Search Results (4,755)

Modern beef cattle reproductive management faces increasing challenges due to the growing global demand for beef. Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor determining the productivity and profitability of beef cattle operations. Optimal reproductive performance in a beef cattle herd is achieved when each cow produces one calf per year, maintaining a calving interval of 365 days. However, this goal is difficult to achieve, as the gestation period in beef cows lasts approximately 280 days, leaving only 80–85 days for successful conception. Traditional methods, such as visual estrus detection, are becoming increasingly unreliable due to expanding herd sizes and the subjectivity of visual observation. Additionally, silent estrus—where ovulation occurs without noticeable behavioral changes—further complicates the accurate estrous-based identification of the optimal insemination period. To enhance reproductive efficiency, advanced technologies are increasingly being integrated into cattle management. Sensor-based monitoring systems, including accelerometers, pedometers, and ruminoreticular boluses, enable the precise tracking of activity changes associated with the estrous cycle. Furthermore, infrared thermography offers a non-invasive method for detecting body temperature fluctuations, allowing for more accurate estrus identification and optimized timing of insemination. The use of these innovative technologies has the potential to significantly improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle herds and contribute to overall farm productivity and sustainability. The objective of this review is to examine advancements in smart technologies applied to beef cattle reproductive management, presenting commercially available technologies and recent scientific studies on innovative systems. The focus is on sensor-based monitoring systems and infrared thermography for optimizing reproduction. Additionally, the challenges associated with these technologies and their potential to enhance reproductive efficiency and sustainability in the beef cattle industry are discussed. Despite the benefits of advanced technologies, their implementation in cattle farms is hindered by financial and technical challenges. High initial investment costs and the complexity of data analysis may limit their adoption, particularly in small and medium-sized farms. However, the continuous development of these technologies and their adaptation to farmers’ needs may significantly contribute to more efficient and sustainable reproductive management in beef cattle production. Full article

The Lidia cattle breed is featured in several traditional popular bullfighting festivals throughout Spain, including the “Toro de Cuerda” event, in which the animals are subjected to intense physical exercise. However, the physiological impact and welfare implications of these activities remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the stress response and muscle damage in Lidia breed bulls during roping bull celebrations through comprehensive blood analysis. Blood samples were collected from 53 adult male Lidia bulls before and after a standardized 45 min continuous running exercise during traditional roping bull events in four Spanish autonomous regions. Hematological parameters, muscle enzymes (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactate), and stress hormones (cortisol and ACTH) were analyzed. Significant increases (p < 0.05) were observed in leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and post-exercise platelets. Muscle enzymes showed marked elevations, with creatine kinase increasing up to 10-fold above baseline values. Stress hormones, cortisol and ACTH, also demonstrated significant increases. Despite the magnitude of these changes, all parameters remained within established reference ranges for the bovine species. This study provides the first physiological assessment of Lidia cattle during popular bullfighting celebrations, establishing baseline data for evidence-based welfare evaluation and management protocols. Full article

The present study evaluated the effect of adding 0% (control), 30%, 40% and 50% SPMs (small-peptide chelating trace minerals) to replace ITMs (inorganic trace minerals) in the diets of Litopenaeus vannamei; 720 shrimp were randomly assigned to four treatments (six replicates per group, 30 shrimp per replicate) in a 42-day feeding trial. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the control, 40% SPM and 50% SPM groups in terms of the survival rate, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, hepatosomatic index, condition factor, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or protein efficiency ratio; however, protein efficiency ratio was reduced in the 30% SPM group (p < 0.05). Glucose, triglyceride, and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the hemolymph of the 30% SPM group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the glucose and aspartate aminotransferase levels were also significantly increased in the 40% SPM group (p < 0.05). In the 50% SPM group, the glucose and triglyceride levels were also significantly increased (p < 0.05). Hepatopancreatic alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated at 40% SPM, and alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity activities were significantly increased in the 50% SPM group (p < 0.05). The moisture content and drip loss were reduced in both the 40% and 50% SPM groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, replacing 40–50% ITMs with SPMs can maintain growth performance while enhancing physiological functions. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that the incorporation of 30–50% SPMs into one’s diet constitutes a viable alternative to 100% ITMs. Full article

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of breed and sex (3 × 2) on the basic chemical composition, concentration of some minerals, and physicochemical properties of edible giblets of farm geese. The study material consisted of edible giblets (livers, gizzards, hearts) obtained from 42 geese from three Polish native breeds (Rypin, Suwałki, Kartuzy) at 220 weeks of age. Edible giblets were obtained during goose evisceration from seven males and seven females of each breed. Each bird was an experimental unit. Goose breed and sex had a significant effect on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the edible giblets. Rypin geese had higher (p < 0.05) intramuscular fat content in the gizzard and heart, as well as higher protein content in the heart and lower water content in the gizzard, compared to Kartuzy and Suwałki geese. Kartuzy geese, in turn, had higher content of water in the heart, and higher concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, sodium, and chromium in the liver, compared to Rypin and Suwałki geese. In turn, Suwałki geese had higher concentrations of phosphorus in the gizzard, and potassium, phosphorus, copper, and iron in the heart compared to the hearts of Rypin and Suwałki geese, while Kartuzy and Suwałki geese higher concentrations of sodium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese in hearts than the hearts of Rypin geese. In these studies, the highest lightness (L*) was observed in the liver and heart of Rypin geese, the lowest yellowness (b*) was observed in the gizzard of Suwałki geese, and the highest pH₂₄ and EC₂₄ were observed in the heart of Kartuzy geese. Regardless of breed, males had higher protein, collagen, and intramuscular fat contents in the heart, a higher water content in the gizzard, higher concentrations of potassium, and sodium in the liver and gizzard, copper in the heart and liver, and phosphorus in the gizzard, and less water in the heart and zinc in the liver, as well as higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of iron in the liver and heart compared with females. The breed by sex interaction was significant for intramuscular fat and water content in the gizzard and heart, and protein content in the heart. Significant differences were also noted for EC₂₄ in the liver and heart, yellowness of the gizzard, and concentrations of most labeled minerals in edible giblets. The obtained results indicate that the nutritional value and suitability of edible goose giblets for the poultry industry vary depending on breed and sex. Due to the limited research on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of goose giblets, further research in this area is necessary in the future. Full article

Helminth parasites of wild animals represent a major threat to the health of these animals, leading to significant losses in performance, health, and zoonotic implications. In some zoos, anthelmintics have traditionally been used to control these parasites, many of which are also zoonotic. Other actions, such as the removal of organic waste, have also been adopted. Few or no control measures are applied to free-ranging wild animals. Helminthophagous fungi are a promising biological alternative. When animals ingest fungal spores, they are excreted in their feces, where they trap and destroy helminth larvae and eggs, preventing and reducing the parasite load in the environment. Another alternative is to administer fungi by spraying them directly into the environment. This review aims to examine the use of helminthophagous fungi in the control of helminthiases in wild animals, highlighting their potential to minimize dependence on chemical treatments and promote sustainable animal breeding and production. There are many challenges to making this viable, such as environmental variability, stability of formulations, and acceptance of this new technology. These fungi have been shown to reduce parasite burdens in wild animals by up to 75% and can be administered through the animals’ feeding troughs. To date, evidence shows that helminthophagous fungi can reliably curb environmental parasite loads for extended periods, offering a sustainable alternative to repeated anthelmintic dosing. Their use has been linked to tangible gains in body condition, weight, and overall welfare in various captive and free-ranging wildlife species. Full article

To enhance the effectiveness of sustainable preservation of modified corn wet distillers’ grains plus solubles (mcWDGS), various additives were tested under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In Experiment I, the mcWDGS was stored under aerobic conditions for 5 days at 25 °C. Treatments included different organic acids applied at 0.3% or 0.6% of fresh matter (FM). In Experiment II, the mcWDGS was ensiled anaerobically for 8 weeks at 25 °C using organic acids, a commercial acid mixture, or a microbial inoculant at 0.2% FM. In aerobic conditions, the best preservability was achieved with propionic and formic acids at 0.6% FM, as indicated by the lowest temperature, pH, and microbial counts on days 3 and 5 (p ≤ 0.01). Under anaerobic storage, the highest lactic acid concentrations were recorded in the control, citric acid, and commercial acid mixture variants (p ≤ 0.01). Acetic acid levels were highest in the control (p ≤ 0.01). The highest NH3-N content was found in the formic acid variant and the lowest in the inoculant variant (p ≤ 0.01). Aerobic stability after ensiling was greatest in the control and propionic acid groups (p ≤ 0.01). Nutritional analysis showed that the citric acid group had the highest dry matter content (p ≤ 0.01), while the control group contained the most crude protein (p ≤ 0.01) and saturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). The propionic acid and commercial acid mixture variants had the highest unsaturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). Antioxidant capacity was also greatest in the control (p ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, mcWDGS can be effectively preserved aerobically with 0.6% FM of propionic or formic acid, and anaerobically via ensiling, even without additives. These findings support its potential as a stable and nutritious feed ingredient. Full article

Heat stress in dairy cows, caused by high temperature and humidity during summer, has led to significant declines in milk production and severe economic losses for farms. Exosomes—extracellular vesicles carrying bioactive molecules—are critical for intercellular communication and immunity but remain understudied in heat-stressed Holstein cows. In this study, we extracted exosomes from three heat-stressed (HS) cows and three non-heat-stressed (Ctr) cows and employed proteomics to analyze plasma exosomes. We identified a total of 28 upregulated and 18 downregulated proteins in the HS group compared to the control group. Notably, we observed a significant upregulation of key protein groups, including cytoskeletal regulators, signaling mediators, and coagulation factors, alongside the downregulation of HP-25_1. These differentially expressed proteins demonstrate strong potential as heat stress biomarkers. GO and KEGG analyses linked the differentially expressed proteins to actin cytoskeleton regulation and endoplasmic reticulum pathways. Additionally, protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as a central node in the cellular response to heat stress. These findings establish plasma exosomes as valuable biospecimens, provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of heat stress response, and may contribute to the development of precision breeding strategies for enhanced thermal resilience in dairy herds. Full article

Nuclear receptors are involved in multiple biological processes, among which RORγ can regulate the expression of inflammation-related genes and is thus frequently used as a therapeutic target for cancer. Canine mammary cancer is one of the most common tumor diseases in dogs, with a relative incidence rate of 46.71% for CMT in China over the past five years, severely threatening the life and health of dogs. Therefore, the search for novel drugs targeting canine mammary cancer is of great significance. This study aims to investigate how the RORγ inhibitors W6134 and XY018 affect the expression of inflammatory genes through histone modifications in CMT-N7 cells. These results show that W6134 and XY018 can upregulate signaling pathways related to inflammation and apoptosis and influence the expression of associated genes. The close link between RORγ and inflammation-related genes further confirms that RORγ may serve as a therapeutic target for canine cancer. Additionally, ChIP-qPCR was used to detect the enrichment of histone markers such as P300, H3K27ac, H3K4me1, H3K9la, and H3K9bhb at the target loci of CXCL10 and MECOM genes. Collectively, our findings provide molecular evidence for the protective role of RORγ in canine mammary cancer, potentially by regulating inflammatory pathways via histone modifications, offering new insights for improving the cure rate and survival of affected dogs. Full article

This review explores sexual aggression in broiler breeder males, aiming to synthesize existing scientific evidence regarding its causes, behavioral manifestations, and consequences, while addressing the genetic, neuroendocrine, and environmental mechanisms involved. Through an extensive analysis of scientific literature, the paper highlights that intensive genetic selection aimed at enhancing growth and productivity has resulted in unintended behavioral dysfunctions. These include the reduction or absence of courtship behavior, the occurrence of forced copulations, and a notable increase in injury rates among hens. Reproductive challenges observed in meat-type breeder flocks, in contrast to those in layer lines, appear to stem from selection practices that have overlooked traits related to mating behavior. Environmental and managerial conditions, including photoperiod manipulation, stocking density, nutritional imbalances, and the use of mixed-sex rearing systems, are also identified as contributing factors to the expression of sexual aggression. Furthermore, recent genetic findings indicate a potential link between inherited neurobehavioral factors and aggressive behavior, with the SORCS2 gene emerging as a relevant candidate. Based on these insights, the review emphasizes the importance of considering behavioral parameters in breeding programs in order to reconcile productivity objectives with animal welfare standards. Future research may benefit from a more integrative approach that combines behavioral, physiological, and genomic data to better understand and address the multifactorial nature of sexual aggression in poultry systems. Full article

Pork is a major global source of animal protein, and improving both its production efficiency and meat quality is a central goal in modern animal agriculture and food systems. This study investigated post-inflection-point growth patterns in two genetically distinct pig breeds—the lean-type Yorkshire pig (YP) and the fatty-type Qingyu pig (QYP)—with the aim of elucidating breed-specific characteristics that influence pork quality and yield. Comprehensive evaluations of carcass traits, meat quality attributes, nutritional composition, and gene expression profiles were conducted. After the growth inflection point, carcass traits exhibited greater variability than meat quality traits in both breeds, though with distinct patterns. YPs displayed superior muscle development, with the longissimus muscle area (LMA) increasing rapidly before plateauing at ~130 kg, whereas QYPs maintained more gradual but sustained muscle growth. In contrast, intramuscular fat (IMF)—a key determinant of meat flavor and texture—accumulated faster in YPs post inflection but plateaued earlier in QYPs. Correlation and clustering analyses revealed more synchronized regulation of meat quality traits in QYPs, while YPs showed greater trait variability. Gene expression patterns aligned with these phenotypic trends, highlighting distinct regulatory mechanisms for muscle and fat development in each breed. In addition, based on the growth curves, we calculated the peak age at which the growth rate declined in lean-type and fat-type pigs, which was approximately 200 days for YPs and around 270 days for QYPs. This suggests that these ages may represent the optimal slaughter times for the respective breeds, balancing both economic efficiency and meat quality. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing pork quality through precision management and offer theoretical guidance for developing breed-specific feeding strategies, slaughter timing, and value-added pork production tailored to consumer preferences in the modern food market. Full article

Leptospirosis is a globally significant zoonosis affecting animal health, productivity, and the environment. While typically associated with tropical climates, its persistence in semi-arid regions such as La Laguna, Mexico—characterized by low humidity, high temperatures, and limited water sources—remains poorly understood. Although these adverse environmental conditions theoretically limit the survival of Leptospira, high livestock density and synanthropic reservoirs (e.g., rodents) may compensate, facilitating transmission. In this cross-sectional study, blood sera from 445 dairy cows (28 herds: 12 intensive [MI], 16 semi-intensive [MSI] systems) were analyzed via microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) against 10 pathogenic serovars. Urine samples were cultured for active Leptospira detection. Risk factors were assessed through epidemiological surveys and multivariable analysis. This study revealed an overall apparent seroprevalence of 27.0% (95% CI: 22.8–31.1), with significantly higher rates in MSI (54.1%) versus MI (12.2%) herds (p < 0.001) and an estimated true seroprevalence of 56.3% (95% CI: 50.2–62.1) in MSI and 13.1% (95% CI: 8.5–18.7) in MI herds (p < 0.001). The Sejroe serogroup was isolated from urine in both systems, confirming active circulation. In MI herds, rodent presence (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.6–7.9) was identified as a risk factor for Leptospira seropositivity, while first-trimester abortions (OR:10.1; 95% CI: 4.2–24.2) were significantly associated with infection. In MSI herds, risk factors associated with Leptospira seropositivity included co-occurrence with hens (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.3) and natural breeding (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9), whereas mastitis/agalactiae (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.2) represented a clinical outcome associated with seropositivity. Despite semi-arid conditions, Leptospira maintains transmission in La Laguna, particularly in semi-intensive systems. The coexistence of adapted (Sejroe) and incidental serogroups underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as rodent control in MI systems and poultry management in MSI systems, to mitigate both zoonotic and economic impacts. Full article

European pig farmers are challenged by increasingly stringent EU regulations to protect the environment from pollution, to meet animal welfare standards and to make pig farming more sustainable. Economic sustainability is defined as the ability to achieve higher profits by respecting social and natural resources. This study is focused on the analysis of the economic resilience of intensive and extensive farming systems, based on data collected from 56 farms located in Denmark, Poland, Italy and Spain. Productive and economic performances of these farms are analyzed, and economic resilience is assessed through a survey including a selection of indicators, belonging to different themes: [i] resilience of resources, [ii] entrepreneurship, [iii] propensity to extensification. The qualitative data from the questionnaire allow for an exploration of how production systems relate to the three dimensions of resilience. Different levels of resilience were found and discussed for intensive and extensive farms. The findings suggest that intensive farms benefit from high standards and greater bargaining power within the supply chain. Extensive systems can achieve profitability through value-added strategies and generally display good resilience. Policies that support investment and risk reduction are essential for enhancing farm resilience and robustness, while strengthening farmer networks can improve adaptability. Full article

Goats are considered to be the ideal climate-resilient animal species in the tropics. Fewer studies are documented assessing the heat stress response of caprine ruminal microbiota, which can also be a crucial indicator of the resilience and/or adaptability of animals. This study was conducted to comparatively assess the heat stress responses of two indigenous goat breeds, Nandidurga and Bidri, based on changes associated with the rumen fermentation pattern and distribution pattern of rumen microbiota. A total of 24 adult animals were randomly allocated into four groups of six animals each, NC (n = 6; Nandidurga control), NHS (n = 6; Nandidurga heat stress), BC (n = 6; Bidri control) and BHS (n = 6; Bidri heat stress). The animals were reared in climate chambers for a duration of 45 days wherein the NC and BC animals were maintained under thermoneutral temperature while the NHS and BHS animals were subjected to simulated heat stress. Heat stress was observed to significantly reduce the rumen ammonia, extracellular CMCase, intracellular carboxy methyl cellulase (CMCase) and total CMCase both in Nandidurga and Bidri goats. In addition to this, a significant reduction in acetate, propionate and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was observed in Nandidurga goats. The V3–V4 16s rRNA sequencing further revealed a significant alteration in the rumen microbiota in heat-stressed Nandidurga and Bidri goats. While both the breeds exhibited nearly similar responses in the rumen microbial abundance levels due to heat stress, breed-specific differences were also observed. Furthermore, the LEFSe analysis revealed a significant alteration in the abundances of microbes at the genus level, which were observed to be relatively greater in Bidri goats than Nandidurga goats. Furthermore, these alterations were predicted to impair the functional pathways, especially pathways associated with metabolism. This study therefore provided an insight into the rumen microbial dynamics in heat-stressed goats. Though both the breeds exhibited excellent resilience to the subjected heat stress, there were relatively less ruminal alterations in Nandidurga goats than in Bidri goats. Full article

The gut microbiota of macaques, highly homologous to humans in biological characteristics and metabolic functions, serves as an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of human intestinal diseases and therapeutic approaches. A comprehensive characterization of the macaque gut microbiota provides unique insights into human health and disease. This study employs metagenomic sequencing to assess the gut microbiota of wild M. mulatta brevicaudus across various ages, sexes, and physiological states. The results revealed that the dominant bacterial species in various age groups included Segatella copri and Bifidobacterium adolescentis. The predominant bacterial species in various sexes included Alistipes senegalensis and Parabacteroides (specifically Parabacteroides merdae, Parabacteroides johnsonii, and Parabacteroides sp. CT06). The dominant species during lactation and non-lactation periods were identified as Alistipes indistinctus and Capnocytophaga haemolytica. Functional analysis revealed significant enrichment in pathways such as global and overview maps, carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism. This study enhances our understanding of how age, sex, and physiological states shape the gut microbiota in M. mulatta brevicaudus, offering a foundation for future research on (1) host–microbiome interactions in primate evolution, and (2) translational applications in human health, such as microbiome-based therapies for metabolic or immune-related disorders. Full article

Aggressiveness in dogs is a complex behavioral trait with implications for animal welfare and public safety. Despite domestication, dogs retain aggressive tendencies shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. This systematic review synthesizes the literature from 2000 to 2024 on the genetic and environmental bases of canine aggression. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 144 articles were retrieved from Scopus and PubMed and screened in two phases, resulting in 33 studies selected for analysis. These were evaluated using a 20-question grid across seven categories, including phenotyping, genetic analysis, population structure, and future directions. The studies support a polygenic model of aggressiveness, with associations reported for genes involved in neurotransmission, hormone signaling, and brain function. However, inconsistencies in phenotyping, small sample sizes, and a limited consideration of environmental factors hinder robust conclusions. Most studies focused on popular companion breeds, while those commonly labeled as aggressive were underrepresented. The findings highlight the relevance of gene–environment interactions but underscore that aggression is often poorly defined and measured across studies. Future research should prioritize standardized phenotyping tools, broader breed inclusion, and the functional validation of genetic findings. These efforts will improve the understanding of dog aggression and inform breeding, behavioral assessment, and public policy. Full article