Search Results (743)

Donkey meat is valued for its high protein, unsaturated fats, and low cholesterol. Fatty acid (FA) composition critically influences meat quality and is modulated by dietary energy levels. Twenty-four meat donkeys (male) were randomly divided into three groups: a low-energy group (LEG), a medium-energy group (MEG), and a high-energy group (HEG). The trial lasted for 135 days, with dietary digestible energy levels adjusted during the pre-fattening, mid-fattening, and late-fattening phases according to the experimental design. The results showed that MEG and HEG interventions significantly upregulated tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 PUFA content while reducing n-6/n-3 ratios, concomitant with enhanced activity and gene expression of most lipid-metabolizing enzymes. Notably, MEG further elevated antioxidant enzyme activities and anti-inflammatory mediators while suppressing pro-inflammatory factors. MEG and HEG significantly upregulated serum cholestane-3,7,12,25-tetrol-3-glucuronide and cortisol, along with hepatic choline, lysoPC(20:2(11Z,14Z)), glycocholic acid, and cholestane-3,7,12,25-tetrol-3-glucuronide. These modified metabolites were predominantly enriched in key metabolic pathways: pentose and glucuronate interconversions, primary bile acid biosynthesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. Additionally, compared to HEG, MEG improved the antioxidant activities and immune signaling molecule levels with elevated pyroglutamic acid, glutathione, choline, inosine, adenine, and uric acid. Thus, moderately elevated dietary energy levels may enhance FA profiles in muscular and adipose tissues through coordinated regulation of lipid-metabolizing enzymes and associated gene expression, with serum and hepatic metabolites actively participating in these regulatory pathways. However, excessive energy intake could induce oxidative stress in donkeys. Full article

The study addresses the assessment of environmental sustainability in agriculture, noting that the existing scientific literature has predominantly focused on negative environmental impacts, particularly greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock sector. It argues that a comprehensive evaluation of farming systems should go beyond impact-based metrics and instead compare the demand and supply of natural capital, using appropriate methodologies such as the ecological footprint (EF). Accordingly, the objective of the study is to analyze the environmental sustainability of fattening pig farming systems in Italy by applying the EF to compare a virtuous case-study farm (located in Umbria, 72.4 ha of utilized agricultural area, and 1960 pigs per year) with a representative sample of ninety-four specialized pig-fattening farms drawn from the Italian FADN 2023 database. The results show the following marked differences between the two systems: the case study exhibits a positive ecological balance (EB = +50.1 gha; IEP = +0.69 gha/ha), while the FADN sample displays, on average, a negative ecological balance (EB = −167.6 gha) and a strongly negative sustainability index (IEP = −3.84 gha/ha). These findings indicate that, in a sector characterized by generalized environmental unsustainability, the preservation of natural capital can be achieved not only through low-impact technical solutions, but also by addressing structural factors (e.g., livestock density per unit area and the presence of non-productive land uses). Overall, the study demonstrates that sustainability assessment requires explicitly comparing natural capital demand and supply, rather than merely quantifying emissions. Full article

Most animal welfare (AW) assessment protocols have been developed for intensive production systems and European cattle, raising concerns about their applicability in the tropics. To compare the results obtained by using the welfare quality (WQ) assessment for fattening cattle in the dry tropics, relevant modifications were implemented in 20 cattle production units (PUs) during the dry (DS) and rainy (RS) seasons. Regarding the principle of good feeding, only during the RS, between 20% and 25% of the farms maintained their animals in the acceptable and good categories, compared to the DS, where all PUs were classified as unacceptable (p < 0.04). Under the “Appropriate Behavior” principle, only 15% and 60% of the PUs maintained their animals at good and acceptable levels, respectively, in the RS, but not in the DS (p < 0.001). Conversely, during the DS, better scores were obtained for the measures and criteria in the Good housing group, with 45%, 50%, and 5% of PU classified as acceptable, good, and excellent, respectively, while for the RS, only 15%, 30%, and 5% reached these levels (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, under the “Good Health” principle, better animal health scores were observed during the RS, with 20%, 30%, and 50% of farms classified as acceptable, good, and excellent, compared to the DS, where only 70% and 10% of farms maintained their animals at good and excellent levels (p < 0.01). It is concluded that better animal welfare (AW) indicators were recorded during the RS, and the adjustments we applied to the conventional WQ protocol comprised a modification for the criterion that included the prolonged absence of thirst as well as adding six new indicators (measures) to the principles of housing, health, and behavior, which are considered essential for evaluating AW in cattle that are managed under extensive conditions by season. Full article

The reasons for disease outbreaks caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) in vaccinated pigs are often unknown and remain a challenge for farmers and veterinarians. One hypothesis for APP vaccine failure is the timing of APP vaccination during field or vaccine-induced viremia with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), which may negatively affect the immune response to APP vaccination. In this study, fattening pigs were vaccinated with a modified live vaccine (MLV) against PRRSV either at the beginning of the fattening period (group G1) or six weeks later (group G2). All pigs were vaccinated against APP five days after the start of fattening, which coincided with MLV-PRRSV viremia in G1. Within both G1 and G2, four subgroups of pigs (n = 10) were vaccinated with three different APP vaccines or remained unvaccinated to assess serological responses to various APP antigens. MLV-PRRSV viremia had no significant effect on APP-ApxII (p = 0.127), APP-LPS (p = 0.120), or opsonophagocytic antibody responses on day 40 of fattening. Lung lesion scores at slaughter were significantly higher (p = 0.004) in pigs from G2 (1.82 ± 2.38) compared with those from G1 (0.65 ± 0.88). All APP vaccines elicited presumably protective opsonophagocytic antibodies. In conclusion, no effects of MLV-PRRSV viremia on serological responses following APP vaccination were observed. Full article

This experiment evaluated whether a high-forage, low-starch, and high-oil diet (experimental) could improve lamb meat fatty acid composition without compromising growth performance or overall meat quality, compared with a high-cereal diet typically used in intensive fattening systems (control). Ninety lambs were randomly assigned to six pens (fifteen animals/pen), with each diet provided to three pens for 32 days. Feed intake was monitored daily, and animal weight was monitored weekly. The feeding cost was also assessed. Four lambs per pen were slaughtered to assess carcass and meat traits. Average daily gain was unaffected by diet, but the experimental diet increased the feed conversion ratio. Kidney knob channel fat was higher in the experimental diet, while other carcass traits were unchanged. Meat sensory attributes and most physicochemical properties, including colour and lipid stability during storage, did not differ between diets. However, the experimental diet reduced meat pH and increased the proportions of t11–18:1, c9,t11–18:2, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3 in intramuscular fat, while t10–18:1 remained unchanged, and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA ratio increased. A low-starch, high-forage, high-oil diet can be effectively used in lamb feedlots to enhance the intramuscular fat content of healthy fatty acids without compromising animal growth or meat characteristics, although it results in higher feeding costs. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the context of increasing consumer demand for high-quality meat, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of 4% fermented goji berry residue supplementation on meat quality and flavor characteristics in finishing Tan sheep. Methods: Thirty-six male lambs were randomly assigned to a control and FGB group and fed for 68 days. Results: FGB supplementation significantly enhanced Longissimus Dorsi (LD) brightness (L*), redness (a*), and crude protein content, while reducing crude fat (p < 0.05). Amino acid analysis revealed significant increases in lysine, methionine, histidine, glycine, proline, arginine, cysteine, and total sweet-tasting amino acids in the FGB group (p < 0.05). Lactate and inosine monophosphate (IMP) levels were significantly elevated, whereas hypoxanthine levels decreased (p < 0.05). Metabolomics identified 189 metabolites, with 12 differentially expressed, mainly enriched in butanoate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, PI3K-Akt, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Transcriptomics revealed 382 differentially expressed genes, including key regulators of lipid metabolism (FOXO1, SLC2A4, LPIN1, IGF1, SPP1) and amino acid metabolism (COL3A1, GLUL, PSMC1). Conclusions: Fermented goji residue altered amino acid and lipid metabolism in the LD muscle of Tan sheep, affecting meat quality and flavor traits. However, effects on color (L*, a*, b*), protein content, and shear force varied across the four muscles studied, indicating that responses to supplementation are muscle-specific. These findings offer a sustainable strategy for improving meat quality and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying flavor development in ruminants. Full article

Serving as a mineral-derived dietary buffer, the alkaline mineral complex (AMC) has the potential to influence the physiological functions of animals. Nonetheless, there is a notable scarcity of research in the field of ruminant science regarding its effects on fattening lambs. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of AMC supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical parameters, and digestive function of fattening lambs. A total of 96 six-month-old male Small-Tailed Han lambs with an average body weight of 48 ± 3.85 kg were randomly assigned to four groups: the control group (CON, 0 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 1 (LAMC, 2 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 2 (MAMC, 3 g/d per lamb of AMC), and test group 3 (HAMC, 4 g/d per lamb of AMC). Each group contained 24 lambs, with 3 pens per group and 8 lambs per pen. The trial lasted for 45 days, and the results showed that, compared with the CON group, the MAMC group demonstrated a significantly enhanced average daily gain (ADG) with a reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). The redness (a*) of the meat in the AMC-treated groups was significantly greater than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the longissimus dorsi (LD) of the MAMC group was significantly increased compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in the HAMC group were greater than those of other groups (p < 0.01), and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content was higher in the AMC-treated groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In addition, the duodenum lipase content in the HAMC group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05), and the amylase content in the MAMC group was significantly higher than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The HAMC group had a significantly lower jejunum lipase content than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). The LEfSe analysis showed that the MAMC group possessed significantly increased g_Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group levels. Furthermore, SOD and catalase (CAT) were both positively correlated with meat redness (a*) but were not significantly associated with ADG. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) was negatively correlated with ADG, while no significant relationship was observed for meat redness (a*). In conclusion, an appropriate supplementation of AMC (3 g/d per lamb) can improve growth performance and meat quality by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and modulating the composition of beneficial rumen bacteria. Full article

This experiment evaluated the application effects of the dietary substitution of maize silage with mixed silage prepared with Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw on fattening lambs. Forty-eight male Hu lambs with similar body weights and ages were randomly divided into four groups. The maize silage in the diet was replaced with Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw mixed silage in proportions of 0 (CON), 25% (PR1), 50% (PR2) and 75% (PR3). The average daily gain of the PR3 group was lower (p < 0.05) than that of the other groups. The highest substitution level increased (p < 0.05) ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration and acetate-to-propionate ratio in lambs compared with the CON and PR1 groups. Moreover, dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility in PR3 lambs were lower (p < 0.05) than in PR1 lambs. Compared with the CON group, the concentrations of serum catalase and total antioxidant capacity were increased (p < 0.05) in the PR2 and PR3 groups. Overall, the dietary substitution of maize silage with Pennisetum giganteum and rice straw mixed silage at a 50% level did not show a negative influence on growth performance of fattening lambs but displayed positive effects on their fiber digestibility and antioxidative capacity. Full article

A total of 57 replacement gilts of the Danube White breed was used in a study carried out in the Agricultural Institute of Shumen. During the test period, for the trait “age at reaching 90 kg live weight” as well as the following traits, they were analyzed using a Piglog 105 device (portable ultrasound scanner, Frontmatec, Denmark): back fat thickness at points X₁ and X₂, growth intensity, back fat of m. Longissimus thoracis (LT), and lean meat percentage. DNA analysis was performed using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment-length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP), with restriction endonuclease MspI. In the genotyped herd at the calpastatin gene locus, two alleles were identified with frequencies of 60% for allele D and 40% for allele C, and three genotypes DD, CC, and CD, with frequencies of 40%, 21%, and 39%, respectively. The percentage of animals with the DD genotype was the highest. They also had a lesser thickness of the back fat at point X₂, a larger back fat of LT, and a higher percentage of lean meat. Full article

In intensive breeding systems, goats reared for meat production are often housed in group pens at high stocking densities. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between expressed behaviours and stocking density, and to compare the time budget of these confined goats with that of pasture-based goats. A detailed ethogram of 19 mutually exclusive behavioural activities was developed. Behavioural observations were conducted continuously over 72 h on group pens selected for their variation in stocking density and homogeneity in breed, age, body condition and acclimation period since arrival. Using the scan-sampling method (96 scans per goat daily), data were collected from 42 goats. The time budget, expressed as the mean frequency (%) ± standard deviation for each behavioural activity, was calculated. The associations between time budget and stocking density were assessed via bivariate analysis, with the strength and direction of relationships quantified using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Results indicated that self-grooming and Bipedal stance/Climbing were positively correlated with increased space allowance (i.e., lower stocking density), suggesting their potential utility as positive welfare indicators for housed fattening goats in group pens. Furthermore, the time budget differed notably from pasture-based patterns, primarily characterized by resting (53.09% ± 2.72%), eating (16.05% ± 2.88%), and moving (2.30% ± 0.75%). Full article

Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) is a highly prevalent, predominantly endogenous condition that compromises tissue integrity and animal welfare across different life stages in pigs. Increasing evidence suggests that early-life SINS lesions may predispose pigs to tail damage later in life; however, longitudinal data remain scarce. This study investigated the association between SINS-related clinical signs in suckling piglets and weaners and subsequent tail integrity during fattening and at slaughter. In a longitudinal study, 352 piglets from two Italian farms producing Parma ham were followed from the suckling phase to slaughter. Although SINS signs were generally mild, pigs affected during the weaner phase showed a 3.5-fold increased risk of developing short tails during fattening. Furthermore, the probability of reduced tail length at slaughter increased from 33.5% to 65.8% in pigs with a history of SINS. Early-life SINS was significantly associated with impaired tail integrity both at the onset of fattening and at slaughter. These new findings highlight endogenous inflammation and necrosis in early life as important yet underrecognized welfare risk factors and suggest that SINS can be utilised as a point of care and early preventive strategies may substantially improve tail integrity and welfare outcomes at slaughter. Full article

Goat meat is widely valued as a healthy option due to its lean nature, yet strategies to further optimize its intrinsic nutritional composition remain a key objective. This study examined the influence of melatonin on muscle development and visceral fat deposition in cashmere goats, focusing on its role in augmenting systemic antioxidant capacity and modifying gut microbiota. Thirty goat kids were randomly assigned to a control or a melatonin-treated (2 mg/kg body weight) group. Melatonin implantation induced a metabolic shift characterized by reduced visceral fat deposition (perirenal, omental, and mesenteric fat; p < 0.05) without impacting intramuscular fat. Concurrently, it promoted muscle accretion, as demonstrated by an increase in crude protein content and hypertrophy of muscle fibers in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum, Gluteus medius, and Biceps femoris muscles (p < 0.05). These effects were underpinned by an enhanced systemic antioxidant capacity (elevated CAT, GSH-Px, T-AOC, and reduced MDA; p < 0.05), changes in gut microbiota, and a concomitant improvement in gastrointestinal morphology, evidenced by increased rumen papilla length and intestinal villus height. Melatonin enriched beneficial genera (e.g., Succiniclasticum, Butyrivibrio, Akkermansia), which were significantly correlated with reduced adiposity and improved protein deposition. These improvements resulted from the concerted actions of an enhanced systemic antioxidant defense system and a beneficially modulated gut microbial community. This trial observed no effect on intramuscular fat deposition, suggesting that improving intramuscular fat may require a systematic fattening regimen. This study provides a scientific foundation for employing melatonin as a nutritional strategy in goat production to improve meat quality. Full article

Yeast culture (YC) is a microbial product that enhances ruminal fiber breakdown and improves nutrient digestion and utilization. Our previous research showed that oxalic acid (OA) is a crucial metabolite in YC that enhances rumen function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of YC, OA, and their combination (YO) on rumen function, growth, and fattening in sheep. Twenty lambs were divided into 4 groups (ctrl, YC, OA, and YO; n = 5 each) and fed a diet supplemented with 2 levels of YC and 2 doses of OA for 60 days in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Growth and fattening performance, rumen microbiome analysis, serum indices and anti-oxidant levels, and metabolomic profiling were performed. Individual supplementation with YC and OA significantly increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) (p < 0.001); neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.05); and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p < 0.001) and their interaction significantly increased dry matter intake (DMI) (p = 0.05). Serum IgA and IgM levels were higher in the supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Serum calcium levels were higher in the OA and YO groups (p < 0.001). The supplemented groups showed significantly higher growth hormone and superoxide dismutase levels (p < 0.05). The longissimus dorsi muscle had higher levels of iron in the OA and YO groups; zinc in the OA, YO, and YC groups (p < 0.01); and selenium in the YC group (p < 0.05). The OA group had a higher total antioxidant capacity. All supplemented groups showed higher bacterial richness and diversity. Ruminococcus, Succinivibrio, and Fibrobacter were positively correlated with the fermentation and digestibility parameters. The supplementation also altered metabolite levels and types in key physiological pathways. In conclusion, this supplementation improved bacterial composition, nutrient digestibility, weight gain, carcass weight and quality, serum indices, antioxidant levels and metabolomic profiles. This suggests potential for the development of dietary supplements for ruminants. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of thermal and noise stress on rabbits (90 HYLA hybrids), focusing on physiological responses, production performance, and welfare. Three dietary treatments were compared: a control diet (C), a diet supplemented with milk thistle seed cake (SMT), and a diet containing fermented milk thistle seed cake (FMT). The aim was to assess whether these feed additives could mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stress. Health status was monitored through clinical observation and analysis of biochemical indicators, including enzymes, lipid and protein metabolism markers, and total antioxidant status. Thermal stress at the onset of fattening influenced average daily gain, feed intake, and carcass yield, while dietary intervention modulated these effects. The FMT group demonstrated the lowest feed intake and most efficient feed conversion during later growth stages, but had lower slaughter weight compared with the control. In contrast, rabbits fed the SMT diet achieved the highest slaughter weight and superior growth efficiency. These findings suggest that milk thistle, particularly in combination with probiotic fermentation, can enhance feed utilization, growth performance, and stress resilience in rabbits, contributing to more sustainable and welfare-oriented production systems. Full article

Thirty-six Dorper × Katahdin intact male lambs [44.0 ± 0.27 kg initial body weight (BW)] were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of supplementing different organic chromium (OrCr) sources on growth performance, dietary energetics, carcass traits, meat quality, and economic return. Treatments (n = 9 lambs/treatment) were (1) Control (no Cr), (2) chromium-enriched yeast (Cr-Yeast), (3) chromium–methionine (Cr-Met), and (4) chromium–propionate (Cr-Pr). All Cr sources were provided at 1.2 mg elemental Cr/lamb/d for 45 d. Lambs received a high-energy finishing diet (78:22 concentrate/forage; steam-rolled corn-based). Dry matter intake was not affected (p = 0.583; 1.27 ± 0.034 kg/d). Compared with Control, Cr-Pr increased final BW (+5%; p = 0.025) and average daily gain (+66%; p = 0.034), and improved feed efficiency (+59%; p = 0.045) and observed-to-expected net energy ratio (+22%; p = 0.042); Cr-Met and Cr-Yeast showed intermediate responses. No differences were observed (p > 0.05) in longissimus lumborum muscle area, cold carcass weight, dressing percentage, cooling loss, or zoometric traits. Rib and rump fat thickness decreased with Cr-Met (−15 and −12%; p = 0.024 and p = 0.048) and with Cr-Pr (−19 and −13%; p = 0.024 and p = 0.048), and all OrCr sources reduced omental (−6 to −25%; p = 0.034), mesenteric (≈−7%; p = 0.042), visceral (−12 to −16%; p = 0.034), and perirenal fat (−25 to −39%; p = 0.028). Empty body weight and hot carcass weight increased with Cr-Pr (p = 0.029 and p = 0.031, respectively). Cr-Yeast and Cr-Pr increased muscle proportion (+5 to +7%; p = 0.003) and reduced carcass fat (−20 to −27%; p = 0.018), improving the muscle/fat ratio (+42 to +50%; p = 0.045). Cr-Pr improved water-holding capacity (+27%; p = 0.014) without affecting pH_24h, purge loss, cooking loss, or Warner–Bratzler shear force (p > 0.05). Cr-Pr reduced cost per kg of gain (−31%; p < 0.001) and increased income (+188% live; +105% carcass; p < 0.001), whereas Cr-Met and Cr-Yeast provided moderate benefits. In conclusion, OrCr supplementation improved dietary energy utilization, growth, carcass traits, and meat quality, enhancing profitability in lambs finished at heavier weights, with Cr-Pr producing the greatest responses. Full article