RESUMO Fatores climáticos desempenham papel essencial no crescimento da largura dos anéis das árvores. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a correlação entre variáveis climáticas e características de crescimento de anéis de árvores de Pinus sibirica nas montanhas de Altai, noroeste da China. Este estudo é o primeiro desse tipo na análise do crescimento climático de Pinus sibirica no noroeste da China. O estudo mostrou grande potencial para entender as espécies que crescem sob as condições climáticas específicas. Total de 70 testemunhos coletados em três locais na área de amostragem, dos quais 63 testemunhos considerados para este estudo. O efeito das variáveis climáticas estudadas incluem precipitação, temperatura e PDSI. Nossos resultados mostraram que a cronologia da Largura do Anel da Árvore tem uma correlação significativamente positiva com a temperatura do final do inverno (março) e uma correlação negativa significativa com as temperaturas de julho. Uma correlação significativa foi observada com a precipitação do final do verão, enquanto nenhuma relação significativa foi encontrada com o Índice de Severidade de Seca de Palmer. Essas correlações significativas com a temperatura e precipitação sugeriram que esta espécie de árvore tinha o potencial para a reconstrução do clima passado na área.

Abstract Climatic factors play an essential role in the growth of tree ring width. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and tree-ring growth characteristics of Pinus sibirica in Altai mountains, northwestern China. This study being is first of its kind on climate growth analysis of Pinus sibirica in northwestern China. The study showed great potential to understand the species growing under the specific climatic conditions. Total of 70 tree cores collected from three sites in the sampling area, out of which 63 tree cores considered for this study. The effect of climatic variables which was studied include precipitation, temperature and PDSI. Our results showed that Tree Ring Width chronology has a significantly positive correlation with the late winter (March) temperature and significant negative correlation with the July temperatures. A significant correlation was observed with the late summer precipitation whereas no significant relation found with the Palmer Drought Severity Index. These significant correlations with temperature and precipitation suggested that this tree species had the potential for the reconstruction of the past climate in the area.

The current study aimed to assess the effects of the addition of dietary fermented feed (FF) on the growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and number of cecal microorganisms of Sichuan white geese from 1 to 28 d of age. A total of 240, 1-day-old female geese were randomly divided into five groups with six replicates (eight birds per replicate). Geese in the control group were fed the basal diet (0.0% FF) and the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% FF, respectively. The 5.0% FF and 7.5% FF groups had greater body weights (BW), average daily feed intakes (ADFI), and average daily gains (ADG) than the control group. The feed/gain ratio (F/G) in the 7.5% FF group was higher than the control group. The concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IGA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the 5.0% FF group were higher than those in the control group, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the 5.0% FF group was lower. Moreover, the FF did not affect the plasma biochemical indicators, number of cecal microorganisms, and intestinal morphology of geese in the groups. These findings indicate that 5.0% FF may improve the growth performance (BW, ADG, and ADFI), immunological function, and antioxidant capacity of Sichuan white geese from 1 to 28 days of age.

Abstract Cobalt metal is considered as an essential trace element for the animals. Present investigation was undertaken in the peri-urban area to analyze the cobalt availability in animal food chain by using different indices. Cow, buffalo and sheep samples along with forage and soil samples were collected from the three different sites of District Jhang and analyzed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cobalt values differed in soil samples as 0.315-0.535 mg/kg, forages as 0.127-0.333 mg/kg and animal samples as 0.364-0.504 mg/kg. Analyzed cobalt concentration in soil, forage and animal samples was found to be deficient in concentration with respect to standard limits. Soil showed the minimum cobalt level in Z. mays while maximum concentration was examined in the forage C. decidua samples. All indices examined in this study has values lesser than 1, representing the safer limits of the cobalt concentration in these samples. Enrichment factor (0.071-0.161 mg/kg) showed the highly deficient amount of cobalt enrichment in this area. Bio-concentration factor (0.392-0.883) and pollution load index (0.035-0.059 mg/kg) values were also lesser than 1 explains that plant and soil samples are not contaminated with cobalt metal. The daily intake and health risk index ranged from 0.00019-0.00064 mg/kg/day and 0.0044-0.0150 mg/kg/day respectively. Among the animals, cobalt availability was maximum (0.0150 mg/kg/day) in the buffaloes that grazed on the C. decidua fodder. Results of this study concluded that cobalt containing fertilizers must be applied on the soil and forages. Animal feed derived from the cobalt containing supplements are supplied to the animals, to fulfill the nutritional requirements of livestock.

Resumo O metal cobalto é considerado um oligoelemento essencial para os animais. A presente investigação foi realizada na área periurbana para analisar a disponibilidade de cobalto na cadeia alimentar animal usando diferentes índices. Amostras de vacas, búfalos e ovelhas, juntamente com amostras de forragem e solo foram coletadas em três locais diferentes do Distrito Jhang e analisadas por meio de espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica. Os valores de cobalto diferiram em amostras de solo como 0,315-0,535mg/kg, forragens como 0,127-0,333 mg/kg e amostras de animais como 0,364-0,504 mg/kg. A concentração de cobalto analisada no solo, forragem e amostras de animais foi considerada deficiente em relação aos limites padrão. O solo apresentou o teor mínimo de cobalto em Z. mays enquanto a concentração máxima foi examinada nas amostras de forragem C. decidua. Todos os índices examinados neste estudo possuem valores menores que 1, representando os limites mais seguros da concentração de cobalto nestas amostras. O fator de enriquecimento (0,071-0,161 mg/kg) mostrou a quantidade altamente deficiente de enriquecimento de cobalto nesta área. Os valores do fator de bioconcentração (0,392-0,883) e do índice de carga de poluição (0,035-0,059 mg/kg) também foram menores que 1, o que explica que as amostras de plantas e solo não estão contaminadas com cobalto metálico. A ingestão diária e o índice de risco à saúde variaram de 0,00019-0,00064 mg/kg/dia e 0,0044-0,0150 mg/kg/dia, respectivamente. Entre os animais, a disponibilidade de cobalto foi máxima (0,0150 mg/kg/dia) nos búfalos que pastaram na forragem de C. decidua. Os resultados deste estudo concluíram que fertilizantes contendo cobalto devem ser aplicados no solo e nas forragens. A ração animal derivada dos suplementos contendo cobalto é fornecida aos animais, para atender às necessidades nutricionais do gado.

Abstract Objectives The deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals within synovial joints and tissues is the initiating factor for gout arthritis. Thus, MSU crystals are a vital tool for studying gout's molecular mechanism in animal and cellular models. This study mainly compared the excellence and worseness of MSU crystals prepared by different processes and the degree of inflammation induced by MSU crystals. Methods MSU crystals were prepared using neutralization, alkali titration, and acid titration methods. The crystals' shape, length, quality, and uniformity were observed by polarized light microscopy and calculated by the software Image J. The foot pad and air pouch models were used to assess the different degrees of inflammation induced by the MSU crystals prepared by the three different methods at different time points. Paw swelling was evaluated by caliper. In air pouch lavage fluid, inflammatory cell recruitment was measured by hemocytometer, and the level of IL-1β TNF- α, and IL-18 by ELISA. Inflammatory cell infiltration was assayed by immunohistochemistry of air pouch synovial slices. Results For the preparation of MSU crystals with the same uric acid, the quantity acquired by the alkalization method was highest, followed by neutralization, with the acid titration method being the lowest. The crystals prepared by neutralization were the longest. The swelling index of the foot pad induced by MSU crystals prepared by acid titration was significantly lower than that of the other methods at 24 h. The inflammatory cell recruitment and level of 1-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18 in air pouch lavage fluid were lowest in animals with crystals prepared by acid titration. IL-1β secretion induced by MSU crystals prepared by acid titration was significantly lower than that of the other two groups, but there was no significant difference in IL-18 secretion between the three groups in THP-1 macrophages and BMDMs. Conclusions All three methods can successfully prepare MSU crystals, but the levels of inflammation induced by the crystals prepared by the three methods were not identical. The degree of inflammation induced by MSU crystals prepared by neutralization and alkalization is greater than by acid titration, but the quantity of MSU crystals obtained by the alkalization method is higher and less time-consuming. Apparently, the window of inflammation triggered by acid titration preparation is shorter compared to other forms of crystal preparation. Overall, MSU crystals prepared by the alkaline method should be recommended for studying the molecular mechanisms of gout in animal and cellular models.

RESUMO Porcos tibetanos são caracterizados por diferenças fenotípicas significativas em relação aos porcos de planície. Nosso estudo anterior demonstrou que os genes CRYAB e CTGF eram expressos diferentemente nos tecidos do coração entre os porcos tibetanos (raça das terras altas) e Yorkshire (raça das terras baixas), indicando que eles poderiam participar da adaptação à hipoxia. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) e CTGF (fator de crescimento do tecido conjuntivo) também foram relatados como estando associados ao desenvolvimento pulmonar. Entretanto, os padrões de expressão do CRYAB e CTGF nos tecidos pulmonares em diferentes altitudes e sua caracterização genética não são bem compreendidos. Neste estudo, o qRT-PCR e a mancha ocidental de tecido pulmonar revelou níveis de expressão de CRYAB mais elevados em porcos tibetanos e Yorkshire de altitude e média altitude do que em seus pares de planície. Com um aumento na altitude, o nível de expressão do CTGF aumentou nos porcos tibetanos, enquanto diminuiu nos porcos Yorkshire. Além disso, foram identificados dois novos polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo na região flanqueadora de CRYAB (g.39644482C>T e g.39644132T>C) e CTGF (g.31671748A>G e g.31671773T>G). O polimorfismo pode contribuir parcialmente com as diferenças nos níveis de expressão entre grupos a uma mesma altitude. Estas descobertas proporcionam novos conhecimentos sobre as adaptações de hipoxia a alta altitude dos porcos tibetanos.

ABSTRACT Tibetan pigs are characterized by significant phenotypic differences relative to lowland pigs. Our previous study demonstrated that the genes CRYAB and CTGF were differentially expressed in heart tissues between Tibetan (highland breed) and Yorkshire (lowland breed) pigs, indicating that they might participate in hypoxia adaptation. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) have also been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the expression patterns of CRYAB and CTGF in lung tissues at different altitudes and their genetic characterization are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot of lung tissue revealed higher CRYAB expression levels in highland and middle-highland Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs than in their lowland counterparts. With an increase in altitude, the expression level of CTGF increased in Tibetan pigs, whereas it decreased in Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, two novel single-nucleotide polymorphism were identified in the 5′ flanking region of CRYAB (g.39644482C>T and g.39644132T>C) and CTGF (g.31671748A>G and g.31671773T>G). The polymorphism may partially contribute to the differences in expression levels between groups at the same altitude. These findings provide novel insights into the high-altitude hypoxia adaptations of Tibetan pigs.

Abstract Background: Metastatic melanoma has a high mortality rate and poor survival. This is associated with efficient metastatic colonization, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Communication between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer cells plays an important role in metastatic dissemination. Whether cancer stem cells can alter the metastatic properties of non-CSC cells; and whether exosomal crosstalk can mediate such interaction, have not been demonstrated in melanoma prior to this report. Results: The results revealed that exosomes secreted by highly metastatic melanoma CSCs (OL-SCs) promoted the invasiveness of the low metastatic melanoma cells (OL) and accelerated metastatic progression. miR-1268a was up-regulated in cells and exosomes of OL-SCs. Moreover, OL-SCs-derived exosomal miR-1268a, upon taking up by OL cells, promoted the metastatic colonization ability of OL cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the pro-metastatic activity of exosomal miR-1268a is achieved through inhibition of autophagy. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that OL cells can acquire the “metastatic ability” from OL-SCs cells. OL-SCs cells achieves this goal by utilizing its exosomes to deliver functional miRNAs, such as miR-1268a, to the targeted OL cells which in turn augments metastatic colonization by inactivating the autophagy pathway in OL cells.

ABSTRACT Oil is a non-renewable resource, and it is essential to improve oil recovery. Surfactant flooding is a key technology in enhancing oil recovery. The present work aims to develop a new surfactant to the combination flooding system in oil displacement. The Aminosulfonic Acid Gemini Surfactant was prepared by using Hexadecylamine, 1-Butanaminium,N,N,N-tributyl-,bromide (1:1) and Sodium 2-chloroethyl sulfonate. The AminoSulfonic Acid Gemini Surfactant Sodium N,N’-Dihexadecyl-2-propanol- 1,3-ethylsulfonate SNNDPE) has better reaction temperature at 80℃. The best reaction time of SNNDPE is 12 h. Next, We made a characterization of SNNDPE. A new gemini surfactant was developed, which is beneficial to the research of material science. Then the performance of the new Gemini surfactant was tested. The surface tension tests suggested that the newly synthesized Aminosulfonic Acid Gemini Surfactant has higher surface activity. The resistance temperature of the Aminosulfonic Acid Gemini Surfactant solution is 80℃. Moreover, the oil-water interfacial tension experiment suggested that the minimum aqueous solution of the combination flooding system reaches an ultra-low level of 9.4 × 10−4 mN/m. The combination flooding system experiment results can be considered as a guidance in the design and studies of the combination flooding system for a selective.

Abstract Transfection efficiency was estimated to optimize the conditions for RNA interference (RNAi), including transfection time, validity, and nucleic acid concentration and type, using the EZ Trans Cell Reagent, a cationic polymer. An shRNA against GFP was designed and transfected into cells using the EZ transfection reagent. The shRNA significantly decreased the expression of GFP. In addition, pre-diluted transfection reagent at room temperature and small nucleic acids increased the transfection efficiency, which peaked at 24 h. Compared with circular nucleic acids, linear nucleic acids showed higher transfection efficiency and a higher genome integration rate. We optimized cationic polymer-mediated RNAi conditions, and our data will be useful for future RNAi studies.

Resumo Dendrobium nobile Lindl. é uma orquídea com importantes valores medicinais. Esta é uma colorida planta doméstica e também uma erva popular na Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC). As variantes desta planta de diferentes regiões geográficas podem ser altas, e neste estudo, nosso objetivo foi desenvolver marcadores de região amplificada de sequência caracterizada (in English, Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR)) para a identificação de variante específica desta planta. Diferentes cultivares de D. nobile foram coletadas de nove locais diferentes da China e uma cultivar de Mianmar. Materiais de DNA foram extraídos das amostras de plantas, em que a Amplificação Aleatória de DNA Polimórfico (in English, Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA (RAPD)) foi desenvolvida, clonada e sequenciada para o desenvolvimento de marcadores SCAR. Desenvolvemos quatro marcadores SCAR, que são específicos para a cultivar de Luzhou na China e claramente distinguíveis (geneticamente) de outras cultivares. Esses marcadores SCAR estão depositados no GenBank (números de acesso MZ417502, MZ484089, MZ417504 e MZ417505). Quatro marcadores SCAR para D. nobile compreendem técnicas moleculares eficazes para identificar geneticamente as diferentes cultivares ou espécies, e este método é aplicável para caracterização genética e identificação de outras espécies de plantas também.

Abstract Dendrobium nobile Lindl. is an orcid plant with important medicinal values. This is a colourful houseplant, and also a popular herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The variants of this plant from different geographic regions might be high, and in this study, we aimed to develop specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers for the identification of specific variant of this plant. Different cultivars of D. nobile were collected from nine different places of China, and one cultivar from Myanmar. DNA materials were extracted from the plant samples, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) were developed, cloned and sequenced for the development of SCAR markers. We have developed four SCAR markers, which are specific to the cultivar from Luzhou China, and clearly distinguishable (genetically) from other cultivars. These SCAR markers are deposited in GenBank (accession number MZ417502, MZ484089, MZ417504 and MZ417505). Four SCAR markers for D. nobile are effective molecular technique to genetically identify the different cultivars or species, and this method is applicable for genetic characterization and identification of other plant species too.

Abstract Hordeum californicum (H. californicum, 2n=2X=14, HcHc), one of the wild relatives of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), harbors many desirable genes and is a potential genetic resource for wheat improvement. In this study, an elite line ND646 was selected from a BC4F5 population, which was developed using 60Co-γ irradiated wheat-H. californicum disomic addition line WJ28-1 (DA6Hc) as the donor parent and Ningchun 4 as the recurrent parent. ND646 was identified as a novel wheat-H. californicum 6HcS/6BL translocation line using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and H. californicum-specific expressed sequence tag (EST) markers. Further evaluation revealed that ND646 had excellent performance in several traits, such as a higher sedimentation value (SV), higher water absorption rate (WAR), and higher hardness index (HI). More importantly, it had more kernels per spike (KPS), a higher grain yields (GY), and good resistance to powdery mildew, leaf rust, and 2,4-D butylate (2,4-D). Its excellent phenotypic performance laid the foundation for further investigation of its genetic architecture and makes ND646 a useful germplasm resource for wheat breeding.

Abstract A series of mesoporous materials supported ionic liquids were prepared and tested as effective and practical catalysts for the synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazoles. The effects of type of catalysts, catalyst amount, and catalyst stability have also been investigated in detail, the catalyst Ti-SBA-15@ILTsO exhibited excellent activity in excellent yields of 92 % ~ 99 % with low catalyst amount at room temperature within 1 h. In addition, the supported ionic liquid can be easily recovered and reused for six times with satisfactory catalytic activity. Furthermore, a general synergetic catalytic mechanism for the reaction was proposed. Maybe this work employing Ti-SBA-15@ILTsO as highly efficient and stable catalyst for the synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazoles has potential commercial applications.

Resumen Se prepararon y probaron una serie de materiales mesoporosos soportados con líquidos iónicos como catalizadores eficaces y prácticos para la síntesis de 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazoles. También se investigaron en detalle los efectos del tipo de catalizadores, la cantidad de catalizador y la estabilidad del catalizador. El catalizador Ti-SBA-15@ILTsO mostró una excelente actividad con rendimientos excelentes del 92 % ~ 99% con una baja cantidad de catalizador a temperatura ambiente en 1 h. Además, el líquido iónico soportado puede recuperarse fácilmente y reutilizarse durante seis veces con una actividad catalítica satisfactoria. Por otro lado, se propuso un mecanismo catalítico sinérgico general para la reacción. Este trabajo que emplea Ti-SBA-15@ILTsO como catalizador altamente eficiente y estable para la síntesis de 2,4,5-triaril-1H-imidazoles puede tener aplicaciones potencialmente comerciales.

Abstract The mechanisms by which GnIH regulates the steroid synthesis pathway in duck granulosa cells remain poorly understood. In this study, we measured steroid hormone secretion by ELISA and reproduction-associated gene expression by quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) in duck granulosa cells treated with different concentrations of GnIH (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL) for 24 h. The genome-wide expression profiles of GnIH-treated cells (0 and 10 ng/mL) were evaluated by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Compared with untreated cells, the secretion of the steroid hormones E2, E1, P4, and T was downregulated, with that of E1 and P4 reaching statistical significance (P<0.05); in contrast, the secretion of ACV and INH was significantly upregulated (P<0.05) after treatment with 10 and 100 ng/mL GnIH. The expression of encoding steroidogenic proteins and enzymes genes (STAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, and 3-β-HSD) and encoding gonadotropin receptors genes (FSHR, LHR) were significantly declined (P<0.05) in the 10 and 100 ng/mL GnIH treatments. Transcriptome sequencing identified 348 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 253 upregulated and 95 downregulated genes. The DEGs were mainly involved in cell growth and death, immune response, and steroid biosynthesis pathways. We identified four novel DEGs (MROH5, LOC113840576, SDR42E1, and LOC113841457) with key roles in the regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis. Our study revealed changes in gonadal steroid hormone secretion and steroid biosynthesis pathway-related gene expression in duck granulosa cells under the inhibitory effect of GnIH. These data contribute to our understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying reproduction in ducks.

RESUMO Utilizando um anticorpo monoclonal contra a aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) como ligante, foi identificado um mimotopo específico de aflatoxina B1 após se realizarem quatro ciclos de seleção biológica de 7-peptídeos aleatórios em biblioteca de fago exibida. O mimotopo é denominado P10, e sua sequência de aminoácidos é YRRHEKD. O soro imunológico de ratos Balb/c imunizados com P10 foi especificamente ligado à aflatoxina B1-albumina, indicando que o anticorpo era específico ao AFB1. Esses resultados sugerem que é possível desenvolver a vacina baseada em mimotopo associado à toxina.

RESUMO Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a extensão da proteção contra a infecção pelo vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 2 (BVDV-2) através da vacinação com uma vacina combinada inativada contendo o vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 1 (BVDV-1) e vírus da rinotraqueíte de bovinos infecciosos (IBRV). Cinco bezerros com 3 a 4 meses de idade foram vacinados via intramuscular com uma dose única da vacina combinada e reforçados com a mesma dose três semanas após a primeira vacinação, com cinco bezerros imunizados em simulação servindo como grupo controle. Vinte e um dias após a segunda vacinação, todos os bezerros foram desafiados com a cepa BVDV-2 SX08 por spray na narina. Os animais não vacinados desenvolveram sinais clínicos típicos, como alta temperatura retal, diarréia com erosões e queda drástica na contagem de leucócitos. Estes sinais tiveram ocorrência significativamente menor em todos os animais vacinados, cuja temperatura retal, leucopenia e virarmia eram significativamente menores do que os bezerros simulados. É possível concluir que a vacinação com a vacina combinada inativada proporciona proteção cruzada contra os efeitos clínicos de uma infecção provocada pela cepa BVDV-2 SX08, embora tenha sido parcialmente protegida.

ABSTRACT This study was designed to evaluate the extent of the protection for bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV-2) infection, afforded by vaccination with a combo inactivated vaccine, which contains bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV). Five 3-4-month-old calves were intramuscularly vaccinated with a single dose of the combo vaccine and boosted with same dose three weeks after the first vaccination, with five mock immunized calves serving as a control group. Twenty-one days after the second vaccination, all calves were challenged with BVDV-2 SX08 strain by spray into nostril. The unvaccinated animals developed typical clinical signs of high rectal temperature, diarrhoea with erosions and a dramatic drop in leukocyte counts. These signs occured markedly less in all vaccinated animals, the rectal temperature, leukopenia and virarmia of which, were significantly less than the mock immunized calves. It can be concluded that vaccination with the combo inactivated vaccine affords cross-protection against clinical effects of a challenge-infection with BVDV-2 SX08 strain, although it was part protection.

To explore the effects of supplementing a basal diet with green sweet sorghum stalks on the gut microbiota in geese, one hundred and twenty 28-day-old geese were divided into two groups. Group 1 was fed a basal diet and group 2 was fed 92% of the same basal diet with green sweet sorghum stalks ad libitum for 42 days. Three male geese from each group were killed at 70 days old, four gastrointestinal tract segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and caecum) were collected, and the hypervariable V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. There were obvious changes of microbiome in the caecum compared with the other three intestinal segments after green sweet sorghum stalks were added to the diet. Group 2 had significantly higher alpha diversity in the caecum compared with group 1 (P <0.05). The phyla of bacterial communities in the caecum differed. Group 2 had more abundant Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, but Proteobacteria were more abundant in group 1. At genus level, Bacteroides was more prevalent in group 2, as were Prevotella and YRC22 (P <0.05). Functional analysis revealed that the carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, endocrine system and digestive system metabolic pathways were overrepresented in group 2. In conclusion, caecal microbes might play an important role in digesting green sweet sorghum stalks in geese.