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16 pages, 2759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Bio-Climatic and Milk Composition Data of Dairy Sheep Farms: Comparison Between THI and Multivariate Weather Index

by Rita Marras, Alfredo Pauciullo, Alberto Cesarani, Antonio Natale, Paolo Oppia, Nicolò P. P. Macciotta and Giustino Gaspa

Animals 2025, 15(4), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040533 - 13 Feb 2025

Viewed by 551

Abstract

Milk yield and its composition show individual variation due to the effects of the environment. Previous studies suggest that meteorological variables exert negative effects on milk yield and composition, especially during summer. This study aimed to examine the effects of meteorological variables on [...] Read more.

Milk yield and its composition show individual variation due to the effects of the environment. Previous studies suggest that meteorological variables exert negative effects on milk yield and composition, especially during summer. This study aimed to examine the effects of meteorological variables on bulk milk composition in the Sardinian sheep production system. In this work, a total of 218,170 records belonging to 4562 dairy sheep farms were merged with the meteorological data provided by 60 meteorological stations located on Sardinia Island (Italy). Milk composition in the late spring and summer recorded during a 5-year period was used to evaluate the impact of climate exposure on bulk milk traits. The milk quality was analyzed using a linear mixed model that included the fixed effects of the year of sampling, the flock size, the temperature humidity index (THI) and the random effect of the flock. The variability of milk composition explained by flock and management ranged from 30 to 64%. The flock size exerted a significant effect on milk composition: large flocks characterized by advanced management and feeding techniques resulted in higher milk quality (e.g., higher protein and fat, lower lactose) compared to traditionally managed small flocks. The impact of THI on milk composition was statistically significant across different milk quality traits (p < 0.001); the effect of thermal stress varied according to the month of lactation. For instance, milk fat content in May increased by +0.4% for THI > 76. In June, no relevant differences were observed, whereas a decrease in fat percentage was observed in July as THI values increased (up to −0.5% for THI > 76). While somatic cell counts remained relatively stable across different conditions, total bacterial count showed greater seasonal variability, peaking during warmer periods. In addition, using factor analysis, we developed a multivariate meteorological index (MMI), which explained 51% of the variance of the original meteorological data. MMI was highly correlated with THI (r = 0.75). The same linear mixed model applied for modeling THI was used to assess the effect of MMI on milk traits. Fat, protein fractions and lactose showed significant variation across MMI classes (p-value < 0.001) in the same direction as those based on THI. Overall, our findings underscore the impact of both flock size and environmental conditions on milk quality, with heat stress and traditional versus modern management practices leading to measurable differences in milk traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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15 pages, 3355 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Methane Emission of Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes Measured Using a Laser Detector During a Lactation Cycle

by David Meo Zilio, Miriam Iacurto, Francesco Cenci and Roberto Steri

Animals 2024, 14(24), 3652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243652 - 18 Dec 2024

Viewed by 762

Abstract

In Italy, the number of farmed dairy buffaloes rose up to approximately 436,000 heads in 2023 (+22% in the last 15 years), a fourfold increase compared to the 1980s, due to the growing market interest in mozzarella cheese. The increased demand for mozzarella [...] Read more.

In Italy, the number of farmed dairy buffaloes rose up to approximately 436,000 heads in 2023 (+22% in the last 15 years), a fourfold increase compared to the 1980s, due to the growing market interest in mozzarella cheese. The increased demand for mozzarella cheese, in turn, requires higher production, which can result in increased methane emission from the sector. Therefore, it is necessary to establish mitigation and selection schemes for low-emission strategies. The current study aimed to highlight sources of variation in methane emission from lactating Italian Mediterranean buffaloes measured using a laser methane detector in order to identify practical and methodological aspects to consider when designing experiments focused on methane emission evaluation. Methane (CH₄), exhaled from 60 cows, was recorded twice a day during milking, over two weeks per month for at least three months throughout a whole lactation cycle. The animal (individual), days in milk, parity, month, operator, milking entry order, and milking session effects were significant for methane emission (p < 0.0001). Our results showed that laser methane detector may be used as a rapid tool for methane emission studies and highlighted which factors can account for individual measures. This instrument is easy to use, fast, versatile, and not too expensive. These characteristics make it suitable for large-scale herd screening and monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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18 pages, 1712 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Genomic Analysis of Sarda Sheep Raised at Diverse Temperatures Highlights Several Genes Involved in Adaptations to the Environment and Heat Stress Response

by Giustino Gaspa, Alberto Cesarani, Alfredo Pauciullo, Ilaria Peana and Nicolò P. P. Macciotta

Animals 2024, 14(24), 3585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243585 - 12 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1039

Abstract

Livestock expresses complex traits influenced by several factors. The response of animals to variations in climatic factors, such as increases in temperature, may induce heat stress conditions. In this study, animals living at different temperatures were compared using the genome-wide Wright fixation index [...] Read more.

Livestock expresses complex traits influenced by several factors. The response of animals to variations in climatic factors, such as increases in temperature, may induce heat stress conditions. In this study, animals living at different temperatures were compared using the genome-wide Wright fixation index (F_ST). A total of 825 genotypes of Sarda breed ewes were divided into two groups based on the flocks’ average temperature over a 20-year period to compute the F_ST: 395 and 430 sheep were represented in colder and hotter groups, respectively. After LOWESS regression and CONTROL CHART application, 623 significant markers and 97 selection signatures were found. A total of 280 positional candidate genes were retrieved from a public database. Among these genomic regions, we found 51 annotated genes previously associated with heat stress/tolerance in ruminants (FCGR1A, MDH1, UGP2, MYO1G, and HSPB3), as well as immune response and cellular mechanisms related to how animals cope with thermal stress (RIPK1, SERPINB1, SERPINB9, and PELI1). Moreover, other genes were associated with milk fat (SCD, HERC3, SCFD2, and CHUK), body weight, body fat, and intramuscular fat composition (AGPAT2, ABCD2, MFAP32, YTHDC1, SIRT3, SCD, and RNF121), which might suggest the influence of environmental conditions on the genome of Sarda sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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15 pages, 2696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thyme and Oregano Oil Potential Therapeutics against Malathion Toxicity through Biochemical, Histological, and Cytochrome P450 1A2 Activities in Male Wistar Rats

by Fatimah A. Al-Saeed and Montaser Elsayed Ali

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2914; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192914 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1002

Abstract

The widespread use of malathion may offer several hazards to humans and animals; additionally, many medicinal plants provide what is known as a broad antitoxicity treatment. This study was carried out to investigate hazardous biochemical and histological reactions to MOP and evaluate the [...] Read more.

The widespread use of malathion may offer several hazards to humans and animals; additionally, many medicinal plants provide what is known as a broad antitoxicity treatment. This study was carried out to investigate hazardous biochemical and histological reactions to MOP and evaluate the effectiveness of TEO and OEO essential oils in restoring normal physiological conditions after MOP exposure by measuring enzyme-specific activity for Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). One hundred and twenty rats were divided into six groups of twenty animals each: (i) C − MOP served as the control group, (ii) C + MOP treated with 5 mg/kg/BW of Malathion-D10, (iii) TEO treated with 100 mg/kg/BW of oregano essential oil, (iv) TEO treated with 100 mg/kg/BW of thyme essential oil, (v) MOP + OEO treated with 5 mg/kg/BW of Malathion-D10 and 100 mg/kg/BW of oregano essential oil, and (vi) MOP + TEO treated with 5 mg/kg/BW of Malathion-D10 and 100 mg/kg/BW of thyme essential oil. The results indicated the protective effects of OEO and TEO against MOP-induced weight loss. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in ALT, AST, and ALK-Ph after being treated with OEO and TEO, either alone or after MOP exposure. Also, treatment with OEO and TEO ameliorated these oxidative stress parameters, indicating their antioxidative properties. A histopathological examination of liver tissues showed reduced hepatocellular damage and improved liver architecture in the OEO and TEO, both alone and in combination with MOP, and protective effects were more pronounced in the TEO-treated groups. However, the results indicated that TEO was more effective than OEO in increasing CYP1A2 expression and alleviating MOP-induced toxicity. Specifically, TEO showed higher protein expression and therapeutic action in reducing liver damage. In conclusion, these findings suggest that OEO and TEO may be potent therapeutic agents against MOP toxicity, offering protective effects by enhancing CYP1A2 activity and mitigating organ damage. Such knowledge would be an important step toward developing potentially unique treatment options for natural antitoxins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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15 pages, 3899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiency of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils in Counteracting the Hazardous Effects of Malathion in Rats

by Fatimah A. Al-Saeed, Sayed Soliman Abd-Elghfar and Montaser Elsayed Ali

Animals 2024, 14(17), 2497; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172497 - 28 Aug 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1194

Abstract

The widespread use of MLT may pose numerous hazards to animal breeding, health, and resilience due to the presence of MLT residues in animal feedstuffs, pastures, hay, and cereals. Many medicinal plants provide what is called a generalized anti-toxic remedy. The current study [...] Read more.

The widespread use of MLT may pose numerous hazards to animal breeding, health, and resilience due to the presence of MLT residues in animal feedstuffs, pastures, hay, and cereals. Many medicinal plants provide what is called a generalized anti-toxic remedy. The current study examined hazardous biochemical and histological reactions to MLT and the efficiency of ThEO and OEO essential oils as anti-toxic therapies to return to a natural state after MLT exposure. A total of 75 male albino rats were randomly assigned to two groups: (i) C − MLT, comprising 25 rats, served as the control group; and (ii) C + MLT, with 50 rats that were exposed to 5 mg/kg/BW. After exposure to MLT for 21 days, a return to normal status was determined by subdividing the C + MLT group into two equal groups: ThEO and OEO were used as treatments, with 100 mg/kg body weight of thyme and oregano essential oils, respectively, being administered for 21 days. The results showed a significant decrease in body weight gain (BWG) and final weight (FW) compared to C − MLT, while the therapeutic effects of ThEO and OEO enhanced FW and BWG. Our results indicated that MLT exposure resulted in deficient serum liver function, but that OEO and ThEO therapy brought about a significant improvement in liver enzyme function. Although there was no significant difference in serum aspartate transaminase (AST) or alkaline phosphatase (ALK-Ph) and a significant drop in alanine transaminase (ALT) and acetyl choline-esterase (AChE) levels, the C + MLT group showed hepatic fibrosis in the third stage. Furthermore, histological sections of the OEO and ThEO groups showed reduced hepatocellular damage, inflammation, and hepatic fibrosis. However, there was a significant increase in serum creatinine between the C + MLT and C − MLT groups following exposure to MLT. Histological sections of renal tissue from rats treated with OEO and ThEO showed reduced tubular damage, reduced interstitial inflammation, and preserved renal tissue architecture. In conclusion, OEO and ThEO are potential compounds for use as anti-toxic therapies to return to a natural state after MLT exposure. These compounds could serve as an experimental therapeutic approach against natural toxins, providing a solution to the problems of raising livestock that are exposed to nutritional toxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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13 pages, 678 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

CSN1S1, CSN3 and LPL: Three Validated Gene Polymorphisms Useful for More Sustainable Dairy Production in the Mediterranean River Buffalo

by Alfredo Pauciullo, Giustino Gaspa, Yi Zhang, Qingyou Liu and Gianfranco Cosenza

Animals 2024, 14(10), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101414 - 9 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1806

Abstract

The search for DNA polymorphisms useful for the genetic improvement of dairy farm animals has spanned more than 40 years, yielding relevant findings in cattle for milk traits, where the best combination of alleles for dairy processing has been found in casein genes [...] Read more.

The search for DNA polymorphisms useful for the genetic improvement of dairy farm animals has spanned more than 40 years, yielding relevant findings in cattle for milk traits, where the best combination of alleles for dairy processing has been found in casein genes and in DGAT1. Nowadays, similar results have not yet been reached in river buffaloes, despite the availability of advanced genomic technologies and accurate phenotype records. The aim of the present study was to investigate and validate the effect of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CSN1S1, CSN3, SCD and LPL genes on seven milk traits in a larger buffalo population. These SNPs have previously been reported to be associated with, or affect, dairy traits in smaller populations often belonging to one farm. A total of 800 buffaloes were genotyped. The following traits were individually recorded, monthly, throughout each whole lactation period from 2010 to 2021: daily milk yield (dMY, kg), protein yield (dPY, kg) and fat yield (dFY, kg), fat and protein contents (dFP, % and dPP, %), somatic cell count (SCC, 10³ cell/mL) and urea (mg/dL). A total of 15,742 individual milk test day records (2496 lactations) were available for 680 buffalo cows, with 3.6 ± 1.7 parities (from 1 to 13) and an average of 6.1 ± 1.2 test day records per lactation. Three out four SNPs in the CSN1S1, CSN3 and LPL genes were associated with at least one of analyzed traits. In particular, the CSN1S1 (AJ005430:c.578C>T) gave favorable associations with all yield traits (dMY, p = 0.022; dPY, p = 0.014; dFY, p = 0.029) and somatic cell score (SCS, p = 0.032). The CSN3 (HQ677596: c.536C>T) was positively associated with SCS (p = 0.005) and milk urea (p = 0.04). Favorable effects on daily milk yield (dMY, p = 0.028), fat (dFP, p = 0.027) and protein (dPP, p = 0.050) percentages were observed for the LPL. Conversely, the SCD did not show any association with milk traits. This is the first example of a confirmation study carried out in the Mediterranean river buffalo for genes of economic interest in the dairy field, and it represents a very important indication for the preselection of young bulls destined for breeding programs aimed at more sustainable dairy production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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17 pages, 5000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Silico Analysis of Honey Bee Peptides as Potential Inhibitors of Capripoxvirus DNA-Directed RNA Polymerase

by Ghulam Mustafa, Hafiza Salaha Mahrosh, Mahwish Salman, Muhammad Ali, Rawaba Arif, Sibtain Ahmed and Hossam Ebaid

Animals 2023, 13(14), 2281; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142281 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2563

Abstract

The genus Capripoxvirus belongs to the Poxviridae family. The sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses are three species of this genus with 96% identity in their genomes. These are financially devastating viral infections among cattle, which cause a reduction in animal products [...] Read more.

The genus Capripoxvirus belongs to the Poxviridae family. The sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses are three species of this genus with 96% identity in their genomes. These are financially devastating viral infections among cattle, which cause a reduction in animal products and lead to a loss in livestock industries. In the current study, the phylogenetic analysis was carried out to reveal the evolutionary relationships of Capripoxvirus species (i.e., sheeppox virus (SPPV), goatpox virus (GTPV), and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV)) with other viruses from the Poxviridae family with >96% query coverage to find the similarity index among all members. The three viruses (i.e., SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV) joined the clade of Capripoxvirus of the Poxviridae family in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited close evolutionary relationships. The multiple sequence alignment using ClustalOmega revealed significant variations in the protein sequences of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. The three-dimensional structures of five selected bee peptides and DNA-directed RNA polymerase of SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV were predicted using trRosetta and I-TASSER and used for molecular docking and simulation studies. The protein–protein docking was carried out using HADDOCK server to explore the antiviral activity of peptides as honey bee proteins against SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. In total, five peptides were docked to DNA-directed RNA polymerase of these viruses. The peptides mellitin and secapin-1 displayed the lowest binding scores (−106.9 +/− 7.2 kcal/mol and −101.4 +/− 11.3 kcal/mol, respectively) and the best patterns with stable complexes. The molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the complex of protein DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the peptide melittin stayed firmly connected and the peptide binding to the receptor protein was stable. The findings of this study provide the evidence of bee peptides as potent antimicrobial agents against sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses with no complexity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 5241 KiB

Open AccessReview

Increased Cattle Feeding Precision from Automatic Feeding Systems: Considerations on Technology Spread and Farm Level Perceived Advantages in Italy

by Elio Romano, Massimo Brambilla, Maurizio Cutini, Simone Giovinazzo, Andrea Lazzari, Aldo Calcante, Francesco Maria Tangorra, Paolo Rossi, Ambra Motta, Carlo Bisaglia and Andrea Bragaglio

Animals 2023, 13(21), 3382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213382 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6646

Abstract

Automation reduces the impact of farming on climate change and helps farmers adapt to its financial impact. Automatic feeding systems (AFSs) increase the ruminant’s feeding precision and ease operators’ workload. Such systems exist on a spectrum, requiring varied levels of operator support and [...] Read more.

Automation reduces the impact of farming on climate change and helps farmers adapt to its financial impact. Automatic feeding systems (AFSs) increase the ruminant’s feeding precision and ease operators’ workload. Such systems exist on a spectrum, requiring varied levels of operator support and installation complexity. A recent survey on farmers pointed out that those already running an AFS and those willing to buy one appreciate its ease of use, the resulting animal welfare, and the resulting overall benefits (increased production, farm profitability, and reduced feed waste). Whether technologically complex or not, studies have confirmed the benefits that farmers perceive to be underlying the remarkable reduction in the environmental impact of feeding operations (AFSs are electrically powered), the increase in animal welfare resulting from reduced conflicts around accessing the feed bunk, and the constant availability of fresh feed. However, their introduction should follow accurate and holistic structural and economic planning for existing and newly built facilities. The availability of public subsidies plays an essential role in pushing farmers to adopt the most modern digital technologies, whose benefits may even increase when farmers couple them with interconnected sensors to monitor animals’ physiological states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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22 pages, 2331 KiB

Open AccessReview

Digital Phenotyping: A Game Changer for the Broiler Industry

by Suresh Neethirajan

Animals 2023, 13(16), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162585 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2657

Abstract

In response to escalating global demand for poultry, the industry grapples with an array of intricate challenges, from enhancing productivity to improving animal welfare and attenuating environmental impacts. This comprehensive review explores the transformative potential of digital phenotyping, an emergent technological innovation at [...] Read more.

In response to escalating global demand for poultry, the industry grapples with an array of intricate challenges, from enhancing productivity to improving animal welfare and attenuating environmental impacts. This comprehensive review explores the transformative potential of digital phenotyping, an emergent technological innovation at the cusp of dramatically reshaping broiler production. The central aim of this study is to critically examine digital phenotyping as a pivotal solution to these multidimensional industry conundrums. Our investigation spotlights the profound implications of ‘digital twins’ in the burgeoning field of broiler genomics, where the production of exact digital counterparts of physical entities accelerates genomics research and its practical applications. Further, this review probes into the ongoing advancements in the research and development of a context-sensitive, multimodal digital phenotyping platform, custom-built to monitor broiler health. This paper critically evaluates this platform’s potential in revolutionizing health monitoring, fortifying the resilience of broiler production, and fostering a harmonious balance between productivity and sustainability. Subsequently, the paper provides a rigorous assessment of the unique challenges that may surface during the integration of digital phenotyping within the industry. These span from technical and economic impediments to ethical deliberations, thus offering a comprehensive perspective. The paper concludes by highlighting the game-changing potential of digital phenotyping in the broiler industry and identifying potential future directions for the field, underlining the significance of continued research and development in unlocking digital phenotyping’s full potential. In doing so, it charts a course towards a more robust, sustainable, and productive broiler industry. The insights garnered from this study hold substantial value for a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the broiler industry, setting the stage for an imminent technological evolution in poultry production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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15 pages, 1432 KiB

Open AccessReview

Toward Sustainability: An Overview of the Use of Green Hydrogen in the Agriculture and Livestock Sector

by Alessandra Maganza, Alice Gabetti, Paolo Pastorino, Anna Zanoli, Benedetto Sicuro, Damià Barcelò, Alberto Cesarani, Alessandro Dondo, Marino Prearo and Giuseppe Esposito

Animals 2023, 13(16), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162561 - 8 Aug 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3358

Abstract

The agro-livestock sector produces about one third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since more energy is needed to meet the growing demand for food and the industrial revolution in agriculture, renewable energy sources could improve access to energy resources and energy security, [...] Read more.

The agro-livestock sector produces about one third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since more energy is needed to meet the growing demand for food and the industrial revolution in agriculture, renewable energy sources could improve access to energy resources and energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce GHG emissions. Hydrogen production is a promising energy technology, but its deployment in the global energy system is lagging. Here, we analyzed the theoretical and practical application of green hydrogen generated by electrolysis of water, powered by renewable energy sources, in the agro-livestock sector. Green hydrogen is at an early stage of development in most applications, and barriers to its large-scale deployment remain. Appropriate policies and financial incentives could make it a profitable technology for the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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25 pages, 10603 KiB

Open AccessReview

Scientific Productions on Precision Livestock Farming: An Overview of the Evolution and Current State of Research Based on a Bibliometric Analysis

by Rosanna Marino, Francesca Petrera and Fabio Abeni

Animals 2023, 13(14), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142280 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5417

Abstract

The interest in precision livestock farming (PLF)—a concept discussed for the first time in the early 2000s—has advanced considerably in recent years due to its important role in the development of sustainable livestock production systems. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the PLF [...] Read more.

The interest in precision livestock farming (PLF)—a concept discussed for the first time in the early 2000s—has advanced considerably in recent years due to its important role in the development of sustainable livestock production systems. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the PLF literature is lacking. To address this gap, this study analyzed documents published from 2005 to 2021, aiming to understand the historical influences on technology adoption in livestock farming, identify future global trends, and examine shifts in scientific research on this topic. By using specific search terms in the Web of Science Core Collection, 886 publications were identified and analyzed using the bibliometrix R-package. The analysis revealed that the collection consisted mostly of research articles (74.6%) and reviews (10.4%). The top three core journals were the Journal of Dairy Science, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, and Animals. Over time, the number of publications has steadily increased, with a higher growth rate in the last five years (29.0%) compared to the initial period (13.7%). Authors and institutions from multiple countries have contributed to the literature, with the USA, the Netherlands, and Italy leading in terms of publication numbers. The analysis also highlighted the growing interest in bovine production systems, emphasizing the importance of behavioral studies in PLF tool development. Automated milking systems were identified as central drivers of innovation in the PLF sector. Emerging themes for the future included “emissions” and “mitigation”, indicating a focus on environmental concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Development of New Technologies in Breeding Healthy and Animals Resilience: Precision Livestock Farming, Genomics and Their Interaction Can Contribute to Sustainable Management of the Livestock Sector)

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