To investigate the biological role of the lncRNA NEAT1 in porcine skeletal muscle development, this study employed a series of molecular and cellular approaches. First, the full-length cDNA sequence of porcine NEAT1 was determined using RACE technology, revealing a 3284-base pair transcript. RT-qPCR was then used to analyze the spatiotemporal expression patterns of NEAT1 in various porcine tissues and PSCs at different developmental stages, while its subcellular localization was characterized. Finally, siRNA-mediated silencing of NEAT1 was performed to assess its effects on PSCs proliferation and differentiation. RT-qPCR analysis showed that NEAT1 is highly expressed in porcine heart and skeletal muscle tissues. During PSCs development, NEAT1 expression is dynamically regulated: it is significantly upregulated during the proliferation phase and markedly downregulated upon entry into the differentiation phase. Subcellular localization studies demonstrated that NEAT1 is distributed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of PSCs, with predominant ctoplasmic localization during proliferation; as differentiation proceeds, cytoplasmic NEAT1 abundance decreases, resulting in distinct subcellular expression patterns between the two stages. Functional validation revealed that silencing NEAT1 significantly reduces PSC proliferative activity, accompanied by downregulation of key proliferation markers (PCNA, CCNA2, CCNB1, CCNE2, CCND1, and CDK4; P < 0.05) and upregulation of the cell cycle inhibitor CDKN1A (P < 0.05). Concurrently, NEAT1 silencing enhances PSC differentiation, as evidenced by increased expression of muscle differentiation markers (MyoD, MyoG, and MyHC; P < 0.05). I conclusion, NEAT1 plays a critical role in porcine skeletal muscle development by promoting PSCs proliferation and inhibiting their differentiation. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying NEAT1 function in porcine skeletal muscle development.

Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex is a complex condition that results in economic losses for producers and health problems for growing pigs. The pathogens involved may include viruses, bacteria, or mycoplasmas. Furthermore, environmental stressors associated with farm management can affect the animals’ health. Various respiratory diseases can act as triggers either independently or, more frequently, synergistically to produce a compounded effect. The prevalence and distribution of these diseases differ based on the scientific production unit, both within and across various regions. In this study, we examined the respiratory organs (lungs, tonsils, and bronchial lymph nodes) from 108 pigs as our research subjects. A comprehensive gross examination was conducted, and any lesions showing abnormalities were recorded. The most frequently observed microscopic lesions were indicative of interstitial pneumonia, broncho-interstitial pneumonia, and bronchopneumonia, regardless of the underlying cause, particularly in the Hassan region.

A study was conducted to document the housing practices of native chicken farmers in Kannur and Kozhikode districts of Kerala, India, with emphasis on provisionof night shelter (coops), construction materials, placement, dimensions and floor space of coops, and other housing features. A total of 63 coops were assessed through farmer surveys and direct observations. Almost all households (98.44%) provided night shelters, reflecting their importance in preventing predation, particularly in this hilly region. Wood was the predominant flooring material (52.38% in Kannur; 66.67% in Kozhikode), while roofing material differed between districts, with tiles more common in Kannur and thatch in Kozhikode. Wooden walls were more prevalent, although wire mesh use was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Kannur. Coop placement generally balanced easy accessibility for monitoring with distance to minimize odour. Most of the coops located within 10 m from the household. Elevation above ground was practiced variably, with benefits recognized for reducing termite damage and waterlogging. Significantly (P<0.01) more coops in Kannur (38.1%) exceeded 2 ft in height compared with Kozhikode (P < 0.01), where shorter coops predominated. Larger coop areas (>8 sq. ft) were also more common in Kannur (57.14%) than Kozhikode (16.67%), indicating district-level variation in housing capacity. Floor space per bird was generally low, with 57–60% of farmers providing only 0.5–1.0 sq. ft. Other practices included provision of nest boxes, perches in only 11% of coops, and use of sand as littermaterial rarely. Overall, the study indicates that although farmers rely on inexpensive, locally available materials, there is considerable scope for improving coop design, floor allocation, and durability to enhance bird welfare, productivity, and returns.  

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of floor space allowance on performance and behaviour of weaned lambs. Eighteen weaned Magra lambs (Male) the age group of 3-7 months body weight 7-8 kg were randomly devided into three different groups and viz., T0.8, T0.6 and T1. The selected lambs were kept into three different groups with different floor space comprising of 6 lambs in each group. Group T0 (0.8 m2 floor space/ lamb), Group T1 (0.6 m2/ lamb) and Group T2 (1 m2/ lamb). The feeding and other management practices for all the three groups were similar. The body weight of lambs at 3 and 6 months of age was 13.53, 13.57, 13.75 and 19.09, 18.65, 19.79 kg respectively in Group T0, T1 and T2. The average daily gain and average weekly gain in body weight were 66.22 ± 1.106, 60.44 ± 1.755 and 71.85 ± 0.82 gm/day and 463.47b ± 48.33, 423.05a ± 38.30 and 502.92c ± 42.23 gm/wk in Group T0, T1 and T2 respectively. There was significant effect of floor space on average daily gain (P<0.01), average weekly gain (P<0.01) and also on average monthly gain (P<0.05) of Magra lambs. It was concluded that provision of floor space is positively correlated with the growth performance of lambs. 

The present study was conducted with an aim to determine the morphometric, characteristics of Rathi calves of 4-6 months in its breeding tract i.e. Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh district. A total number of 180 Rathi calves were taken for observations in 6 tehsils of 3 districts belonging to the breeding tract irrespective of sex. Upon comparison of means, highly significant effect of sex on body weight and ear length was observed whereas remaining parameters did not vary significantly. Among districts, only body weight, body length and height at hip bone differ significantly. The body weight of Rathi calves at 4-6 months of age in Sri Ganganagar district were observed to be significantly higher as compared to Bikaner and Hanumangarh district. Rathi calves did not reveal significant variation among each other. Similarly, body length and height at hip bone of Rath calves at 4-6 months of age also varied significant in which Sri Ganganagar district had highr values as compared to other two districts exhibited comparable values. The results of this survey study determined better characterization of Rathi breed in its home tract which might be useful to establish its current status in arid zone of Rajasthan to plan strategy for conservation of Rathi cattle for supporting dairy husbandry activity in its breeding tract.