Search Results (10,398)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are critical indicators of the metabolic status of whole-plant maize silage (WPMS). However, the impact of inoculating various strains of fermentation agents on VOC changes has not been systematically explored. This study aimed to determine how inoculation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri modulates the VOC profile and odor of WPMS after 90 days. VOCs were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Key VOCs were screened using the variable importance in projection (VIP) and substantiated by relative odor activity values (rOAV) and odor descriptions. A total of 82 compounds were identified, including 22 esters, 19 alcohols, 3 acids, 9 aldehydes, 2 ethers, 6 hydrocarbons, 4 ketones, 10 phenols, and 8 terpenoids. L. plantarum enhanced green/fruity odors while strain L. buchneri significantly reduced undesirable phenolic and aldehydic compounds. Six key VOCs influencing the odor of WPMS were selected: 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol and benzaldehyde, which contribute smoky, bacon, and bitter almond aromas, and (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, benzyl alcohol, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal and methyl salicylate, which impart green, fruity, and nutty aromas. These findings highlight the effects and contributions of various strain additives on VOCs in WPMS, providing new theoretical insights for regulating the flavor profile of WPMS. Full article

Yuanjiang Miscanthus lutarioriparius, which is rich in various bioactive components, exhibits significant potential in the development of functional foods. However, research on its application in dairy products remains relatively limited. This study fermented yogurt using different concentrations of Yuanjiang Miscanthus lutarioriparius water extract (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%) as a functional additive, investigating its effects on the rheological properties, oxidative capacity, sensory quality, and volatile components of yogurt during storage. The results showed that during storage, the rheological properties (such as moisture content, apparent viscosity, storage modulus, etc.), the viable counts of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and the DPPH/ABTS/FRAP radical scavenging rates of asparagus yogurt were significantly superior to those of the control group (p < 0.05), indicating that the lactic yogurt exhibited better texture, stability, and overall sensory acceptance. The 0.2% addition group exhibited the best inhibitory effect on lactic acid bacteria after acidification and the most stable acidity changes. The 0.4% addition group achieved an ABTS radical scavenging rate of 58.4% on the 7th day of storage, significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.05). The asparagus yogurt contained 64 volatile flavor compounds (20.31% alcohols and 21.88% ketones), which was higher than the control group (45 compounds), and introduced new aldehydes (tridecanal) and esters (methyl salicylate, ethyl palmitate), imparting a mild sourness and spicy flavor. Sensory evaluation results indicated that the 0.2% addition group scored the highest in texture, flavor, and taste, aligning with its rheological properties and color. This provides a theoretical basis for the development of highly stable and active functional asparagus yogurt. Full article

The daily milk yield (DMY) is defined as the sum of milk produced during morning, midday, and evening milkings. This metric is the key parameter for quantifying a cow’s absolute production level and serves as the foundation for calculating economic traits such as 305-day total milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield, making it essential for evaluating lactation performance. Based on the data cleaning pipeline, 2992 valid records were retained from 3332 initial records through rigorous quality-control screening, this study systematically evaluated three critical lactation traits—daily milk yield and its milk components (milk fat percentage and milk protein percentage)—using complete lactation records from Huaxi cows and estimated their phenotypic and genetic parameters. Non-genetic factors (parity, season, and mature body weight) were corrected via the MIXED procedure coupled with a multi-trait animal model. The results showed that all considered non-genetic factors significantly influenced the lactation traits (p < 0.05), while daily milk yield (DMY), milk fat percentage (FP), and milk protein percentage (PP) all exhibited moderate to high heritability (0.29–0.38) (p < 0.01). Genetic evaluation of DMY and its milk components provides quantitative evidence for precision selection and optimized mating decisions in the Huaxi dairy population, thereby accelerating genetic progress in milk production, improving herd profitability, and promoting the development of the regional dairy industry. Full article

Local livestock genetic resources are crucial for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Dengchuan cattle, a nationally protected dairy breed in China, are esteemed for their high milk fat content and cultural significance. However, they have been threatened by crossbreeding with exotic high-yielding breeds, resulting in a decline in purebred resources. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity and structure of a conserved population using 100K SNP microarray data from 74 individuals. After implementing strict quality control measures, 78,460 loci were retained for principal component analysis (PCA), which identified 100 SNPs most associated with PC1. After calculating high-consistency loci using PLINK, based on allelic consistency, we selected 61 high-stability markers to represent 60 individuals for further analysis. Genetic diversity parameters indicated moderate polymorphism, with an effective population size (Ne) of 2.293, observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.300, expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.326, and an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.261. A paired t-test confirmed a highly significant difference between Ho and He (p < 0.001). Runs of homozygosity (ROH) revealed a moderate level of inbreeding (F_ROH = 0.0928), with bulls exhibiting slightly higher values than females. Neighbor-joining (NJ) clustering further indicated clear lineage distinctions among bulls, but lower kinship among females. Overall, Dengchuan cattle exhibit moderate genetic diversity but face risks due to a small Ne and an unbalanced family structure. Targeted breeding strategies and genetic monitoring are recommended to ensure sustainable conservation and utilization. Full article

In recent years, the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in various fields has been investigated due to their highly potent properties. One of these areas is the adaptation of AgNPs to food packaging/preservation technologies. The primary reasons for the use of AgNPs in food preservation studies are their high levels of antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. In particular, the slow and controlled release of silver provides a sustained protective effect throughout the contact period of AgNP-integrated packaging with food and reduces microbial load by preventing biofilm formation. Furthermore, high thermal stability of AgNPs provides high protection to foods under various conditions. Their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, making them effective even at low concentrations, further supports AgNPs as a promising alternative in food preservation technologies. Moreover, their ease of surface modification facilitates the integration of these nanoparticles (NPs) into polymer matrices, biodegradable films, and coatings. Additionally, some AgNP-based films are also used in smart packaging applications, providing a color change indicator of degradation. Their broad pH tolerance enhances their applicability to a variety of food types, from dairy to meat products. For all these reasons, AgNPs are considered as one of the essential components of innovative food packaging to slow down food spoilage, prevent microbial contamination, and provide safer, longer-lasting products to the consumer, and studies on them are ongoing. Full article

Nutritional factors play a crucial role in many gynecological disorders, particularly those influenced by estrogen. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that affect a large proportion of women of reproductive age, especially between 30 and 40 years. These lesions may cause significant symptoms, including pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. In younger women, the onset of fibroids is often associated with familial and genetic predisposition, whereas in adulthood, hormonal influences linked to environmental factors and states of exogenous or endogenous hyperestrogenism are more frequently observed. In both contexts, supportive management through an appropriate diet may provide clinical benefit. Although the precise pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, hormonal, genetic, and environmental components—particularly hyperestrogenism—are considered key contributors to fibroid development. Current evidence suggests that consumption of saturated fats, particularly from red meat and full-fat dairy, may raise circulating estrogen concentrations and contribute to the development of fibroids. In contrast, diets abundant in fiber, fruits, and vegetables appear to exert a protective effect, potentially lowering fibroid risk. Obesity, through increased aromatization and consequent estrogen production, also represents an established risk factor. This narrative review aims to explore the role of nutritional determinants in the onset and progression of uterine fibroids, with a specific focus on the impact of individual nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns on clinical outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on obesity and macronutrient composition (e.g., high-fat versus high-fiber dietary regimens) as potential modulators of circulating estrogen levels and, consequently, fibroid growth dynamics. Furthermore, the potential of nutritional strategies as complementary therapeutic approaches, capable of integrating established clinical practices, is examined. Full article

Grazing systems’ production efficiency is a dynamic interaction between soil, pasture, livestock, and climate. The magnitude of the changes is related to the mechanical stress applied by the livestock and their feeding behaviour. In Southern Chile, dairy cattle present a high heterogeneity in breeds, size, live weight, and milk production. This study investigated whether cows of contrasting size/live weight can improve degraded pasture and positively modify soil (Andosol-Duric Hapludand) physical features. Three pasture types were used as follows: (i) cultivated fertilised Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) and Trifolium repens L. (white clover) mixture (BM); (ii) cultivated fertilised L. perenne, T. repens, Bromus valdivianus Phil. (pasture brome), Holcus lanatus L. (Yorkshire fog), and Dactylis glomerata L. (cocksfoot) mixture (MSM); and (iii) naturalised fertilised pasture Agrostis capillaris L. (browntop), B. valdivianus, and T. repens (NFP). Pastures were grazed with two groups of dairy cows of contrasting size and live weight: light cows (LC) [live weight: 464 ± 5.4 kg; height at the withers: 132 ± 0.6 cm (average ± s.e.m.)] and heavy cows (HC) [live weight: 600 ± 8.7 kg; height at the withers: 141 ± 0.9 cm (average ± s.e.m.)]. Hoof area was measured, and the pressure applied by cows on the soil was calculated. Soil differences in penetration resistance (PR) and macro-porosity (wCP > 50 μm) between pastures were explained by tillage and seeding, rather than as a result of livestock presence and movement (animal trampling). The PR variation during the year was associated with the soil water content (SWC). Grazing dairy cows of contrasting live weight caused changes in soil and pasture attributes, and they behaved differently during grazing. Light cows were linked to more intense grazing, a stable soil structure, and pastures with competitive species and greater tiller density. In MSM, pasture consumption increased, and the soil was more resilient to hoof compression. In general, grazing with heavy cows in these three different pasture systems did not negatively impact soil physical properties. These findings indicate that volcanic soils are resilient and that during renovation, the choice of pasture type has a greater initial impact on soil structure than the selection of cow size, but incorporating lighter cows can be a strategy to promote denser pasture swards in these grazing systems. Full article

The Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family of transcription regulators plays pivotal roles in adipogenesis, myogenesis, and metabolism. While comprehensively studied in humans and mice, its characterization in cattle remains limited, especially within the skeletal muscle niche. This study aimed to systematically characterize the KLF family in Bos taurus and elucidate its role in breed-specific muscular development. We employed an integrated approach of comparative genomics and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on longissimus dorsi muscle from Angus (ANG, beef breed) and Holstein (HST, dairy breed) cattle. Phylogenomic analysis identified 14 KLF genes, revealing evolutionary conservation and potential functional divergence. snRNA-seq delineated 11 distinct cell populations and uncovered cell-type-specific expression patterns of KLFs. Further machine learning based analysis pinpointed KLF6, KLF9, KLF10, and KLF12 as key global drivers of transcriptional differences between breeds, while KLF6 was identified as a major cell-type-specific contributor in lymphatic endothelial cells. Our work provides a foundational resource for understanding the KLF family in cattle and identifies promising candidate genes for improving meat production traits through molecular breeding. Full article

Interest in consumer behavior regarding agri-food products is growing, particularly in the context of sustainable and local consumption. This study examines consumer perceptions of certified mountain products in Romania, with a specific focus on cow’s milk. A structured survey was conducted among 576 respondents from the Bucharest–Ilfov metropolitan area, representing the target population of regular food consumers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods in SPSS, including chi-square tests and contingency coefficients, to evaluate consumer awareness, attitudes, and their willingness to pay. The results reveal that although awareness of the “mountain product” label is high (88.9%), its direct influence on purchase decisions remains limited, with price, brand, and origin playing stronger roles. Nevertheless, 95% of respondents expressed willingness to pay a premium price, and over 70% associated mountain certification with health benefits and higher quality. These findings highlight both the potential and current limitations of certification as a market-based tool to support sustainable consumption and the economic resilience of mountain areas. The study contributes empirical evidence from a less explored national context. It offers insights for policymakers, producers, and retailers seeking to strengthen short food supply chains and consumer trust in certified labels. Full article

This study examined the effects of alfalfa silage versus alfalfa hay in a total mixed ration (TMR) on milk yield, rumen fermentation, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows. Hydrolyzed tannins (HT) were supplemented individually to assess changes. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows (DIM: 94 ± 8 d; milk yield: 41 ± 2 kg) were assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design: basal diet (alfalfa hay, H, or alfalfa silage, S) and additive (control, C, or 100 g/d HT, T). Production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites were evaluated. Compared with group H, group S had a 0.16% higher milk protein percentage and significantly higher fat-corrected milk yield, milk fat percentage, fat-to-protein ratio, total solids, and milk urea nitrogen. After feeding, the ST group had increased ruminal pH. HT supplementation significantly decreased ruminal NH₃-N levels (p < 0.05) and increased microbial crude protein (MCP) content (p < 0.05). Group H showed no significant changes, and the effects of HT were less evident in hay-fed cows than in silage-fed cows. In summary, alfalfa silage feeding increased ruminal microbial populations, while HT supplementation mitigated the post-feeding decline in ruminal pH. Considering the relatively small sample size (n = 32), the results should be viewed as indicative rather than conclusive, and future studies with larger cohorts will be valuable to confirm and extend these findings. Full article

The dairy sector produces considerable amounts of nutrient-rich effluents, which are frequently undervalued as simple by-products or waste. In particular, Second Cheese Whey (SCW), also known as scotta, exhausted whey, or deproteinized whey, represents the liquid fraction from ricotta cheese production. Despite its abundance and high organic and saline content, SCW is often improperly discharged into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, causing both environmental impact and resource waste. The available purification methods are expensive for dairy companies, and, at best, SCW is reused as feed or fertilizer. In recent years, increasing awareness of sustainability and circular economy principles has increased interest in the valorization of SCW. Biological treatment of SCW using microalgae represents an attractive strategy, as it simultaneously reduces the organic load and converts waste into algal biomass. This biomass can be further valorized as a source of proteins, pigments, and bioactive compounds with industrial relevance, supporting applications in food, nutraceuticals, biofuels, and cosmetics. This review, starting from analyzing the characteristics, production volumes, and environmental issues associated with SCW, focused on the potential of microalgae application for their valorization. In addition, the broader regulatory and sustainability aspects related to biomass utilization and treated SCW are considered, highlighting both the promises and limitations of microalgae-based strategies by integrating technological prospects with policy considerations. Full article

The widespread use of antimicrobial drugs (AMDs) in livestock production contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global One Health concern affecting humans, animals, and the environment. This study analyzed AMD residues and the AMR profiles in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp./Streptococcus spp. (ES) isolated from lagoon water samples collected from nine California dairies. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the microbroth dilution method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect AMD residues in lagoon water. Overall, residues of florfenicol and tilmicosin were detected in more than 90% of the samples, while tetracycline was detected in 74.2 ± 4.6% of the samples. In contrast, penicillin and sulfamethazone residues were low, observed in only 3.4 ± 1.9% and 32.3 ± 5.0% of samples, respectively. The very low prevalence of penicillin was likely due to limited use in dairy cattle, given its prolonged withdrawal period. Prevalence estimates for AMR in the lagoon samples showed 100% resistance of E. coli to tiamulin, tilmicosin or tylosin and high prevalence against florfenicol (96.0% ± 2.0) or gamithromycin (92.0% ± 1.9). However, low AMR estimates (less than 10%) were observed against other AMDs tested. Similarly, the prevalence estimates for AMR of ES isolates in the studied lagoon were high against florfenicol (95.1% ± 2.0), tildipirosin (97.6% ± 1.7), or tilmicosin (98.8% ± 1.2), but low against ampicillin (4.9% ± 1.9) and penicillin (8.5% ± 2.4). Despite numerical differences in AMR prevalence by season, region, and sampling point, these variations were not statistically significant. Logistic regression models were applied to explore associations between AMD residues and AMR phenotypes where appropriate. Tilmicosin residues were significantly associated with reduced resistance to danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and tildipirosin in E. coli isolates, while sulfamethoxazole residues were linked to increased tetracycline resistance in Enterococcus spp. The presence of florfenicol residues, potentially originating from treated calves and heifers, helps explain the high prevalence of resistance to this drug in both bacterial species. However, not all AMD residues were associated with AMR, underscoring the complex ecological and genetic factors involved in the development and maintenance of resistance in dairy environments. These findings underscore the importance of integrating AMR surveillance and prudent AMD use practices across all segments of dairy production systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early life is crucial for infant gut development and intestinal homeostasis. Lactoferrin (LF) and osteopontin (OPN) are bioactive breast milk proteins that are supplemented into infant formula to promote gut development. However, the combined effect of LF and OPN (LOP) on in vivo gut maturation has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the effects of LF, OPN, and LOP on intestinal epithelium maturation in C57BL/6N mice from postnatal days 7 to 21. Methods: 3-day-old pups were assigned to four groups: Control group, LF group: 300 mg/kg LF; OPN group: 300 mg/kg OPN, LOP group: 300 mg/kg of a 1:5 (w/w) mixture of LF and OPN. Results: Compared to controls, LOP reduced plasma Diamine Oxidase (DAO) activity by 1.54-fold and D-lactate levels by 1.41-fold, demonstrating greater efficacy than LF or OPN alone in reducing intestinal permeability. LOP also significantly increased intestinal absorptive cells versus controls or single proteins. Mechanistically, LOP promoted directional intestinal stem cell differentiation, increasing jejunal transit-amplifying cells by 1.40-fold in 21-day-old mice. LOP upregulated expression of the Notch pathway target Hes1 by 1.70-fold. Further investigations revealed LOP activated Notch signaling via the transcription factor Brg1. Validation using intestinal organoids and IEC-6 cells confirmed intact OPN within LOP mediates increased Brg1 expression, activating the Notch pathway to direct intestinal stem cell differentiation into absorptive cells. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings in neonatal mice suggest that LOP cooperatively enhances intestinal barrier maturation and directs stem cell differentiation via Brg1-Notch signaling, offering potential insights for future research on bioactive protein supplementation in infant nutrition. Full article

Background: Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a high-frequency congenital disease. Besides genetic background, maternal environmental factors may be involved in its incidence. We examined the effects of unbalanced diets and the intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy on the incidence of non-syndromic CL/P (NSCLP) via a case–control study design with multiple case groups. The case group diagnosed with NSCLP included 281 patients, 217 from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) data and 64 from the Aichi Gakuin University Hospital from 2011 to 2014. The control group comprised 87,477 (excluding cases with multiple births, chromosomal abnormalities, or complications) of the 104,062 fetal records registered in JECS. Results: The results revealed a significantly increased risk of NSCLP (aOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.63–5.00) in mothers who avoided two or more food items out of the investigated five, i.e., milk and dairy products, eggs, soy, fish, and beef. No association was identified in mothers who avoided one food. Conclusions: Providing nutritional support when multiple foods are avoided in daily food habits may be effective in reducing the occurrence of NSCLP. Full article