Search Results (918)

Forecasting the energy consumption of different consumers became an important procedure with the creation of the European Electricity Market. This study presents a methodology for 24-hour ahead prediction of the energy consumption, which is suitable for application in animal husbandry facilities, such as pig farms. To achieve this, 24 individual models are trained using artificial neural networks that forecast the energy production 1 to 24 h ahead. The selected features include power consumption over the last 72 h, time-based data, average, minimum, and maximum daily temperatures, relative humidities, and wind speeds. The models’ Normalized mean absolute error (NMAE), Normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), and Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) vary between 16.59% and 19.00%, 22.19% and 24.73%, and 9.49% and 11.49%, respectively. Furthermore, the case studies showed that in most situations, the forecasting error does not exceed 10% with several cases up to 25%. The proposed methodology can be useful for energy managers of animal farm facilities, and help them provide a better prognosis of their energy consumption for the Energy Market. The proposed methodology could be improved by selecting additional features, such as the variation of the controlled meteorological parameters over the last couple of days and the schedule of technological processes. Full article

On-farm emergency slaughter (OFES) is employed when cattle are unfit for transport but still suitable for human consumption, thereby ensuring animal welfare and reducing food waste. This study analysed OFES patterns in Northern Italy, where a large cattle population is housed but information on the practice is rarely analysed. A total of 12,052 OFES cases from 2021 to 2023 were analysed. Most involved female cattle (94%) from dairy farms (79%). Locomotor disorders were the leading reason (70%), particularly trauma and fractures, followed by recumbency (13%) and calving-related issues (10%). Post-mortem findings showed limbs and joints as the most frequent condemnation sites (36%), often linked to trauma. A significant reduction in OFES cases occurred over time, mainly due to fewer recumbency and calving issues, likely reflecting stricter eligibility criteria introduced in 2022. Weekly variations, with peaks on Mondays and lows on Saturdays, suggest that logistical constraints may sometimes influence OFES promptness. These findings suggest that on-farm management and animal handling could be improved further to reduce welfare risks and carcass waste. Due to the lack of standardised data collection and regulatory harmonisation, a multi-country investigation could improve our understanding of this topic and inform best practice. Full article

Acaricide usage has led to the growing problem of resistance in ticks. A heavy tick burden and the presence of ticks on animals throughout the year, despite the monthly application of acaricides, in farms in the United Arab Emirates formed the motivation for this study. The objectives of this research were as follows: (a) to assess the acaricide resistance status of the most prevalent tick Hyalomma spp. to widely used acaricides Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin; (b) to identify the association of farm management practices and farm-level risk factors with the failure of tick treatment (acaracide resistance). A total of 1600 ticks were collected from 20 farms located in three different regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate including Al Ain (n = 10), Al Dhafra (n = 5), and Abu Dhabi (n = 5). The ticks were subjected to an in vitro bioassay adult immersion test (AIT) modified with a discriminating dose (AIT-DD) against commercial preparations of Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin. A questionnaire was designed to collect metadata and information on farm management and the farm-level risk factors associated with routine farm practices relating to the treatment and control of tick and blood parasite infections in camels and small ruminant populations. Hyalomma anatolicum and Hyalomma dromedarii were identified among the collected ticks, with H. anatolicum being the most prevalent tick species (70%) in the present study. The test results of the in vitro bioassay revealed varied emerging resistance to both of the acaricides in the majority of the three regions; fully susceptible tick isolates with zero resistance to Deltamethrin were recorded in one farm at Al Ain and two farms in the Abu Dhabi region. A questionnaire analysis showed that the failure of tick treatment in farms varied with the presence or absence of vegetation areas, types of animal breeds, and management practices. This study reports the emergence of resistance in ticks to Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin across the Abu Dhabi Emirate, indicating a strict warning for the cautious use of acaricides. There is also a need to improve awareness about sound tick management and control practices among farm owners through a multidisciplinary approach adopting integrated pest management strategies that engage farmers, veterinarians, and policy makers. Full article

Animal welfare assessments have raised farmers’ awareness of their management practices, contributing to measurable improvements. However, these protocols often highlight critical points without providing clear guidance on the prioritization of corrective actions. To address this gap, qualified advisory support may play a pivotal role in translating assessments into effective and sustainable interventions. This study evaluates the impact of direct and continuous expert support on improving animal welfare in dairy farms. Data were collected from 21 dairy farms in southeastern Tuscany (Italy) using the Classyfarm (CReNBA) protocol. Each farm underwent two assessments at a three-month interval (T0 and T1), during which tailored support was provided to address specific criticalities. At T0, over 60% of the farms obtained only marginally acceptable welfare scores (mean 67.48 ± 4.75), with major deficiencies in farm management practices, particularly regarding hygiene and space management. At T1, all farms showed substantial improvements, with an average increase of 22% in total welfare scores (mean 82.05 ± 5.71) and a mean of nine improved parameters per farm. These findings underscore the effectiveness of structured, continuous consultancy in not only resolving critical issues but also in fostering more informed, proactive, and sustainable farm management. The direct involvement of experts appears to be a key driver in enhancing both animal welfare and operational outcomes in dairy farming. Full article

Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) poses a global threat to biodiversity and to the health of both animals and humans due to its toxic metabolites and aggressive ecological expansion. In northern Spain, particularly in regions of intensive livestock farming, these risks may be exacerbated, calling for urgent assessment and monitoring strategies. In this study, we implemented a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the toxicological and ecological relevance of P. aquilinum through four key actions: (a) quantification of pterosins A and B in young fronds (croziers) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS); (b) analysis of in vivo genotoxicity of aqueous extracts using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism; (c) a large-scale survey of local livestock farmers to assess awareness and perceived impact of bracken; and (d) the development and field application of a drone-based mapping tool to assess the spatial distribution of the species at the regional level. Our results confirm the consistent presence of pterosins A and B in croziers, with concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 2.20 mg/g dry weight for PtrB and 13.39 to 257 µg/g for PtrA. Both metabolite concentrations and genotoxicity levels were found to correlate with latitude and, importantly, with each other. All tested samples exhibited genotoxic activity, with notable differences among them. The farmer survey (n = 212) revealed that only 50% of respondents were aware of the toxic risks posed by bracken, indicating a need for targeted outreach. The drone-assisted mapping approach proved to be a promising tool for identifying bracken-dominated areas and provides a scalable foundation for future ecological monitoring and land management strategies. Altogether, our findings emphasize that P. aquilinum is not merely a local concern but a globally relevant toxic species whose monitoring and control demand coordinated scientific and policy-based efforts. Full article

Virtual fencing (VF) offers a promising alternative to conventional or electrified fences for managing livestock grazing distribution. This study evaluated the behavioral responses of 25 Rarámuri Criollo cows fitted with Nofence^® collars in Pine Valley, CA, USA. The VF system was deployed in chaparral rangeland pastures. The study included a 14-day training phase followed by an 18-day testing phase. The collar-recorded variables, including audio warnings and electric pulses, animal movement, and daily typical behavior patterns of cows classified into a High or Low virtual fence response group, were compared using repeated-measure analyses with mixed models. During training, High-response cows (i.e., resistant responders) received more audio warnings and electric pulses, while Low-response cows (i.e., active responders) had fewer audio warnings and electric pulses, explored smaller areas, and exhibited lower mobility. Despite these differences, both groups showed a time-dependent decrease in the pulse-to-warning ratio, indicating increased reliance on audio cues and reduced need for electrical stimulation to achieve similar containment rates. In the testing phase, both groups maintained high containment with minimal reinforcement. The study found that Rarámuri Criollo cows can effectively adapt to virtual fencing technology, achieving over 99% containment rate while displaying typical diurnal patterns for grazing, resting, or traveling behavior. These findings support the technical feasibility of using virtual fencing in chaparral rangelands and underscore the importance of accounting for individual behavioral variability in behavior-based containment systems. Full article

Our study aimed to identify the overall and cluster-specific characteristics of Czech beef cattle breeding systems. We used data from an online survey to ascertain farmers’ preferences in breeding objectives. Considering various evaluation criteria and clustering approaches in 41 farms, three beef systems were defined according to herd size, management, marketing, breeding strategies and structures, and farmer age. Breeding values and performance were jointly used as the primary information in all three systems. Cow temperament and calf viability, maternal fertility and longevity, and animal health were found to be the most important traits. Cluster 1 represents pure-breeding farms that specialize in producing breeding animals. Farms in clusters 2 and 3 combined pure- and crossbreeding strategies with production, which was partially (cluster 2) and fully (cluster 3) diversified for all beef categories. Farms also prioritized calving performance and calf growth (clusters 1 and 2) and exterior traits (cluster 3). Production type scores significantly (p < 0.05) differed in clusters 3 (4.12) and 2 (3.25). The proportion of production, functional, and exterior trait categories was 12:37:51, with low variability among clusters (±1 to 2 percentage points). The inter-cluster comparison showed that specific characteristics were compatible with certain breeding goal trait preferences. Full article

Aquaculture is a crucial food-producing sector that can supply more essential nutrients to nourish the growing human population. However, it faces challenges, including limited water quality and space competition. These constraints have led to the intensification of culture systems for more efficient resource use while maintaining or increasing production levels. However, intensification introduces stress risks to cultured organisms by, for instance, overcrowding, waste accumulation, and water quality deterioration, which can negatively affect the growth, health, and immunity of animals and cause diseases. Additionally, environmental changes due to climate and anthropogenic activities further intensify the environmental stress for aquaculture organisms, including crustaceans. Shrimp are one of the most widely cultured and consumed farmed crustacea. Relative to aquatic vertebrates such as fish, the physiology of crustaceans has simpler physiological structures, as they lack a spinal cord. Consequently, their stress response mechanisms follow a single pathway, resulting in less complex responses to stress exposure compared to those of fish. While stress is considered a primary factor influencing the growth, health, and immunity of shrimp, comprehensive research on crustacean stress responses remains limited. Understanding the stress response at the organismal and cellular levels is essential to identify sensitive and effective stress biomarkers which can inform the development of targeted intervention strategies to mitigate stress. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological changes that occur in crustaceans under stress, including hormonal, metabolic, hematological, hydromineral, and phenotypic alterations. By synthesizing current knowledge, this article aims to bridge existing gaps and provide insights into the stress response mechanisms, paving the way for advancements in crustacean health management. Full article

Knowing the specific characteristics and animal tuberculosis risk factors present and applying good practices are crucial points in combating tuberculosis (TB) in a Mediterranean multi-species scenario. The objective of this work is to statistically analyze the association between the existence of TB in areas with a marked game–livestock interface, with various complementary factors found in 30 extensive farms in southern Portugal, such as the number of animals of each large game species present in the territory and the frequency of their sightings. Collecting this information, an inferential statistical analysis was conducted to obtain information on the association type between TB occurrence in the farms and the presence of highlighted factors. The main statistical results show an association between the presence of large game species and TB occurrence in the analyzed areas. Thus, in a multi-species scenario, large game species are a crucial component in TB maintenance, namely when stricter contact occurs. This could be one of the reasons why TB continues to circulate and why the eradication process is so difficult; the risk of zoonotic transmission is evident. It is crucial to apply biosecurity tools to improve the alignment and structure of natural resource management strategies. Full article

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the wild and on cervid farms have drawn the attention of state wildlife agencies and animal health agencies as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has spread across North America. Deer farm regulations have been implemented to reduce direct contact between wild and farmed cervids; however, evidence suggests that indirect contact to infectious prions passed through the alimentary tracts of scavengers may be an important transmission pathway. The objective of this study was to characterize mammalian scavenger and wild deer activities associated with deer farms and link these activities with site-specific spatial covariates utilizing a network of camera traps, mounted to farm perimeter fences. We monitored each of 14 farms in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania for two weeks during the summer, with a subset of farms also monitored in the winter and fall. Across all sites and seasons, we captured 749 observations of wildlife. In total, nine species were captured, with wild white-tailed deer accounting for over three quarters of observations. Despite the large number of wild deer observed, we found that interactions between wild and farmed deer at the fence line were infrequent (six direct contacts observed). In contrast, mammalian scavengers were frequently observed inside and outside of the fence. Supplementary cameras placed on deer feeders revealed higher observation rates of scavengers than those placed along fence lines, highlighting the potential for transmission of CWD through indirect contact via scavenger excreta. To evaluate associations between the number of observations of focal species with land-cover characteristics, two mixed-effects regression models were fitted, one model for scavengers and one for wild deer. Contrary to our hypothesis, landscape context did not have a strong impact on wildlife visitation. This suggests that farm location is less important than management practices, highlighting the need for future research into how farming practices impact rates of wildlife visitation onto cervid farms. Full article

Accurate monitoring of animal behaviors enables improved management in precision livestock farming (PLF), supporting critical applications including health assessment, estrus detection, parturition monitoring, and feed intake estimation. Although both contact and non-contact sensing modalities are utilized, wearable devices with embedded sensors (e.g., accelerometers, pressure sensors) offer unique advantages through continuous data streams that enhance behavioral traceability. Focusing specifically on contact sensing techniques, this review examines sensor characteristics and data acquisition challenges, methodologies for processing behavioral data and implementing identification algorithms, industrial applications enabled by recognition outcomes, and prevailing challenges with emerging research opportunities. Current behavior classification relies predominantly on traditional machine learning or deep learning approaches with high-frequency data acquisition. The fundamental limitation restricting advancement in this field is the difficulty in maintaining high-fidelity recognition performance at reduced acquisition rates, particularly for integrated multi-behavior identification. Considering that the computational demands and limited adaptability to complex field environments remain significant constraints, Tiny Machine Learning (Tiny ML) could present opportunities to guide future research toward practical, scalable behavioral monitoring solutions. In addition, algorithm development for functional applications post behavior recognition may represent a critical future research direction. Full article

To achieve regional sustainable development, the low-carbon transformation of agriculture is essential, as it serves both as a significant carbon source and as a potential carbon sink. This study calculated the agricultural carbon emissions in Liaocheng from 2010 to 2022 by analyzing processes including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and agricultural input. Additionally, a simulation model of the water–energy–food–carbon nexus (WEFC-Nexus) for Liaocheng’s agricultural production process was developed. Using Vensim PLE 10.0.0 software, this study constructed a WEFC-Nexus model encompassing four major subsystems: economic development, agricultural production, agricultural inputs, and water use. The model explored four policy scenarios: business-as-usual scenario (S1), ideal agricultural development (S2), strengthening agricultural investment (S3), and reducing agricultural input costs (S4). It also forecast the trends in carbon emissions and primary sector GDP under these different scenarios from 2023 to 2030. The conclusions were as follows: (1) Total agricultural carbon emissions exhibited a three-phase trajectory, namely, “rapid growth (2010–2014)–sharp decline (2015–2020)–gradual rebound (2021–2022)”, with sectoral contributions ranked as livestock farming (50%) > agricultural inputs (27%) > crop cultivation (23%). (2) The carbon emissions per unit of primary sector GDP (CEAG) for S2, S3, and S4 decreased by 8.86%, 5.79%, and 7.72%, respectively, compared to S1. The relationship between the carbon emissions under the four scenarios is S3 > S1 > S2 > S4. The relationship between the four scenarios in the primary sector GDP is S3 > S2 > S4 > S1. S2 can both control carbon emissions and achieve growth in primary industry output. Policy recommendations emphasize reducing chemical fertilizer use, optimizing livestock management, enhancing agricultural technology efficiency, and adjusting agricultural structures to balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Full article

Accurate body condition score (BCS) monitoring in dairy cows is essential for optimizing health, productivity, and welfare. Traditional manual scoring methods are labor-intensive and subjective, driving interest in automated imaging-based systems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 2D imaging and deep learning for BCS classification using three camera perspectives—front, back, and top-down—to identify the most reliable viewpoint. The research involved 56 Norwegian Red milking cows at the Center for Livestock Experiments (SHF) of Norges Miljo-og Biovitenskaplige Universitet (NMBU) in Norway. Images were classified into BCS categories of 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 using a YOLOv8 model. The back view achieved the highest classification precision (mAP@0.5 = 0.439), confirming that key morphological features for BCS assessment are best captured from this angle. Challenges included misclassification due to overlapping features, especially in Class 2.5 and background data. The study recommends improvements in algorithmic feature extraction, dataset expansion, and multi-view integration to enhance accuracy. Integration with precision farming tools enables continuous monitoring and early detection of health issues. This research highlights the potential of 2D imaging as a cost-effective alternative to 3D systems, particularly for small and medium-sized farms, supporting more effective herd management and improved animal welfare. Full article

This study aimed to provide an overview of the most frequent animal welfare cases documented by the authorities involved in sheep farming in Germany. A questionnaire with 26 questions was developed and sent to all German veterinary offices (supervisory authorities). Furthermore, publicly available court decisions on animal welfare cases over the last 30 years were consulted and analyzed. Approximately 18.1% (n = 71) of all veterinary authorities participated in the survey. The most frequently reported animal welfare cases included inadequate water supply (n = 63) and a lack of weather protection (n = 60). Other common issues were lameness (n = 56) and poor shearing management (n = 52). A total of 52 animal welfare cases presented in courts were found in the online search. The most common problems were nutrition (50%), water supply (34.6%), weather protection (32.7%), and shearing management (21.2%). These results provide information on the areas of sheep farming in which animal welfare violations occur most frequently. Based on these results, conclusions can be drawn regarding the development of preventive measures. Full article

The excessive use of antimicrobials drives the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacterial strains, which harbor resistance genes to survive under diverse drug pressures. Such resistance can result in life-threatening infections. The predominance of MDR Pseudomonas spp. poses significant challenges to public health and environmental sustainability, particularly in ecosystems affected by human activities. Characterizing MDR Pseudomonas spp. is crucial for developing effective diagnostic tools and biosecurity protocols, with broader implications for managing other pathogenic bacteria. Strains were diagnosed through 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing, complemented by phylogenetic analysis to evaluate local and global evolutionary connections. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed extensive resistance across multiple classes, with MIC values surpassing clinical breakpoints. This study examined the genetic diversity, resistance potential, and phylogenetic relationships among Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain DG2 and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain FM3, which were isolated from solid waste dump sites (n = 30) and dairy farms (n = 22) in West Bengal, India. Phylogenetic analysis reveals distinct clusters that highlight significant geographic linkages and genetic variability among the strains. Significant biofilm production under antibiotic exposure markedly increased resistance levels. RAPD-PCR profiling revealed substantial genetic diversity among the isolates, indicating variations in their genetic makeup. In contrast, SDS-PAGE analysis provided insights into the protein expression patterns that are activated by stress, which are closely linked to MDR. This dual approach offers a clearer perspective on their adaptive responses to environmental stressors. This study underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of MDR Pseudomonas spp. in anthropogenically impacted environments to mitigate risks to human and animal health. Surveillance strategies combining phenotypic and molecular approaches are essential to assess the risks posed by resilient pathogens. Solid waste and dairy farm ecosystems emerge as critical reservoirs for the evolution and dissemination of MDR Pseudomonas spp. Full article