The system includes a feeding vessel having an inlet, an outlet, and a membrane positioned across an opening in the vessel. Parasites (preferably ticks) are allowed to attach themselves to the membrane so that as a feeding fluid (preferably blood) is circulated through the vessel, the parasites feed on the feeding fluid through the membrane.

Described herein are methods of increasing meat quantity and/or improving meat quality of domesticated meat animals using treatments of nicotinamide riboside. The nicotinamide riboside may be in the form of a chloride salt mixed or dissolved in a biologically-acceptable carrier. The treatments may be provided as an in ovo injection or orally administered to the live domesticated meat animal. The methods described herein advantageously increase the size and weight of the domesticated meat animals, reduce the incidences of transportation fatigue, and decrease meat discoloration over time.

The present disclosure pertains to the use of a modified RNA (modRNA) that encodes a sphingolipid-metabolizing protein such as acid ceramidase to achieve expression of the sphingolipid-metabolizing protein in a mammalian cell or group of cells. Expression of the protein from the (modRNA) reduces high levels of ceramide in the cell that lead to cell death or senescence.

A breeding method for improving reproductive performance of a chicken specialized dam line includes the steps of forming an F1 generation group, forming a breeding group, screening a breeding group, forming an F2 generation group, and continuously breeding to an Fn generation group. The method includes raising in small-scale groups and natural mating for systematic selection and breeding, which effectively reduces the generation interval and has the features of easy operation and fast genetic progress, not only ensuring animal welfare, but also effectively improving production performance.

A breeding method for improving reproductive performance of a chicken specialized dam line includes the steps of forming an F1 generation group, forming a breeding group, screening a breeding group, forming an F2 generation group, and continuously breeding to an Fn generation group. The method includes raising in small-scale groups and natural mating for systematic selection and breeding, which effectively reduces the generation interval and has the features of easy operation and fast genetic progress, not only ensuring animal welfare, but also effectively improving production performance.

A method is provided for establishing an ulcerative colitis (UC) animal model and use of the model. The ulcerative colitis animal model uses Canis lupus familiaris dogs as the modeling animals and uses acetic acid to induce canine ulcerative colitis. The experimental results can be directly generalized to the human body. The modeling manner is easy to operate, establishes a stable model, is easy to reproduce, and has a low cost, which provides more animal model options for evaluation of responsiveness to drugs and therapeutic effect in research and development of UC therapeutic drugs.

Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

The present invention provides systems and non-invasive methods for gender selection of eukaryotic organisms More specifically, the invention applies the CRISPR-Cas system as well as any derivatives and fusion proteins thereof for creation of transgenic eukaryotic organisms and for selecting the desired gender of the resulting progeny.

A nonhuman animal cancer model is described. The animal model includes an animal of the genus Peromyscus and xenograft cancer cells implanted in the animal. Methods for utilizing the animal model can include evaluation of growth and development of cancer cells, as well as evaluation of known and potential cancer treatment therapies. The animal model can be utilized to examine the efficacy of an anticancer therapy at the preclinical stage, can be utilized to screen potential cancer treatments in an individualized cancer treatment protocol, and can be utilized for identification of biomarkers associated with particular cancers and/or particular anticancer therapies, among other beneficial uses.