY, n = 21, 7.9 ± 0.8 d) and the late (LHAY, n = 16, 12.1 ± 1.4 d) hay consumers. The short-term effect of the age at first forage consumption (AFF) on calves' feed intake was monitored until d 84. In addition, the long-term effects of AFF on body weight, structural growth and rumination behavior were recorded until d 196. Rumen samples were collected on d 1, 7, 35, 84 and 196 to analyze the rumen fermentation, while fecal samples were collected from d 78 to 84 to estimate digestibility parameters. RESULTS Treatment had no effect on feed intake. While, the EHAY calves tended to have lower BW and ADG compared to LHAY and CON calves. Several total-tract apparent digestibility parameters and digestible nutrients intake were significantly lower in EHAY calves compared with CON and LHAY calves. Calves in the EHAY group tended to begin ruminating ealier, while CON calves were the latest (12.3 vs. 15.5 days of age). A treatment and time interaction was present for rumination time due to greater rumination in calves consuming hay compared to CON calves in week 10 to 12, the differences in rumination disappeared afterwards, no long-lasting significant differences in the rumination and rumen fermentation parameters were found between treatments. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study showed that hay consumption earlier in life (in the first week, around 5 days of life) could negatively affect the growth of the calf in the short and long term. Compared to consuming hay from the second week (around 12 days of life) or feeding concentrate only without hay, starting to consume hay from the first week could compromise nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient intake independent of developing rumination behaviour and rumen fermentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Culture and Safety Production in Cattle in Sichuan, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Gibson Maswayi Alugongo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, International Calf and Heifer Organization, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Lima V, Pereira GR, da Rocha MK, de Oliveira TE, Fagundes HX, Lima JA, Barcellos JOJ. The influence of weaning age and biocholine supplementation to post-weaning growth and puberty in Brangus heifers. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:107-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
3
|
Taylor EN, Han J, Fan C, Beckmann M, Hewinson G, Rooke D, Koets AP, Mur LAJ. Defining Fatty Acid Changes Linked to Rumen Development, Weaning and Growth in Holstein-Friesian Heifers. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12050374. [PMID: 35629878 PMCID: PMC9143779 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12050374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
After birth, as effectively monogastric animals, calves undergo substantial physiological changes to become ruminants by 3 months of age and reach sexual maturity at approximately 15 months of age. Herein, we assess longitudinal metabolomic changes in Holstein-Friesian (HF) heifers from birth until sexual maturity during this developmental process. Sera from 20 healthy, HF heifers were sampled biweekly from 2 weeks of age until 13 months of age and then monthly until 19 months of age. Sera were assessed using flow infusion electrospray high-resolution mass spectrometry (FIE-HRMS) on a Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer for high-throughput, sensitive, non-targeted metabolite fingerprinting. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) of the derived metabolomes indicated changes detectable in heifers’ sera over time. Time series analyses identified 30 metabolites that could be related to rumen development and weaning at ~3 months of age. Further time series analysis identified 40 metabolites that could be correlated with growth. These findings highlight the role of acetic acid and 3-phenylpropionate (3-PP) in rumen development and growth, suggest that weaning induces elevated levels of fatty acyls in response to a post-weaning stress-induced innate immune response and demonstrate the utilization of fatty acyls in growth. The identified metabolites offer serum metabolites which could inform the nutrition and healthy development of heifers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma N. Taylor
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (E.N.T.); (M.B.); (G.H.)
| | - Jiwan Han
- College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu District, Jinzhong 030810, China; (J.H.); (C.F.)
| | - Congying Fan
- College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu District, Jinzhong 030810, China; (J.H.); (C.F.)
| | - Manfred Beckmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (E.N.T.); (M.B.); (G.H.)
| | - Glyn Hewinson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (E.N.T.); (M.B.); (G.H.)
- Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK
| | | | - Ad P. Koets
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Population Health Systems, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (A.P.K.); (L.A.J.M.)
| | - Luis A. J. Mur
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (E.N.T.); (M.B.); (G.H.)
- College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu District, Jinzhong 030810, China; (J.H.); (C.F.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.K.); (L.A.J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Effects of group housing and incremental hay supplementation in calf starters at different ages on growth performance, behavior, and health. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3190. [PMID: 35210533 PMCID: PMC8873488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of age at group housing and age at incremental hay supplementation in calf starters from 7.5 to 15% (dry matter, DM) and their interaction on growth performance, behavior, health of dairy calves, and development of heifers through first breeding. A total of 64 calves (n = 16 calves/treatment, 8 male and 8 female) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with age at group housing (early = d 28 ± 2, EG vs. late = d 70 ± 2, LG; 4 calves per group) and age at incremental hay supplementation of calf starters from 7.5 to 15% of DM (early = d 42 ± 2 d, EH vs. late = d 77 ± 2, LH) as the main factors. All calves (female and male) were weaned at 63 days of age and observed until 90 days of age. Heifer calves were managed uniformly from 90 days of age until first calving to evaluate the long-term effects of treatment. No interactions were observed between age at group housing and age at incremental hay to calves on starter feed intake, performance, calf health and behavior, and heifer development through first breeding, which was contrary to our hypothesis. The age at which incremental hay supplementation was administered had no effect on starter feed intake, growth performance, or heifer development until first calving. When EG calves were compared with LG calves, nutrient intake (starter, total dry matter, metabolizable energy, neutral detergent fiber, starch, and crude protein), average daily gain, and final body weight increased. In addition, frequency of standing decreased and time and frequency of eating increased in EG calves compared to LG calves. Overall, early group housing leads to improved growth performance in dairy calves with no negative effects on calf health compared to late group housing.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang X, Zhang D, Wang W, Lv F, Pang X, Liu G, Li F, Zhang X. Transcriptome profiling reveals differential gene expression in the rumen of Hu lambs at different developmental stages. Anim Biotechnol 2021:1-11. [PMID: 34607533 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1975728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The development of the rumen is a critical physiological challenge in newborn ruminants. However, the molecular mechanism underlying different stages of rumen development in sheep remains poorly understood. Here, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to compare the transcription profiles of rumen development at 7, 28 and 56 days of birth (D7, D28 and D56). We identified 1246, 2257 and 627 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between D7 and D28, between D7 and D56, between D28 and D56, respectively. Also, 70 DGEs were co-expressed at these three time points. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated most DEGs mainly related to transporter activity, channel activity and metabolism pathways. Noteworthy, the expression levels of most genes (CA4, CA9, CA12 and CA14) in nitrogen metabolic pathways were negatively correlated with the papilla length and width, but the papilla length and width were positively correlated with the expression of genes (PLA2G3, SLC26A9, SLC34A3) in ion transport pathway, suggesting that these genes may be involved in nitrogen metabolic and ion transport pathway and thus affect rumen development. These results provide new insight into the changes in RNA expression at different time points of rumen development in Hu sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Deyin Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weiming Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feng Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Pang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guohua Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fadi Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu WH, La Teng Zhu La A, Evans ACO, Gao ST, Yu ZT, Ma L, Bu DP. Supplementation with Yucca schidigera improves antioxidant capability and immune function and decreases fecal score of dairy calves before weaning. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:4317-4325. [PMID: 33551165 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Yucca schidigera (YS) is a species of plant rich in antimicrobials, antioxidants, and immunomodulators. It has been used as feed additive to improve animal performance and decrease methane emissions in cattle. However, few studies have evaluated YS in dairy calves. In this study, we evaluated the effects of YS on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in dairy calves before weaning. We randomly assigned 40 newborn female Holstein calves (4 d old; 40 ± 5 kg of body weight) to 1 of 4 treatments (n = 10 per treatment), which were fed 0, 3, 6, or 9 g/d of YS powder. The YS allowance was mixed into milk or milk replacer and fed twice daily. Dry matter intake (both liquid and starter feed) and fecal score were recorded daily, and body weight, withers height, body length, and heart girth were measured at 4, 14, 28, 42, and 60 d of age. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein at 14, 42, and 60 d of age after the afternoon feeding for analysis of serum antioxidant capacity and immune function. Feeding YS did not affect dry matter intake, but decreased the feed-to-gain ratio with a quadratic dose effect. Over the whole study period, the average daily gain tended to linearly increase with the increasing YS doses, and it was 6.8% higher in diets supplemented with 9 g/d of YS than in the basal control diet without YS. The YS supplementation linearly decreased fecal score in a dose-dependent manner, and the frequency of diarrhea was significantly decreased as the YS supplementation increased throughout the whole study period. The YS supplementation also linearly decreased maleic dialdehyde concentration in the serum compared with the control group. The activity of catalase tended to linearly and quadratically increase, and that of glutathione peroxidase increased linearly with the increased YS supplementation. Serum concentrations of IgA and IgG increased linearly with the increased YS supplementation, and that of IgG tended to increase quadratically. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrated that feeding YS to young calves could improve growth, feed efficiency, and immunity, and decrease fecal score and diarrhea. The results of this study indicated that feeding YS at 9 g/d may be recommended to benefit dairy calves before weaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W H Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - A La Teng Zhu La
- Institute of Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - A C O Evans
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - S T Gao
- Institute of Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Z T Yu
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - L Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - D P Bu
- Institute of Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Joint Laboratory on Integrated Crop-Tree-Livestock Systems of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), and World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Beijing 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xiao J, Alugongo GM, Li J, Wang Y, Li S, Cao Z. Review: How Forage Feeding Early in Life Influences the Growth Rate, Ruminal Environment, and the Establishment of Feeding Behavior in Pre-Weaned Calves. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020188. [PMID: 31978953 PMCID: PMC7071100 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Under natural grazing systems, calves are likely to consume forage in early life. However, forage inclusion in the diet of pre-weaned calves has long been a controversial issue due to it possibly being associated with negative calf performance. Recent published literature seems to confound previous research. This review aims to understand the factors that may influence forage inclusion in the ration of pre-weaned calves. We have explored research related to the effect of feeding forage on rumen and behavioral development to better understand whether forage should be fed to the young calf. Based on the findings, it is concluded that a small amount of good quality forage is recommended for calves to improve their behavioral expression and rumen environment, which may further improve calf performance. Abstract The provision of forage to pre-weaned calves has been continuously researched and discussed by scientists, though results associated with calf growth and performance have remained inconsistent. Multiple factors, including forage type, intake level, physical form, and feeding method of both solid and liquid feed, can influence the outcomes of forage inclusion on calf performance. In the current review, we summarized published literature in order to get a comprehensive understanding of how early forage inclusion in diets affects calf growth performance, rumen fermentation, microbiota composition, and the development of feeding behavior. A small amount of good quality forage, such as alfalfa hay, supplemented in the diet, is likely to improve calf feed intake and growth rate. Provision of forage early in life may result in greater chewing (eating and ruminating) activity. Moreover, forage supplementation decreases non-nutritive oral and feed sorting behaviors, which can help to maintain rumen fluid pH and increase the number of cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen. This review argues that forage provision early in life has the potential to affect the rumen environment and the development of feeding behavior in dairy calves. Continued research is required to further understand the long-term effects of forage supplementation in pre-weaned calves, because animal-related factors, such as feed selection and sorting, early in life may persist until later in adult life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.X.); (G.M.A.); (Y.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Gibson Maswayi Alugongo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.X.); (G.M.A.); (Y.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Jinghui Li
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Yajing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.X.); (G.M.A.); (Y.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Shengli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.X.); (G.M.A.); (Y.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Zhijun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-6273-3746
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Diao Q, Zhang R, Fu T. Review of Strategies to Promote Rumen Development in Calves. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9080490. [PMID: 31357433 PMCID: PMC6720602 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rumen is an important digestive organ that plays a key role in the growth, production performance and health of ruminants. Promoting rumen development has always been a key target of calf nutrition. Current research reveals that an early feeding regime and nutrition have effects on rumen development and the establishment of rumen microbiota. The effects may persist for a long time, and consequently, impact the lifetime productive performance and health of adult ruminants. The most sensitive window for rumen manipulation may exist in the postnatal and weaning period. Thus, the early feeding regime and nutrition of calves deserve further research. The establishment of the rumen bacterial community is a mysterious and complex process. The development of microbial 16S rDNA gene sequencing and metagenome analysis enables us to learn more about the establishment of rumen microbes and their interactions in host gastrointestinal (GI) tract development. Abstract Digestive tract development in calves presents a uniquely organized system. Specifically, as the rumen develops and becomes colonized by microorganisms, a calf physiologically transitions from a pseudo-monogastric animal to a functioning ruminant. Importantly, the development of rumen in calves can directly affect the intake of feed, nutrient digestibility and overall growth. Even minor changes in the early feeding regime and nutrition can drastically influence rumen development, resulting in long-term effects on growth, health, and milk yields in adult cattle. Rumen development in newborn calves is one of the most important and interesting areas of calf nutrition. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent studies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract development in calves. Moreover, we also describe the effect of the environment in shaping the GI tract, including diet, feed additives and feeding management, as well as discuss the strategies to promote the physiological and microbiological development of rumen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Diao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés, 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Tong Fu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| |
Collapse
|