Search Results (39)

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a common viral disease in cattle that causes huge economic losses in naïve herds that are introduced to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Currently, there are no available anti-BVDV drugs due to the variety and mutability of strains; therefore, developing new anti-BVDV drugs is of great significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-BVDV effects and immunomodulatory activities of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides (CPPs) in BVDV-infected bovine macrophage (BoMac) cells. CPPs directly inactivated BVDV particles and intervened in BVDV absorption process. The immunity suppression resulting from BVDV in BoMac cells was restored by CPPs, as was verified by phagocytosis increase, the expression up-regulation of cell surface co-stimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, and CD86), and antigen-presenting function recovery. Furthermore, the expressions of cytokines including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1β, Caspase-3, Bim, and Bcl-xL at the mRNA and proteins levels were modulated, and a reduction in the apoptosis rate was observed, which demonstrates that CPPs attenuated inflammation and apoptosis induced by BVDV. Collectively, our findings reveal new pharmacological properties of CPPs, which exert anti-BVDV efficacy and regulate immune injury induced by BVDV in BoMac cells, indicating that CPPs are a potential option for BVDV prevention in clinical application. Full article

Cattle grazing and selective logging alter the functioning of an ecosystem, but their impacts on forest regeneration, particularly in relation to forest successional stages, are yet poorly understood. This study examined how these activities affect the regeneration of Nothofagus antarctica (ñire or ñirre) and N. pumilio (lenga) pure forests in Patagonia and whether these effects vary between old-growth and secondary forests. We assessed seedlings by origin (sexual, asexual) and height classes (<0.3 m, 0.3–0.6 m, >0.6 m) across 88 plots (25 × 20 m). Selective logging intensity was measured via the basal area of tree stumps, and cattle grazing pressure via dung counts. Forest regeneration, as predicted by human disturbances, forest successional stage, and tree density (parent trees), was modeled using generalized linear models. For N. antarctica, regeneration was exclusively asexual and showed a positive influence for selective logging and cattle, but negative with both interacting. In contrast, the most recent regeneration (R1) was predominantly influenced by the density of parent trees and successional stage. Conversely, N. pumilio regeneration, entirely sexual, was unaffected by cattle grazing, relying instead on parent tree density, logging intensity, and successional stage. These findings highlight the species-specific dynamics of regeneration under anthropogenic pressures. Understanding the interactions between natural and human disturbances is critical for conserving Nothofagus forests. Our results provide a basis for targeted restoration efforts and policies to mitigate degradation and promote ecosystem resilience. Full article

Our study examined the impact of grazing by Hungarian Grey cattle on plant communities in grasslands restored and established through different methods. The grasslands were established and restored in 2009 using five methods: (I) naturally regenerating fallow, (II) hay-mulch addition, (III) seeded grassland following soil preparation, (IV) grazing on abandoned alfalfa fields, and (V) overseeded fallow initiated in 1989. From 2009 to 2011, all sites were uniformly mowed, after which they were grazed using free-ranging Hungarian Grey cattle starting in 2012. This project aims to restore traditional land use and dry grassland grazing in the region. Phytosociological recordings were conducted in 2012, the first year following grazing initiation, and again in 2020, nine years later. We assessed the botanical composition and grassland management value across sites in a 260-hectare experimental area within the Pannonian biogeographic region. The current study seeks to determine how different grassland restoration techniques have influenced the botanical composition and grassland management values of pastures and to identify the most suitable restoration methods. Statistical analyses were conducted using R to assess species count differences across four vegetation categories. The results indicate that the overseeded fallow established in 1989 and the hay-mulch addition method were the most effective techniques. Directly seeded grasslands and abandoned alfalfa fields differed most significantly from these areas. Across all types, species richness and total cover increased relative to the initial conditions in 2012, and the naturalness of the species composition also improved. Returning to traditional land use improved the ecological state of all sites. Restoration of the grazed areas proved optimal over the elapsed period, with two years of mowing followed by grazing. Grazing with Hungarian Grey cattle, a low-impact rustic breed, yielded successful grassland restoration outcomes. Among the restoration methods, direct seeding and the use of alfalfa fields proved uneconomical and ineffective in promoting the desired species composition. Natural regeneration and, particularly, the hay-mulch addition method, were the most effective for conservation and grassland management. Full article

Conservation Translocation (CT), which includes reintroduction, reinforcement and introduction, is gaining momentum, responding to serious population decline in many orchids. Orchid conservation underpinned by a greater emphasis on understanding biotic and abiotic factors of habitats is critical for successful recovery and restoration programmes. Anacamptis morio, commonly known as green-winged orchid (GWO), is a terrestrial orchid found throughout Europe, but populations in England rapidly declined in its native range in the last several decades. The current study explored the relationship between soil abiotic characteristics and the community composition of key fungal groups. Wild sites in Essex and Cumbria in England, where successful colonies are currently present, were compared to potential sites for CT in Cumbria. The Cumbrian sites managed by cattle grazing include the wild site and three potential CT sites, with two of them hosting no GWO plants. The Essex site, fOxley Meadow, where no cattle is used for grassland management, hosts the largest population of GWO in England. The aim of this study was to understand whether the community composition of fungi and soil characteristics of the potential CT sites in Cumbria are nearly compatible with that of Oxley Meadow. Oxley Meadow, with around 65,000 plants, stands out as a unique habitat compared to all Cumbria sites, as it showed low organic content. Nitrate and phosphate content were smaller for Oxley Meadow compared to other Cumbrian sites. The proportion of Basidiomycota fungi was greater in Oxley Meadow compared to all Cumbrian sites where Ascomycota dominated. The abundant fungal group found in Oxley Meadow was Agaricales. From Agariclaes, Hygrophoraceae or waxcaps fungi are considered an indicator group of fungi and were the most abundant group in Oxley Meadow. They have a negative correlation with targeted key fungal groups and abiotic parameters. More in-depth assessments using additional primers are essential to better understand the fungal diversity and how this diversity translates to the resilience of orchid habitats. This preliminary study points to future studies to assess whether sites are near-compatible to the wild site where large colonies are present using additional primers collected over different time scales. Full article

Heron colonies are dynamic components of wetlands. Therefore, their systematic monitoring is important for the management of both birds and wetlands. During the period 1988–2018, we counted breeding pairs of seven colonial breeding heron species at 65 colonies across 37 wetlands in Greece. We considered as annual variables of a population: (a) years since 1988, (b) Natura 2000 network inclusion, (c) protected area management authority overseeing, (d) wetland type (new or restored), and (e) new colonies (established after 2003). The Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and the Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides had a positive breeding population trend. The Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea had a negative trend, while the Purple Heron Ardea purpurea population was stable. The Great White Egret Ardea alba bred sporadically at only a few sites which precluded the evaluation of its population trend. The informative population variables differed among species, even of those at the same colony, which suggests trends are also affected by conditions at wintering grounds. The study highlights the need for the systematic monitoring of heron colonies and the protection of foraging/breeding areas in order to reverse the observed negative population trends. Full article

In order to generate strategies for the use of native species for ecological restoration, this paper presents the effects resulting from planting with facilitating tree species, in different proportions, after 13 years of forest restoration, in an area previously used for cattle buffaloes. The implantation was carried out in the Ombrophilous Dense Forest in the Lowlands, in the Atlantic Rainforest biome of the coastal plain of the state of Paraná and consisted of the plantation of 10 native species, distributed in two treatments: equal (A) and unequal (B) proportions of trees per species. After conducting a forest census, it was identified that the silvicultural expression of the facilitating tree species in the treatments differed significantly, and proportion A contributed to a scenario with greater silvicultural heterogeneity in the areas, which may be beneficial to the evolution of the ecological dynamics of the forest restoration process. In addition, the monitoring of Alchornea glandulosa, Inga edulis, and Myrsine coriacea expressed better development in the area and high resilience to the environmental adversities arising from the cattle ranching activity previously carried out, especially in relation to invasive grasses; therefore, they are recommended for use in the forest restoration of associated ecosystems. Full article

Greece is a European hotspot for Orthoptera (378 species), yet it has been scarcely explored. We investigated the diversity patterns of Orthoptera and the ecological mechanisms shaping them by sampling 15 sites (30 plots of 1ha) across five habitats in Mount Mitsikeli, a Natura 2000 site. The mountain is deemed rich (0.4 species/km²), hosting 34 species, including a species of European interest (Paracaloptenus caloptenoides). The grassy openings in the beech–fir forest and rural mosaics were found to be important habitats for Orthoptera, while the mountain grasslands were poorer but hosted a greater abundance of grasshoppers. The three main environmental factors shaping diversity patterns (with an explained variance of 51.34%) were grass height, the cover of woody vegetation and the cover of bare ground. Beta diversity was high (with a Bray–Curtis of index 0.45 among habitats). Species turnover prevailed among all sites and within agricultural land, beech–fir forest and Mediterranean scrub, while nested patterns prevailed within mountain grasslands and mixed thermophilous forest. Conservation actions should target sites in ecosystems driven by species turnover, but primarily the most species-rich sites are driven by nestedness. Such actions should include the implementation of biodiversity-inclusive grazing schemes to hamper forest encroachment and the restoration of mountain grassland quality from cattle overgrazing. Full article

Agroforestry systems (AFSs) have gained recognition as a land use strategy to address food security and climate change. They involve intentionally cultivating trees alongside crops and/or animals. AFSs cover approximately 5% of the global forest area and promote sustainable soil conservation, including soil organic carbon (C) sequestration (C_SEQ). In some areas of Chile, AFSs are used to preserve the ecological value of native forests. This study evaluates the effects of two AFSs, namely, an agroforest for fodder production (A_GROF_RST) and Silvopastoral (SPS), within a degraded native forest (Nothofagus obliqua sp.). The evaluation focuses on their impact on C_SEQ capacity and soil quality (SQ), using soil quality indexes (SQIs) derived from 30 soil quality indicators (SI_NDs) related to physical, chemical, and microbiological properties at two depths (0–5 and 5–20 cm). The results for the total depth analyzed (0–20 cm) indicate an average C_SEQ of 6.88 and 4.83 Mg C yr⁻¹ and a global SQI of 37.8% and 31.0% for A_GROF_RST and SPS, respectively. Among the thirteen SI_NDs that demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05), five were associated with the considered depths (P⁺, Ca²⁺, S, ECEC, and Al_SAT), three differed between A_GROF_RST and SPS (BD, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻), while SOC, K⁺, and Mg²⁺ varied across all conditions (e.g., combinations of systems and depths), and β-_GLU and N_MIN differed in a single condition. However, almost all 30 SI_NDs analyzed showed higher values at the 0–5 cm depth, indicating the positive effects of soil organic matter (SOM)/SOC additions. Significant interactions (Pearson’s correlation) revealed that SOC correlated with most SI_NDs (e.g., N, NH₄⁺, P⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, S, ECEC, N_MIN). These findings suggest that both A_GROF_RST and SPS systems have similar capabilities in restoring the ecological value of native Nothofagus forests while providing conditions for productive and complementary use. This sustainable option offers opportunities for cattle production alongside ecological restoration efforts and provides a possible strategy to generate public policies related to the ecosystem services of agroforestry systems. Full article

As the woody legume, Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) has encroached into grasslands and rangelands in the southern Great Plains, USA, two grass species, C₄ shortgrass, Buchloe dactyloides (buffalograss), and C₃ mid-grass, Nassella leucotricha (Texas wintergrass), have increased in dominance. Occurrence of more productive C₄ mid-grasses and herbaceous diversity have declined. We measured effects of various combinations of spring clipping (to simulate cattle grazing) and summer and/or winter fire treatments on the stability of monoculture patches of these two grass species over an eight-year period, with the goal of reducing Nassella and increasing C₄ mid-grass cover. All fire treatments top-killed most Prosopis trees that subsequently resprouted. Buchloe cover declined in the No Clip + No Fire treatment but remained intact with clipping and/or fire. Frequent clipping reduced Nassella cover across all fire treatments. Buchloe encroachment into Nassella patches was greatest in the Clip + Alternate Season fire treatment. C₄ mid-grass cover increased to 15–25% in Nassella patches in several fire-only or Clip + Fire treatments; greatest gains were observed in treatments that included summer fire. In contrast, C₄ mid-grass gains were lower in Buchloe patches. These results suggest that C₄ mid-grass restoration was linked with treatments that reduced Nassella cover. Full article

Local breeds are the main reservoir of biodiversity of farm animals. According to FAO, they account for 87% of all described breeds in the world. To ensure that they are adequately protected, they should be continually monitored for genetic variation. Another crucial factor is reproduction, which is the most important guarantee of population growth. In the present study, genetic variation in 372 Polish White-Backed cows was determined using DNA microsatellite sequences, taking into account their parentage. Reproductive parameters were analysed as well, based on data from 3658 lactations of 1128 Polish White-Backed cows. The results indicate that despite the small initial population and the implementation of a moderate selection of animals, the existing population of Polish White-Backed cattle has a high level of genetic variation, reflected in the degree of heterozygosity (0.761). Regarding reproductive traits, despite their late age at first calving, Polish White-Backed cows were shown to be distinguished by very good fertility parameters in comparison to other breeds raised in Poland. These findings not only confirm the value of protecting local cattle breeds around the world but may also be of importance in developing selection indices for highly productive breeds, in which reproductive functioning should be one of the most important factors considered. Full article

Ruminant production holds a pivotal position within the global animal production and agricultural sectors. As population growth escalates, posing environmental challenges, a heightened emphasis is directed toward refining ruminant production systems. Recent investigations underscore the connection between the composition and functionality of the rumen microbiome and economically advantageous traits in cattle. Consequently, the development of innovative strategies to enhance cattle feed efficiency, while curbing environmental and financial burdens, becomes imperative. The advent of omics technologies has yielded fresh insights into metabolic health fluctuations in dairy cattle, consequently enhancing nutritional management practices. The pivotal role of the rumen microbiome in augmenting feeding efficiency by transforming low-quality feedstuffs into energy substrates for the host is underscored. This microbial community assumes focal importance within gut microbiome studies, contributing indispensably to plant fiber digestion, as well as influencing production and health variability in ruminants. Instances of compromised animal welfare can substantially modulate the microbiological composition of the rumen, thereby influencing production rates. A comprehensive global approach that targets both cattle and their rumen microbiota is paramount for enhancing feed efficiency and optimizing rumen fermentation processes. This review article underscores the factors that contribute to the establishment or restoration of the rumen microbiome post perturbations and the intricacies of host-microbiome interactions. We accentuate the elements responsible for responsible host-microbiome interactions and practical applications in the domains of animal health and production. Moreover, meticulous scrutiny of the microbiome and its consequential effects on cattle production systems greatly contributes to forging more sustainable and resilient food production systems, thereby mitigating the adverse environmental impact. Full article

Global warming is a significant threat to the sustainability and profitability of the dairy sector, not only in tropical or subtropical regions but also in temperate zones where extreme summer temperatures have become a new and challenging reality. Prolonged exposure of dairy cows to high temperatures compromises animal welfare, increases morbidity, and suppresses fertility, resulting in devastating economic losses for farmers. To counteract the deleterious effects of heat stress, cattl e employ various adaptive thermoregulatory mechanisms including molecular, endocrine, physiological, and behavioral responses. These adaptations involve the immediate secretion of heat shock proteins and cortisol, followed by a complex network of disrupted secretion of metabolic and reproductive hormones such as prolactin, ghrelin, ovarian steroid, and pituitary gonadotrophins. While the strategic heat stress mitigation measures can restore milk production through modifications of the microclimate and nutritional interventions, the summer fertility records remain at low levels compared to those of the thermoneutral periods of the year. This is because sustainment of high fertility is a multifaceted process that requires appropriate energy balance, undisrupted mode of various hormones secretion to sustain the maturation and fertilizing competence of the oocyte, the normal development of the early embryo and unhampered maternal—embryo crosstalk. In this review, we summarize the major molecular and endocrine responses to elevated temperatures in dairy cows, as well as the impacts on maturing oocytes and early embryos, and discuss the consequences that heat stress brings about in dairy cattle fertility. Full article

The objective of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy of a single antimicrobial intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with marbofloxacin versus ceftiofur sodium to treat naturally occurring interdigital phlegmon (IP) in dairy cows. The study had a randomized parallel-group design. Forty lactating Friesian cows clinically diagnosed with acute IP were enrolled, assigned to one of two treatment groups, and received a single IVRLP with the antimicrobial drug selected (M: 0.67 mg/kg of marbofloxacin; C: 500 mg/animal of ceftiofur sodium). Clinical data for the severity of lameness, digital swelling and local lesion appearance were assessed at diagnosis and at 5, 10 and 15 days post-IVRLP. Clinical resolution was defined as digital swelling disappearance, locomotion score reduction of at least 2/5 points, healed or healing local lesion and no relapse at 15 days after IVRLP. The total daily milk yield of each cow on the day before the clinical detection, on the day of diagnosis and on the day of the clinical follow-up post-IVRLP were registered. Lameness, digital swelling and local lesion severity were not significantly different between groups at any time-point. In both groups, on the fifteenth day after treatment, 17/20 (85%) cows showed a positive outcome, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). The daily milk production of all cows was adversely affected by the clinical onset of IP and gradually returned to a normal level after IVRLP in both groups. These preliminary results support the hypothesis that a single antimicrobial IVRLP procedure, irrespective of the antimicrobial selected (ceftiofur vs. marbofloxacin), has a high success rate and restores milk yield in cases of dairy cattle with acute IP lameness. Full article

A synbiotic preparation based on two strains of B. licheniformis was developed to reduce the harmful effects of mycotoxins in postharvest products used for cattle feed. The genomes of these strains were sequenced to analyze their potential for producing bioactive secondary metabolites. An optimal substrate was selected from the variety of plant substrates, with soybeans being identified as the optimal choice. Based on the results of experiments conducted on experimental animals for a month, the introduction of a synbiotic preparation leveled the negative effect of mycotoxins on weight gain in heifer calves, bringing it to the level of the control groups. There was also a decrease in the level of alkaline phosphatase in serum to normal values, which may indicate the probiotic effects of the preparation, not associated with the elimination of the effect of mycotoxins. The activity of these strains against mycotoxins correlates with the presence of lactonase genes in their genomes. Antimicrobial and bioactive metabolites, such as lichenicidin and lichenisin synthesized by strains CL 33 and CL 56, also seem to contribute to the probiotic effect. The results of the study open up prospects for the creation of new synbiotic preparations to fight contamination with mycotoxins. Full article

Due to the increasing use of vegetation for fuel wood, cattle, agriculture, and due to population pressure that negatively affects biodiversity values, more plantations are needed to obtain a permanent vegetal cover. Attention has been paid to microbial interactions (arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM)) for management and inoculation. To evaluate the benefits of inoculation, the root colonization of inoculated seedlings, soil aggregation, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity were examined by two field treatments (fertilized with organic matter (OM) vs. fertilized with natural rock phosphate (P)). The preserved and experimental areas presented higher AMF spore number and richness (nine species) than the degraded areas. The addition of OM or P did not improve root colonization by AMF; however, it was a guarantee for a successful restoration as, in the restored fields, a high soil aggregation was found, in addition to a high root colonization, spore number, and richness of AMF. However, the undisturbed site presented the more prominent values. This study showed that AMF are important components in riparian areas, and it brings information for inoculant production in ecological restoration using mixed plantations, contributing to the establishment of mycorrhizal vegetation and soil aggregation that not only benefit AM plants, but also allow non-host plants in degraded areas. Full article