Ruminants

Data for growth (birth, weaning and yearling weights) and carcass (longissimus muscle area, intramuscular fat percentage and depth of rib fat) traits and 50K SNP marker data to calculate the genomic relationship matrix were collected from 738 Brangus heifers. Univariate and multivariate genomic best linear unbiased prediction models based on the genomic relationship matrix and univariate and multivariate artificial neural networks models with 1 to 10 neurons, as well as the learning algorithms of Bayesian Regularization, Levenberg–Marquardt and Scaled Conjugate Gradient and transfer function combinations of tangent sigmoid–linear and linear–linear in the hidden-output layers, including the inputs from genomic relationship matrix, were created and applied for the analysis of growth and carcass data. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the predictive performances of univariate and multivariate genomic best linear unbiased prediction and artificial neural networks models. The overall predictive abilities of genomic best linear unbiased prediction and artificial neural network models were low in the univariate and multivariate analysis. However, the predictive performances of models in the univariate analysis were significantly higher than those from models in the multivariate analysis. In the univariate analysis, models with Bayesian Regularization and the tangent sigmoid–linear or linear–linear transfer function combination yielded higher predictive performances than models with learning algorithms and genomic best linear unbiased prediction models. In addition, predictive performances of models with tangent sigmoid–linear transfer functions were better than those with linear–linear transfer functions in the univariate analysis. Full article

The aim of this study is to review the supplementation of polyphenol on milk composition and milk fatty acid content in dairy animal. A systematic review of literature was carried out by using Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines methodology was carried out and as a result, 21 articles were included. Results showed that polyphenol supplementation significantly affect milk saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.00001) and milk medium-chain fatty acid content (p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, polyphenol supplementation effects significantly in the subgroup of agro-industrial by-products (p < 0.05) for milk protein content, grain (p < 0.05) for milk lactose content, all the subgroup for milk saturated fatty acid content and both grain and agro-industrial by-products for milk medium-chain fatty acid content. In conclusion, milk saturated fatty acid is affected by polyphenol supplementation regardless of polyphenol sources. However, it is recommended to include more studies in future to obtained a higher heterogeneity. Full article

The estimation of body chemical composition is necessary to determine the nutrient requirements of growing/finishing cattle, but recent analyses indicate that published equations provide erroneous results when applied to diverse breed types and sexes. The objective of this analysis was to develop equations to estimate empty body and carcass chemical composition for different breed types and sexes. A dataset was developed from the published literature that contained 359 treatment means from 46 studies published between 1971 and 2021. Stepwise regression was used to develop prediction equations using Akaike’s Information Criteria to estimate empty body and carcass fat, protein, and ash concentrations (%). Empty body fat, protein, and ash could be predicted from combinations of empty body water, empty body fat, and empty body protein (RMSE = 1.53, 1.85, and 0.67; R² = 0.99, 0.98, and 0.95). Breed type and sex affected the intercept and (or) slope coefficients to predict empty body fat, protein, and ash. Carcass fat, protein, and ash could be predicted from combinations of carcass water, carcass fat, and carcass protein (RMSE = 1.77, 1.62, and 0.82; R² = 0.97, 0.98, and 0.93). Breed type and sex affected the intercept and (or) slope coefficients to predict protein and ash, but not fat. Equations adjusted for breed type and sex may be more robust than previously published equations based on a single breed or sex. Full article

The phalanges of Karagouniko ewes and Hellenic goats were the subject of the present quantitative study, with the objective of determining whether any differences existed on the corresponding bones of the different digits. The lengths of the phalanges of the third and fourth digits of the fore and hind autopodia, the smallest diaphyseal breadths of the first and second phalanges, the breadths of the proximal and distal ends of the first and second phalanges, the lengths of the dorsal surfaces of the third phalanx, and the heights of the extensor processes of the third phalanx were measured. A total of 44 linear measurements were recorded for each animal species. The summation of the lengths of the digital bones revealed that the third frontal digit was longer than the fourth frontal digit in both animal species and the fourth hind digit was longer than the third hind digit in both animal species. Furthermore, the lengths of the third and fourth frontal digits were greater than those of the corresponding hind digits in both species. The findings of the current metric analysis suggest that the lengths of the paired digits differ in sheep and goat. The results indicate that the morphometry of the digital bones could be important from phylogenetic, biomechanical, and clinical aspects. Full article

Contamination by multi-mycotoxins in cattle feed can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases and loss of performance. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of multiple mycotoxins present in the diet of beef cattle feedlots in Brazil. Chromatographic analyses were performed on 152 TMR samples from seven states, representing the diet provided to 1,246,522 animals. Contamination by mycotoxins was found in 100% of the TMR samples analyzed, with the most frequent being fumonisins, present in 100% of the samples, followed by zearalenone, which contaminated 79.6% of the samples, and subsequently by aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, and T-2, while HT-2 was not detected in any of the samples. Furthermore, 2.6% of samples showed co-occurrence of five different types of mycotoxins, 23.7% presented four mycotoxins, 41.4% three mycotoxins, 22.4% two mycotoxins, and 9.9% of the samples showed contamination by only one mycotoxin. The significant prevalence of mycotoxins of the Fusarium and Aspergillus genera in the samples of the present study indicates a notable degree of pre- and post-harvest contamination in these beef cattle diets. Further studies are needed to define methods for monitoring cattle exposure to clarify its effects, even at low levels, and reduce the impacts on beef cattle production in Brazil. Full article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of short- and long-distance road transport and temperament on β-endorphin (β-EP) concentrations in 23 Limousine bulls, aged 12 ± 2 months old, taking into account the related effect on body weight (BW) decrease. Animals were transported by road from France to Sicily over a distance of 2200 km in about 33 h. Bulls were divided into calm and reactive subjects based on their exit velocity (EV) measurements taken one week prior to transportation. Blood samples were taken during four different time points: in the morning, immediately before loading in baseline conditions; after the short-distance road transport of 55 km; at their arrival in Sicily after a long-distance road transport of 2200 km; and after 15 days of stabling in finishing and fattening barns, before slaughtering. Animals were weighed before departure, at the arrival in Sicily, and after 15 days. Significant effects of time, temperament, and their interaction were observed for β-EP. It increased after long-distance transport in both groups, but more markedly in calmer bulls, returning to baseline values after 15 days. Significant effects of time were also observed for BW, which decreased after long-distance road transport and restored after 15 days in both groups. The results suggest that long-distance road transport induces a significant increase in the β-endorphin concentrations in Limousine bulls, with the greatest increase in calm subjects. Full article

The emerging field of study of blood microbiota reveals the presence of bacteria in the blood of healthy animals. In endangered species such as the American bison (Bison bison), the analysis of this microbiota is crucial for conservation, as changes in these communities or the development of pathogens may affect their health and compromise herd viability. Here, we analyzed and compared the bacterial blood microbiota of healthy adult and juvenile bison in Mexico (Janos, Chihuahua), identifying those bacterial taxa with potential pathogenicity for these individuals. Blood samples were collected from 12 juvenile and 12 adult bison. The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, and next-generation sequencing was subsequently performed on the Illumina NovaSeq platform. The bacterial taxa observed in the blood of these individuals (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae) have been previously reported to be abundant in the rumen and feces of bison. The most notable difference was observed for Mycoplasma wenyonii, which was significantly enriched in juveniles compared with adults. New sequencing technologies can be practically applied to improve the management and conservation of vulnerable species such as the American bison. Full article

Some studies have shown that intensification improves the sustainability of bovine milk; however, this matter is controversial. The present study, performed in Southern Italy, in the Basilicata region, focuses on nine specialized dairy farms of the Marmo Platano internal area. These farms are characterized by a “low intensification profile”, and we estimated the sustainability of the Marmo Platano dairy system via life-cycle assessment using specific software. We chose 1 kg of refrigerated raw milk as the functional unit and four impact categories: global warming potential, non-renewable energy use, fossil depletion, and agricultural land occupation. All impact category values fell within the ranges in the bibliography. Economic allocation, a criterion led by the market value of milk and culled cows (and their ratio), significantly (p < 0.05) affected the global warming potential and agricultural land occupation of two farms (1.38 kg CO₂ eq and 2.48 m²y⁻¹ as the system mean), while it did not affect the fossil depletion of the entire system, i.e., 138 g of oil as the mean. After allocation, the system showed three different profiles (p < 0.05) of non-renewable energy use (average value 6.31 MJ), despite its closeness with fossil depletion. Despite the aptness of Marmo Platano, the animals are not grazed, whereas full barn housing ensures satisfactory milk yields. Mainly driven by its low input characteristics, implying a low culling rate, the system proved to be sustainable. Full article

This study presents findings from two discrete experimental processes that examined the impact of lameness events on two consecutive, critical time points in the annual production cycle of dairy cattle (early in puerperium—first study, and later at the onset of the reproductive period—second study) regarding liver function, glucose levels, milk production, body condition score, and back fat thickness. In the first study, 47 cows (lame group n = 22, control group n = 25) were monitored from 10 days ante partum (ap) to 46 days post-partum (pp). In the second study, 79 cows (lame group n = 52, control group n = 27) were monitored from day 28 ± 5 pp to day 65–72 ± 5 pp. Lame cows had greater gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations in the blood serum compared to control cows (25.83 vs. 23.56, p = 0.02, respectively) early in puerperium, whereas the two groups did not differ in the second study. The concentration of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) was lower for lame compared to control cows in both studies (17.24 vs. 24.60, respectively, p = 0.02 in the first study, and 30.50 vs. 51.10, respectively, p = 0.02 in the second study). The concentrations of aspartate transaminase (AST) and glucose did not differ between groups in both studies. Lame cows had a lower body condition score (BCS) and backfat thickness (BFT) scores compared to the control in both studies overall. The lame cows of the first study experienced a significant loss of milk production, especially during the second month of lactation, while in the second study, milk production remained unaffected. Conclusively, lame cows have lower BCS and BFT values, whereas milk yield can be negatively affected only if lameness occurs early in the puerperium, probably beginning at the dry period. However, the current research shows that acutely lame cows, as described in this study, exhibit only mild alterations in liver function compared to non-lame ones. Full article

Lactational and reproductive performance are strongly associated with cow live weight and capacity. However, there are limited data published describing capacity (thoracic) growth and the prediction of final stature and capacity from measurements at birth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between stature and live weight of female dairy cattle between birth and maturity. Forty dairy cows, with records of stature and capacity from birth up until two years of age, underwent follow-up measurements for live weight, height at withers, wither-rump length, girth circumference and leg length on four occasions between 42 and 52 months of age. Measures of wither height, leg length and wither rump length at fourth mating had the strongest association with measures at birth (R² > 0.90) compared to girth and live weight (R² = 0.88 and 0.82, respectively). The weaker association between birth and maturity measures for girth is likely a reflection of the stronger relationship with live weight resulting in a later maturity (approximately 810 days) compared to linear measures such as height (approximately 730 days). Therefore, to maximise capacity, adequate nutrition is required until approximately 810 days of age when capacity growth is most sensitive to environmental input. Full article

This case report includes the clinical utility of ultrasonography, intrauterine endoscopy (hysteroscopy), and computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative evaluation of hydrometra in a pet goat, which did not completely heal with medical therapy using prostaglandin F2α. Ultrasonography revealed an anechoic liquid within the uterine lumen on a percutaneous scan. CT identified an enlarged uterus and right ovary with a cystic follicle-like structure. Hysteroscopy revealed an accumulation of clear fluids within the uterine lumen and a corrugated, thickened endometrial structure. Plasma estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations were found to be higher (41.9 pg/mL) than normal levels, whereas plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations were at normal levels (0.55 ng/mL) during the follicular phase. Histopathological examination of the endometrium removed by biopsy revealed accelerated mucosal secretion with hyperplasia. Ovariohysterectomy was performed 14 days after the initial diagnosis. Immediately before surgery, plasma E2 and P4 levels were 23.4 pg/mL and 18.34 ng/mL, respectively. Histopathological examination of the surgically removed endometrium revealed cystic endometrial hyperplasia in the uterus and follicular cysts in the ovary. Based on these results, the patient was histologically diagnosed with hydrometra, including cystic endometrial hyperplasia, possibly induced by follicular cysts in the ovary. Ultrasonography and intrauterine endoscopy enabled clear visualization of the secreted mucosa within the uterine lumen, whereas CT enabled an effective visualization of an ovary with a cystic follicle structure. Preoperative observations based not only on ultrasonography but also on evaluations, particularly combined with CT and endoscopy, are useful in diagnosing hydrometra and determining the need for ovariohysterectomy in goats. Full article

This study investigated the effects of Capsicum oleoresin (CAP) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality of fattening beef cattle. A total of 48 Simmental crossbred cattle, selected based on body weight (484.7 ± 48.4 kg), were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (each with 12 animals) in a randomized complete block design. In each group, the basal diet was supplemented with 0 g/d CAP (control), 4 g/d, 8 g/d and 12 g/d. The results showed that adding CAP linearly increased the dry matter intake (DMI; p = 0.023), led to a quadratic increase in the average daily gain (ADG; p = 0.035) and linearly decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G; p = 0.018). The apparent digestibility of CP also linearly increased with increasing CAP dosage (p = 0.023), while the apparent digestibility of ADF showed a decreasing trend (p = 0.054). Additionally, the slaughter performance index and nutritional composition of beef were not affected by the amount of CAP added (p > 0.05), while the pH value of beef decreased linearly with increasing CAP addition (p = 0.016). Among all groups, the 8 g/d one exhibited the highest DMI, ADG, F/G, apparent digestibility of CP and water-holding capacity, as well as the lowest cooking loss. In conclusion, CAP can be used as a potential novel feed additive in the diet of beef cattle to improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Under the conditions applied in this study, a CAP amount of 8 g/d per cattle was found to be optimum for fattening beef cattle. Full article

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera (MO) obtained by maceration, decoction, and infusion of fresh or dried leaves and their effects on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters. Phytochemical prospecting analyses were conducted to determine the bioactive compounds in each aqueous extract. Regarding the in vitro ruminal fermentation study, the seven treatments were the following: no addition of extract or control (CON); extract obtained by maceration of fresh leaves (MFL); extract obtained by maceration of dry leaves (MDL); extract obtained by decoction of the fresh leaves (DFL); extract obtained by decoction of dry leaves (DDL); extract obtained by infusion of fresh leaves (IFL) and extract obtained by infusion of dry leaves (IDL). The concentration of all bioactives (saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids) quantified was higher when fresh MO leaves were used (p < 0.001). DFL and DDL provided less elimination of azino-bis radicals. On the other hand, MFL resulted in a greater elimination of these radicals. Extracts obtained from fresh leaves resulted in a greater total production of short-chain fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate (p < 0.05). Compared to the control treatment, the inclusion of extracts obtained from fresh leaves provided a higher concentration of propionate (p = 0.049). It is thereby concluded that the use of fresh MO leaves for the production of aqueous extracts is the most recommended, as it results in a higher concentration of bioactive compounds. The use of aqueous extracts of fresh MO leaves increases the total production of fatty acids but does not change their proportion. Full article

Energy availability is a critical point in newly received calves. This study was conducted to examine the effect of daily calcium propionate (CaPr), chromium-methionine (Cr-Met), or CaPr plus Cr-Met (CaPr + Cr-Met) supplementation on growth performance, dietary energetics, body fat reserves, serum metabolites, and hematological responses in high-risk beef calves. Forty-eight crossbred bull calves (148.7 ± 2.05 kg body weight) were involved in a fully randomized experimental design. Calves which were individually pen allocated (12 repetitions/treatment) were subjected to one of the following treatments daily over 56 d: (1) Control, no additives; (2) CaPr, 19 g CaPr; (3) Cr-Met, 4 g Cr-Met; and (4) CaPr + Cr-Met, 19 g CaPr plus 4 g Cr-Met. Compared to controls, feed additive supplementation alone or in combination did not modify dry matter intake (DMI), but increased average daily gain (ADG), improving the ADG/DMI ratio. However, no synergistic effect on dietary energy utilization efficiency was observed with the combination of CaPr and Cr-Met; individual supplementation proved more effective. Because of the magnitude of the effects of Cr-Met on the efficiency of dietary energy utilization, this resulted in an increase (p < 0.05) in rump fat thickness (RFT). The supplementation of CaPr + Cr-Met decreased ALB/GLO ratio, MPV, and RBC, but increased TCHO, GLU, and MCH (p > 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation with CaPr or Cr-Met independently is an effective strategy to improve growth performance, energy utilization and retention, and body fat reserves, without adverse effects on health among high-risk beef calves. Full article

With the growing use of crossbred cattle in Brazilian feedlots and increasing pressure to reduce antibiotic use as growth promoters, this study examines the impact of three feed additives—monensin (MON), monensin with Lithothamnium calcareum (LCM), and a blend of essential oils (BEO)—on the performance of Nellore (NEL) and crossbred (CROSS) cattle. A total of 90 Nellore and 90 crossbred bulls were assigned to a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 3 factorial design for 112 days, and all received the same diet with varying additives. Their methane (CH₄) emissions were estimated. All data were analyzed using the emmeans package of R software (version 4.4.1). Crossbred cattle outperformed Nellore in average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), and dry matter intake (DMI), though feed efficiency remained unaffected. Across additives, no significant differences were observed in ADG, HCW, or dressing percentage. However, LCM had a lower DMI than the BEO, while MON showed better feed efficiency than the BEO. A breed-by-additive interaction trend was noted for DMI as a percentage of body weight (DMI%BW), with Nellore bulls on LCM diets showing the lowest DMI%BW. Crossbreeds had greater net energy (NE) requirements for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg), and MON-fed animals had greater NEm and NEg than the BEO. Crossbred bulls had greater daily methane (CH₄) emissions than Nellore bulls. Animals on the BEO had greater daily CH₄ emissions and greater g CH₄/kg metabolic BW than LCM bulls. In conclusion, the addition of Lithothamnium calcareum to monensin did not enhance performance compared to monensin alone. Monensin outperformed the BEO in feed efficiency and nutrient utilization. Full article

Adopting a new milking system at a dairy farm causes various changes. This study examined the impact on udder health when changing from a conventional milking system to an automatic milking system. For this purpose, quarter milk samples were taken six times from 138 cows at one conventional dairy farm in Northern Germany over a five-week period around the time of the milking system changeover. To assess udder health, the absolute number of new intramammary infections and the causative pathogen genera and species were analysed for each individual study time point. Pathogen species were detected using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight, and the infection dynamics were analysed using two Poisson regression models. In addition, the prevalence and incidence of new intramammary infections and the infection dynamics of the four most frequently isolated pathogen species were calculated. Mixed models were used to determine the development of the new infection rate, the somatic cell count, the teat-end condition, and the udder hygiene between the individual study time points and to compare the new infection rate before and after the changeover of the milking system. After the automatic milking system had been installed, a significant increase in the quarter-level somatic cell count occurred (p < 0.001). Two days before the installation of the automatic milking system, the mean quarter-level somatic cell count was 11,940 cells/mL milk; one sampling date later, 8 days after the changeover, a mean quarter-level somatic cell count of 60,117 cells/mL milk was measured. The significant increase in somatic cell count was probably caused by the time between the last milking and the quarter milk sampling. Additionally, significantly more udders were scored as clean 8 days (95%) and 15 days (96%) after the changeover of the milking system compared to at the last sampling date (88%). Also, significantly more teat ends were classified as free of hyperkeratosis 15 days (80%) compared to 22 days (67%) after the changeover of the milking system. The highest number of absolute new intramammary infections was detected 8 days before the transition of the milking system (28.6%). The lowest number of absolute new intramammary infections occurred 8 days after the change to the automatic milking system (11.0%). Minor mastitis pathogens, such as non-aureus staphylococci and coryneform bacteria, were mainly responsible for the development of new intramammary infections. The most frequently isolated pathogen species were Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Corynebacterium amycolatum, with a prevalence of up to 23.9, 10.7, 8.4, and 5.3%, respectively. By comparing the new infection rate before and after the changeover of the milking system, it was possible to establish that the changeover to the automatic milking system had no significant influence on the new intramammary infection rate (p = 0.988). Therefore, this trial confirmed that the changeover from a conventional milking system to an automatic milking system had no negative influence on udder health. Full article

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) encompasses a wide range of natural herbs and plants that are used to treat or prevent diseases or promote health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding a TCM formula extract on nitrogen (N) balance, microbial nitrogen supply (MNS), and plasma leucine kinetics in sheep. Six sheep were fed with mixed hay (Hay-diet) only or supplemented with 2% TCM (mixture of Astragalus root, Angelica root, and Atractylodes rhizome; TCM-diet) in a crossover design over two 21-day periods. An isotope dilution of [1-¹³C]leucine was used to measure the rate of plasma leucine turnover. Purine derivative (PD) excretion in urine was determined to estimate the MNS. The TCM-diet significantly increased N intake (p < 0.01) and N digestibility (p = 0.02) compared to the Hay-diet, with less N excretion (p = 0.02) in feces, while no significant difference was observed between diets in terms of N excretion in urine and N retention. Total PD excretion and MNS were higher (p < 0.01), as well as the turnover rate of plasma leucine tended to be higher (p = 0.06) with the supplementation of TCM. The present results suggested that the TCM formula could be considered as a potential feed additive for ruminant production. Full article

Combining soybeans with grass or biomass maize in silage holds promise in addressing the nutritional limitations of individual crops, providing a roughage with a good energy–protein balance. This study evaluated the effects of replacing urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) with silages made from intercropped maize–soybean and Guinea grass (GG) in calf diets on feed intake and growth performance. Sixteen native Yellow calves (130.7 ± 16.1 kg live weight and 12.8 ± 2.6 months old) were used; the experiment had a randomised complete block design with four dietary treatments: Treatment 1 (70% UTRS + 30% GG); Treatment 2 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% Guinea grass silage); Treatment 3 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% Guinea grass–soybean silage); and Treatment 4 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% maize–soybean silage). The animals were fed 0.5 kg concentrate per 100 kg live weight daily, with unlimited access to forage and clean water, for 12 weeks after a two-week adaptation. The results indicate that silages containing soybean increased total weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR); however, silage replacements had no impact on dry matter intake and body conformation, suggesting that Guinea grass–soybean or maize–soybean silage can effectively enhance the ADG and decrease the FCR of growing calves fed UTRS-based diets. Full article

As the human population continues to rise, so does the consumption of animal proteins and products. To meet this demand, animal agriculture has intensified. Simultaneously, there are increased public concerns related to improving calf and cattle welfare to ensure ethical and sustainable livestock production. To meet these expectations, it is essential to maintain high standards of cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) welfare. The use of animal-based welfare indicators is critical when assessing and developing assessments for animal welfare. A review of calf and cattle animal-based individual and herd health indicators in the scientific and grey literature was conducted. Indicators were initially grouped into the categories of behavioral, physiological, or physical indicators and further analyzed to determine potential affective states, ease of training, cost, special equipment, time, and current use as herd health indicators. The indicators identified in this review have the potential to inform future research priorities, improve animal welfare assessment, and support uplift in animal welfare in cattle production and research to better meet societal expectations of animal care and use. Full article