Search Results (7,659)

This review analyses and logically structures modern intelligent sensor technologies in the context of animal husbandry, feed production, and veterinary medicine. The main research discussed in the article focuses on machine learning based on modern neural network models, computer vision, and sensor systems that are transforming the methods for assessing the health, behavior, and nutrition of farm animals. The first part examines modern approaches to quality control and optimization of mineral and vitamin premixes, including visual inspection using visual sensors and neural networks. Key roles are played by precise dosing, component stability (minerals, vitamins), and the transition to more bioefficient organic forms of micronutrients to reduce environmental impact. Improvements in feed and premix production are analyzed, including automation, energy management, and the use of machine learning for non-destructive quality control, defect detection, mixing homogeneity assessment, and vitamin stability prediction. The second part analyzes methods for animal location and behavior detection. This article presents computer vision-based systems, including modifications of YOLO, for automatically tracking and classifying key behavioral patterns (lying down, standing, feeding, and aggression) in cattle and pigs, even in crowded conditions. It also discusses the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) systems and accelerometers combined with machine learning for high-precision positioning and detection of specific behavioral anomalies, such as lameness and playfulness. The third section focuses on the application of machine learning in veterinary diagnostics, including the automated interpretation of medical images (X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI) as sensor data streams for the diagnosis of cardiovascular, oncological, and orthopedic diseases in farm and small animals. Furthermore, the article examines the use of machine learning models for proactive disease diagnosis in farm animals and poultry based on multimodal data and image analysis. Considerable attention is given to methods and tools for radiometric diagnosis of animal diseases at an early stage using microwave sensors, as well as laser therapy and surgery in veterinary medicine. The review concludes that the integration of intelligent systems enables a transition to data-driven livestock management, significantly improving animal welfare and, consequently, the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production. Full article

Feed intake and diet quality are key factors influencing enteric methane (CH₄) emissions in ruminants. Low-quality C₄ grasses typically limit intake and are associated with high CH₄ yield. Nitrogen supplementation may improve rumen function and reduce CH₄ emissions per unit of feed intake, although responses under low-quality forage conditions remain insufficiently characterized. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen supplementation (urea- or nitrate-containing supplements) on the utilization of low-quality weeping lovegrass hay (Eragrostis curvula) and CH₄ yield in beef steers. Twenty-four Aberdeen Angus steers (326 ± 27 kg body weight) were assigned to three treatments: (1) weeping lovegrass hay alone; (2) weeping lovegrass hay + sunflower expeller + urea; and (3) weeping lovegrass hay + sunflower expeller + potassium nitrate (KNO₃). The proportion of non-protein nitrogen (NPN; urea and KNO₃) included in the supplements was set according to the maximum tolerated threshold. Methane emissions were measured using the SF₆ tracer technique. Compared with the hay-only treatment, supplemented animals increased dry matter intake (DMI) by 35% and 38% in the urea and nitrate treatments, respectively (p < 0.01). Total CH₄ emissions (g/d) were not affected by treatment (p = 0.16). However, CH₄ yield (g CH₄/kg DMI) decreased by 27% and 38% in the urea and nitrate treatments, respectively (p < 0.01). The methane conversion factor (Ym) was also reduced in supplemented animals. Under the conditions of this study, supplementation of low-quality weeping lovegrass hay with nitrogen-containing supplements increased feed intake and reduced CH₄ yield without affecting total CH₄ emissions. These findings highlight the importance of considering CH₄ emission intensity, in addition to absolute emissions, when evaluating mitigation opportunities in forage-based beef production systems. Full article

Mastitis remains the most economically damaging disease of dairy production, and recent molecular work has converged on the NLRP3 inflammasome as a key integrative node of its pathogenesis. This narrative review integrates evidence published largely between 2015 and 2026 to show how diverse triggers—Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), heat stress, environmental xenobiotics including nanoplastics, and microbiota-derived signals—may funnel into a common NLRP3–ASC–caspase-1–GSDMD axis that drives pyroptosis, blood–milk barrier disruption, and clinical disease. The review examines the potential obligatory role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and selenoprotein-mediated redox control in licensing inflammasome assembly. It further evaluates the emerging gut–mammary and rumen–mammary axes that operate upstream of local epithelial activation. We survey a structurally diverse therapeutic landscape encompassing dietary selenium, probiotics, microbial metabolites, plant-derived nanovesicles, polyphenols, ginsenosides, and small-molecule NLRP3 antagonists, identifying recurring mechanistic motifs that suggest combinatorial regimens may yield additive benefit. Importantly, much of the evidence derives from in vitro and murine models, and we highlight the translational gaps that must be bridged before clinical application in dairy cattle. Finally, we map outstanding research gaps and propose priorities for translational work aimed at sustainable, antibiotic-sparing management of bovine mastitis. Full article

Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly biotechnology for organic waste valorization. As the primary product of earthworm biotransformation, vermicompost is a high-value bio-organic fertilizer abundant in diverse biologically active components. To date, most studies have focused on quality variation during the earthworm transformation process, while research on quality variations in the resulting vermicompost fertilizer during long-term storage remains scarce. To explore the shelf-life of vermicompost fertilizer and its key influencing indicators, this study investigated the changes in quality indicators in sealed-packaged vermicompost over a 180-day period using two typical vermicompost, namely cattle manure vermicompost (CM) and straw-amended cattle manure vermicompost (CMS). The temporal dynamics of physicochemical properties, nutrient contents, humification indices, enzyme activities, and microbial communities were monitored. The vermicompost quality was evaluated, and core quality drivers were identified using an integrated principal component analysis-partial least squares (PCA-PLS) approach. The results indicated that moisture content (MC), total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN) declined progressively, whereas available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) peaked at day 150 and day 120, respectively, and the humification rate (HR) increased by 2.6–4.0-fold. Bacterial diversity and relative abundance slightly decreased, accompanied by taxonomic differentiation, whereas fungal communities maintained stable diversity. Most enzyme activities, including urease, phosphatase, catalase, and dehydrogenase, reached their maxima at day 120. Comprehensive quality scores peaked at day 150, with a marked decline observed by day 180. The recommended shelf-life of vermicompost fertilizer is 150 days. The key quality determinants include TN, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, actinomycete abundance, TOC, TP, bacterial abundance, AP, AK, and HR. These findings provide theoretical support and references for the storage management and quality control of commercial vermicompost products in practice. Full article

Temperament has been associated with reproductive success in beef cattle, with excitable animals often exhibiting reduced fertility. This study evaluated whether acclimating heifers to human handling during an ovulation synchronization protocol improves temperament and pregnancy rates to timed artificial insemination (TAI). A total of 622 Bos taurus yearling beef heifers across five locations and two breeding seasons (eight herd-year observations) were stratified according to reproductive maturity and temperament and were assigned to either acclimation (TRT; n = 307) or control (CTRL; n = 315). Acclimated heifers were moved through handling facilities without restraint prior to each protocol event (days 0, 7, and 10). Temperament was assessed using chute score (CS) and exit velocity (EV), and plasma cortisol was measured in a subset of animals. Acclimated heifers had lower CS on days 7 and 10 (p = 0.011 and p = 0.010, respectively) and greater pregnancy rates to TAI compared with control heifers (54.5% vs. 45.2%; p = 0.018). Exit velocity and cortisol concentrations did not differ between treatments (p ≥ 0.13). These results indicate that acclimation during handling events can improve behavioral responses and pregnancy rates to TAI with modest additional handling time (a mean of 17 s per heifer; no more than 18 min per location/day), providing a practical and scalable strategy for beef producers. Full article

Enteric methane (CH₄) emissions from ruminants are a significant contributor to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and represent an increasing concern in African livestock systems. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of tannin-rich plants as a dietary strategy for mitigating enteric CH₄ emissions in African ruminant production systems. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and included peer-reviewed original studies published between 2015 and 2025 that investigated tannin-rich plant interventions in cattle, sheep, or goats within African production systems. Eligible studies comprised both in vivo feeding trials and in vitro rumen fermentation experiments. Studies were included if they reported enteric CH₄ or greenhouse gas-related outcomes, while reviews, modeling studies, non-ruminant studies, and studies without CH₄-related outcomes were excluded. A total of eight eligible studies were identified, all conducted in South Africa despite the Africa-wide scope of the review. Overall, tannin-rich plant interventions showed potential to reduce CH₄ emissions, although the magnitude and consistency of responses varied depending on tannin type, source, inclusion level, form of administration, and dietary context. Purified and encapsulated tannin extracts generally produced more consistent CH₄ reductions than crude or whole-plant sources. Responses also differed between controlled total mixed ration systems and forage-based feeding systems. However, the small number of studies and their strong geographic concentration limit broader generalization across the continent. In conclusion, tannin-rich plants show promise as a natural CH₄ mitigation strategy in ruminants, but more regionally distributed and methodologically robust studies are needed across Africa to strengthen the evidence base. Full article

This study presents the growth data of indigenous Bargur cattle calves maintained at the Bargur Cattle Research Station, Tamil Nadu, India. Bargur cattle are an endangered breed known for their adaptability to hilly environments and production potential. The dataset included 1803 weight–age records collected from 174 calves, covering measurements from birth (age code 1) to approximately 16 months of age (age code 17). In the research station database, birth weight was recorded as age code 1, with subsequent age codes representing approximately monthly weight records. To describe the growth pattern, five non-linear models, Brody, Logistic, Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and Generalized Weibull, were fitted to the data. Key growth parameters, such as asymptotic weight, initial weight, and growth rate were estimated, along with indicators like age and weight at inflection. Because the available records covered growth from birth (age code 1) to approximately 16 months of age (age code 17), asymptotic weight estimates should be interpreted as model-derived projections rather than observed mature body weight. Among the models evaluated, the Von Bertalanffy model showed the best overall statistical fit based on AIC, BIC, and RMSE criteria, followed by the Gompertz model. The Logistic model, although not the best-fitting model statistically, retained biological interpretability in describing early growth patterns in calves. The dataset, along with graphical outputs of growth curves and residuals, provides useful insights into the early growth trajectory of Bargur cattle and may support conservation, management, and future breeding programs. Full article

Pastures are the primary food source for cattle, yet their productivity is often limited by management practices and water scarcity. In this context, approaches capable of representing nonlinear relationships and handling uncertainties can support sustainable water management. The objective of this study was to develop and compare fuzzy inference systems (FISs) to predict the instantaneous water use efficiency (iWUE) in a forage species subjected to organic and mineral fertilization under different levels of water deficit. The models were built in MATLAB R2024a using Mamdani and Sugeno inference methods. Input variables (fertilization and water deficit) were represented by triangular, trapezoidal, and Gaussian membership functions, while the output variable (iWUE) was modeled using triangular, trapezoidal, and Gaussian membership functions in the Mamdani system and singleton functions in the Sugeno system. Different defuzzification strategies were evaluated, resulting in 21 fuzzy systems. The results showed satisfactory model performance, with coefficients of determination above 0.90 and strong agreement between observed and simulated values. The Mamdani system with trapezoidal membership functions and centroid defuzzification achieved the best predictive performance (R² = 0.9846, NSE = 0.9887, RMSE = 0.0923). The response surface generated by the best-performing fuzzy system indicated a smaller reduction in iWUE under organic fertilization compared to mineral fertilization as water deficit intensified. The developed fuzzy systems demonstrated potential to represent the interaction between nutritional management and water availability, supporting decision-making in forage production systems. Full article

Bacteriophages are increasingly investigated as tools for studying and manipulating microbial communities in cattle. However, phage isolation remains challenging because of host specificity, microbial ecosystem differences, and the lack of optimized screening approaches. The objectives of this study were to (i) optimize the phage-screening method for microbial samples obtained from different cattle body sites, (ii) isolate lytic phages against key bovine pathogens and commensal bacteria, and (iii) characterize the isolated phages and their bacterial hosts. A total of 1214 samples from different cattle body sites (n = 1194) and environmental sources (n = 20) were screened using 13 phage detection methods, including one high-throughput approach. Eighty-three phages were isolated, primarily from ruminal fluid (59), feces (15), vaginal (7) and nasopharyngeal swabs (1), and fetal ruminal fluid (1). The bacterial hosts inhibited by these phages were from 29 genera, with Bacillus (34), Escherichia/Shigella (8), Shouchella (5), Corynebacterium (4), and Lysinibacillus (4) being the most common. No phages were identified against bovine pathogens including Trueperella pyogenes, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, or Moraxella bovis. Method 12 demonstrated the highest efficiency in phage recovery, particularly from ruminal samples. The successful recovery of bacteriophages from gastrointestinal, reproductive, respiratory, and fetal bovine samples demonstrates the utility of the optimized screening methods for isolating phages from diverse cattle-associated microbial ecosystems. Further studies are needed to refine these approaches to improve the recovery of phages targeting bovine pathogens. Full article

Automatic milking systems (AMSs) are increasingly adopted in dairy farms, and barn design, particularly regarding cow traffic design (CowTD), plays a key role in system performance. This study evaluated the association between different CowTDs and operational and production indicators of AMS Brazilian dairy farms. The data were obtained from 149 commercial dairy farms equipped with AMS (average of 1.6 AMS per farm) encompassing approximately 14,642 lactating cows recorded between June and December 2025. Cow traffic designs were classified as free or smart-gated systems, including milk-first (MF) and feed-first (FF) configurations. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of regions, housing system, and CowTD on the number of lactating cows per AMS (NCowsAMS), milking frequency (MFreq), milk yield per milking (MYMilking), daily milk yield per cow (MYcow), daily milkings per AMS (MilkingsAMS), and daily milk yield per AMS (MYAMS). On average, farms milked 58 cows per AMS with a mean MFreq of 2.69 milkings/cow per day and produced 2227 kg of milk per AMS per day. Smart-gated CowTD supported a greater number of cows per AMS than free CowTD systems (FF = 57 and MF = 58 vs. Free = 53 cows/AMS). Although free CowTD increased MFreq to approximately three milkings/cow/day, this advantage did not translate into greater or equivalent MYAMS, despite MF and free CowTD exhibiting similar MYcow (37.0 and 37.2 kg/day, respectively). Even though free CowTD achieved the highest MilkingsAMS (Free = 156 vs. MF = 151 and FF = 143 milkings/day), it milked fewer cows per robot, resulting in lower MYAMS. Consequently, FF and MF systems produced 86 and 180 kg/day more MYAMS, respectively, than free CowTD. These results suggest that AMS performance is primarily driven by the NCowsAMS rather than MFreq alone. Under Brazilian commercial conditions, smart-gated CowTD systems appear to be more efficient, as evidenced by higher MYAMS, while allowing higher stocking densities, potentially without increasing labor requirements. Full article

The effect of increasing levels of coconut oil (CO: 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/kg of supplement DM) on productive performance, feed intake, rumen fermentation, microbiota, and gene expression was evaluated in 24 calves (Bos indicus × Bos taurus; 180 ± 10 kg BW) on rotational grazing (Cynodon dactylon) in a completely randomized design (n = 6) for 112 days. Supplement intake (offer–refusal) and forage intake (external marker: chromium) were measured. On day 112, rumen fluid (fermentation profile, protozoa, and metagenomic analysis: 16S rRNA V3-V4) and total blood (DNA microarray: M22k) were collected. Genomic analyses were performed by comparing the control vs. the group with the best productive response. For statistical analysis, SAS PROC GLM (initial weight as a covariate), orthogonal polynomials, the Tukey test, and Spearman correlation were used, considering significant effects (p ≤ 0.05) and trend (p ≤ 0.1). The inclusion of 200 g CO/kg supplement DM showed the best average daily gain (p = 0.018; +0.139 kg/d) with the highest retained energy (p = 0.02; +0.631 Mcal/d) versus the control group. In the rumen, propionate increased (p ≤ 0.05), while protozoa decreased (p < 0.0001) and the methanogenic archaea tended to decrease (Methanobacteriaceae −44%, p = 0.08; Thermoplasmatales −35%, p = 0.06). At the transcriptional level, 19 hub genes were modulated by CO, suggesting a lower intracellular signaling (cAMP-PKA-CREB) associated with a lower stress condition and better energy metabolism regulation. In conclusion, 200 g CO/kg supplement DM is a viable strategy for improving the productive performance of livestock in tropical systems. Full article

Sustainable management of permanent grasslands requires evidence-based selection of fertilization practices that support long-term soil organic matter quality and ecosystem function. This study addresses the need to identify optimal agricultural practices in permanent grasslands and the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil humic substances (HS) composition and stability. Grassland plots were amended after cutting with mineral fertilizer (NPK), farmyard manure (FYM), cattle slurry (CS), or digestate (DIG), and humic acids (HA) were isolated using the standard International Humic Substances Society procedure. The elemental composition, total carbon and nitrogen contents, C/N ratio, and selected biogenic elements were determined using routine laboratory methods, while infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence excitation–emission matrix analysis, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy were applied to characterize chemical structure and semiquinone radical concentrations. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated distinct clustering of fertilization treatments, which was supported by a statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) based on ANOVA. The results suggest that the fertilization regime was associated with variation in HS composition and radical abundance. DIG and NPK treatments showed lower O/C ratios and radical concentrations, potentially reflecting more reduced humic acids. In contrast, FYM and CS treatments tended to exhibit higher radical concentrations and O/C ratios. These findings highlight the importance of fertilizer type in shaping soil organic matter dynamics in managed grassland ecosystems and provide a scientific basis for the development of sustainable soil management strategies and environmentally sound fertilization practices in permanent grassland systems. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of monolaurin intake per finishing feedlot cattle on growth performance, metabolic status, ruminal environment, and meat fatty acid profile. Twenty-four castrated Holstein males (379 ± 8.5 kg; 12 months old) were randomly assigned to two treatments: basal diet (control) or basal diet with α-monolaurin (treated: 0.762 g/kg dry matter intake; ≈6.63 g/animal/day) for 79 days. Feed intake, body weight, and feed efficiency were recorded, and blood and ruminal samples were collected during the trial. Ruminal fermentation parameters, protozoa counts, hematological and biochemical variables, oxidative status biomarkers, ruminal microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing), and Longissimus dorsi fatty acid profile were analyzed. Monolaurin feed did not affect dry matter intake or final body weight, but increased total weight gain, average daily gain, and feed efficiency (p ≤ 0.05), indicating improved nutrient utilization. Hematological and serum biochemical variables were largely unchanged, although total leukocyte counts were lower in treated cattle. Animals receiving monolaurin showed reduced reactive oxygen species and lower superoxide dismutase activity, suggesting improved oxidative balance without changes in lipid peroxidation. During the adaptation phase (day 14), treated cattle exhibited lower acetate, propionate, valerate, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations and higher protozoa counts, but these differences disappeared by day 79, indicating ruminal adaptation. Microbiota diversity was not altered overall, although specific genera differed in relative abundance between treatments. In meat, monolaurin increased lauric, linoleic, and arachidonic acids, reduced palmitic and heptadecanoic acids, decreased total saturated fatty acids, and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, dietary monolaurin improved feed efficiency, modulated oxidative status, induced transient ruminal microbial adjustments, and enhanced the nutritional quality of beef lipids without compromising metabolic health. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of varying inclusion levels of soybean hull pellets (SHP) with annual ryegrass baleage (BAL) on animal performance and digestive kinetics in beef cattle. In Experiment 1 (Exp. 1), 60 weaned mixed-sex beef calves were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 0.0%, 0.5%, or 1.0% body weight (BW) SHP with ad libitum access to BAL for 48 days (d). Animal performance, including BW, dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily gain (ADG), was evaluated for the duration of the study. In Experiment 2 (Exp. 2), six ruminally cannulated beef steers received the same treatments utilized in Exp. 1. Steers were dosed with ytterbium (Yb)-labeled BAL to evaluate ruminal passage rate across three 24 d periods. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. In Exp. 1, total BAL intake decreased in calves supplemented with SHP, while cumulative ADG increased from 0.30 (0.0% BW SHP) to 0.54 (0.5% BW SHP) and 0.74 kg/d (1.0% BW SHP), respectively. Final BW at D47 also increased as SHP inclusion increased. In Exp. 2, ruminal retention time decreased from 38.0 h (0.0% BW SHP) to 15.1 h (1.0% BW SHP), while cecum-to-proximal colon passage rate did not differ among treatments (p = 0.06). Baleage DMI did not differ between treatments. Results suggest that SHP supplementation improved calf performance despite reduced BAL intake in Exp. 1, with the greatest cumulative ADG observed in calves supplemented with 1.0% BW SHP. In Exp. 2, 1.0% BW SHP produced the greatest effects on passage rate kinetics, while BAL DMI was unaffected by SHP supplementation. Full article

The present study evaluated the effects of the prepartum administration of immunotropic preparations on the growth performance, physiological status, and metabolic profile of calves. Sixty pregnant Holstein cows were divided into three groups (n = 20 each): the first experimental group received a single intramuscular injection of sodium nucleinate (5 mL), the second experimental group received a single intramuscular injection of Ribotan (5 mL), and the control group received saline solution. All treatments were administered 3–9 days before calving. The obtained calves were monitored until 60 days of age. Clinical, growth, hematological, and biochemical parameters were assessed at days 1, 10, 30, and 60. Calves from the treated cows showed improved neonatal adaptation, including faster development of standing posture and the suckling reflex. Body weight was significantly higher in experimental groups at 30 and 60 days (p ≤ 0.05), with consistently greater average daily gains. Blood analysis revealed increased total protein, albumin, and γ-globulin levels, indicating enhanced protein metabolism and immune status. In contrast, cortisol concentrations were lower in treated groups, reflecting reduced physiological stress. Multivariate (PCA) and correlation analyses confirmed strong associations between growth performance, metabolic activity, and immune indicators, and demonstrated clear separation between control and treated groups. Ribotan exhibited the most pronounced biological effect, while sodium nucleinate showed moderate but consistent improvements. In conclusion, prepartum immunotropic treatment of cows enhances early-life adaptation, metabolic efficiency, and growth performance of calves and may represent a practical strategy for improving calf rearing outcomes in dairy farming systems. Full article