Search Results (242)

Grazing yaks often face protein deficiency due to low-quality pasture, which limits milk production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying protein levels in concentrate supplementation on lactational performance, immune function, and rumen microbial and metabolites in grazing lactating yaks. Thirty-six lactating Qinghai Plateau yaks (172.78 ± 11.70 kg) were assigned to four treatments for 70 d (10 d adaptation + 60 d trial): grazing only (CON) or grazing plus 1.50 kg/d concentrate containing 15.09% (CP15), 17.00% (CP17), or 18.98% CP (CP19). Concentrate supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG; 0.22 vs. 0.72–0.90 kg/d; p < 0.001) and milk yield (622.18 vs. 1094.25–1385.73 g/d; p < 0.001), and milk yield showed a linear increase with higher dietary protein levels (p < 0.001). Milk protein yield (29.99 vs. 56.00–68.60 g/d; p < 0.001) and milk lactose yield (40.71 vs. 79.85–93.53 g/d; p < 0.001) were also increased. Milk composition, including fat, protein, and lactose, also improved across supplementation groups, with the greatest enhancement observed at the CP17 group (p < 0.05). Rumen pH and volatile fatty acids did not differ between treatments, while microbial protein increased with supplementation (10.88 vs. 12.72–15.00 mg/dL; p = 0.041) and showed a linear response to dietary CP level (p = 0.033). Concentrate supplementation significantly altered the rumen microbial structure (ANOSIM, p = 0.036), enriching Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-002, Fibrobacter, Ruminobacter, and Succinimonas and reducing Saccharofermentans in CP17 yaks (p < 0.05). Untargeted metabolomics further indicated a marked shift in the ruminal metabolite profile. Compared with CON, CP17 yaks exhibited higher levels of calcium propionate, 2-nitrofuran, curvulalide, and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, but lower levels of 4-pyridoxic acid, L-carnitine, bitocholic acid, and taurodehydrocholic acid. Pathway enrichment analysis identified vitamin B6 metabolism as significantly enriched. Collectively, these findings suggest that moderate protein concentrate supplementation (CP17) may enhance lactation performance by modulating rumen microbiota and metabolism in lactating yaks. Full article

To elucidate the driving factors and regulatory mechanisms of epilithic algal communities in subtropical rural rivers, we investigated the water physicochemical parameters, sediment characteristics, phytoplankton, macroinvertebrates, and epilithic algal communities in the Shilipu and Xiabu Rivers during the summer period (June and August 2023). A total of 131 epilithic algal species belonging to five phyla were identified, with Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta constituting the dominant groups. Core dominant species included Lyngbya sp. C. Agardh, 1824, Oscillatoria sp. Vauch., 1803, and Gomphonema sp. Agardh, 1824. Epilithic algal communities exhibited significant monthly differences, with both biomass and abundance being significantly higher (p < 0.05) in August than in June. Environmental factors, encompassing both abiotic and biotic parameters, collectively explained 56.76% and 56.99% of the variation in epilithic algal abundance and biomass, respectively. Water physicochemical parameters and phytoplankton biomass emerged as the core driving factors. Both showed highly significant positive correlations with epilithic algal abundance (R = 0.26, p < 0.001; R = 0.27, p < 0.001) and biomass (R = 0.21, p < 0.001; R = 0.27, p < 0.001). Sediment factors exerted a mild regulatory effect (abundance: R = 0.13, p < 0.05; biomass: R = 0.17, p < 0.01) by releasing nutrients to supplement the water column. The impact of macroinvertebrates was weak and biomass-dependent, showing only a weakly significant positive correlation with epilithic algal biomass (R = 0.12, p < 0.05). This study reveals the synergistic regulatory effects of abiotic and biotic factors on epilithic algal communities in subtropical rural rivers, where elevated external nutrient input attenuates the competitive effects of phytoplankton and the grazing pressure of macroinvertebrates. This provides a scientific basis for the ecological monitoring and restoration of similar river systems. Full article

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of dietary bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on milk parameters and intestinal microbiota in lactating Yili mares. Methods: Twenty-four Yili mares of similar age (10 ± 2 years), weight (360.62 ± 15.23 kg) and body condition were selected for this study and randomly divided into four groups of six mares each: an untreated control group (CG) and three experimental groups (EG1, EG2, EG3) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 10, 20, or 30 g/day of BLE, respectively, for 60 days. Then, horse milk composition, antioxidant activity, and immunoglobulin levels along with the relative abundance of fecal microbiota were measured. Results: Compared with the control group, supplementation with BLE for 60 days significantly improved milk yield and composition. The protein content in the EG1 was significantly higher than that in the CG, the milk yield and fat content in the EG2 was significantly higher than that in the CG, and the lactose content in the EG3 was significantly higher than that in the CG. BLE also significantly increased the milk’s antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, IgG, IgM, and IgA levels, with the antioxidant and immune properties in the EG2 being significantly higher than those in the CG. Furthermore, BLE feeding promoted communities of beneficial intestinal microbes. Bacteria associated with energy metabolism and organic matter decomposition increased significantly in BLE-fed groups, especially the EG2, which had elevated abundance of UCG-002 and the NK4A214_group. BLE also significantly reduced the abundance of Euryarchaeota, Verrucomicrobiota, Methanobacteriaceae, and Methanobrevibacter. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with bamboo leaf extract is a safe and inexpensive way to enhance milk yield and quality and to promote the growth of beneficial intestinal microbes in Yili horses. Full article

Dual-purpose livestock farming in the Colombian low tropics faces nutritional limitations that affect productivity and increase enteric methane (CH₄) emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate supplementation strategies that optimize the use of nutrients and reduce environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three types of dietary supplementation—mineralized salt (MS), proteinized salt (PS), and concentrated feed (CO)—on milk production, efficiency in the deposition of dairy nutrients, and enteric CH₄ emissions in dual-purpose grazing cows in the Colombian Amazon. Twenty-four F1 Holstein × Gyr cows were used in a completely randomized block design. Nutrient intake, digestibility, composition, and efficiency in the milk deposition of Ca, P, K, and N were measured; additionally, CH₄ emissions were assessed using a portable electronic spirometry mask. The results indicated that the treatments did not modify the total intake of dry matter or the production and composition of milk. CO and MS supplementation improved the efficiency of Ca and P (p < 0.03) deposition in milk, while no differences were observed for N and K. CH₄ emissions (196 ± 17.9 g/cow/day) were not affected by the supplements and were within the ranges reported for dual-purpose tropical systems. However, with the supplementation with CO was a lower losses of gross energy intake as CH₄ (Y_m) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with the evaluated products did not impact milk production or CH₄ emissions, although with CO was lower energy losses as CH₄ and, CO and MS improved the use of Ca and P, which highlights the importance of adjusting supplementation to optimize nutritional efficiency without increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

Beef production on chemically uniform grass monocultures can limit nutrient synchrony and contribute to uneven pasture use. We evaluated whether supplementing tannins with bioactive plant secondary compounds improves foraging dynamics and landscape use by beef cattle grazing a meadow bromegrass monoculture in ways aligned with rangeland sustainability. Twenty-four Angus cow–calf pairs were allocated to six 3.6-ha paddocks (four pairs/paddock), randomly assigned to Control (Ctrl; n = 3) or Tannin treatment (TT; n = 3). Animals received 1 kg/cow/day of DDGs, with TT receiving an added 0.4% tannins (2:1 condensed:hydrolyzable). Grazing occurred during four 15-day periods (July–September) across two years. Data were analyzed with mixed-effects models. Tannins did not alter biomass removal or cow weight loss (p > 0.05). However, TT cows exhibited longer evening grazing (2.9 vs. 2.1 h), fewer standing-to-lying transitions (5.7% vs. 7.3%), and more even spatial grazing distribution (CV = 1.861 vs. 2.13; p < 0.05), and greater water consumption (147 vs. 121 L/day; p < 0.01). Average daily gain of calves was numerically greater in TT compared to Ctrl (1.03 vs. 0.93 kg/day; p = 0.27). Collectively, these shifts promoted by tannins point to enhanced evening intake opportunities and reduced patch overuse, outcomes consistent with improved welfare and more uniform pasture utilization two pillars of sustainable grazing. Increased water demand under tannins highlights a management consideration for arid systems. Overall, moderate tannin inclusion was compatible with sustainable grazing by promoting even pasture use and potentially improving nutrient use efficiency without compromising intake. Full article

Improving sustainability in agricultural systems depends on increasing the efficiency of nitrogen (N) use and recycling. This study evaluated whether animal supplementation and legume-based pastures can enhance N balance and residual N availability in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS). The experiment was conducted in two phases—livestock and cropping—using three treatments: a control pasture (oat + ryegrass), a legume mixture (oat + ryegrass + arrowleaf clover), and a supplementation treatment (oat + ryegrass with concentrate supplementation at 1% of live weight), each replicated three times. Soybeans were grown during the cropping phase. Supplementation increased the stocking rate by 21%, while both supplementation and legumes led to a 30% increase in residual N returned via feces and urine, without negatively affecting soybean yield (~4.1 Mg ha⁻¹). N off-take by soybean grain was approximately 9% higher in these treatments, while N exported via cattle carcasses remained unchanged across treatments, averaging 8.2 kg ha⁻¹. Overall, soybeans accounted for 96–97% of total N export, and animals for only 3–4%. These results demonstrate that animal supplementation and legume integration enhance N use efficiency and contribute to nutrient recycling in ICLS, offering a viable strategy to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers. The findings support the development of more sustainable livestock and crop systems by maximizing nutrient retention, maintaining yield, and improving soil fertility. Furthermore, the implications for soybean yield and the sustainability of livestock systems indicate a potential positive economic and environmental impact for producers and policymakers. Full article

While methane emissions from cattle contribute to greenhouse gases, supplementing with red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT) demonstrates an up to 90% methane reduction in controlled feeding studies. However, methods for delivery of AT in grazing systems remain unexplored. This study evaluated AT with mineral supplementation to 112 weaned steers grazing on annual rangeland over 157 days. Cattle were randomly assigned to access mineral with freeze-dried AT (targeting 150 mg bromoform/head/day) or mineral without AT. Methane emissions were measured using laser methane detection (LMD) and body weight, mineral consumption, and blood selenium levels were monitored. Average daily mineral consumption was lower than targeted, resulting in suboptimal bromoform intake (89.2 mg/head/day). No significant differences were observed between treatments for mineral consumption, weight gain, or blood selenium levels. Cattle with access to mineral with AT had lower peak emissions than control cattle when measured at day 25, but no differences in peak emissions were measured at day 115 or day 157. The lack of methane reduction was attributed to insufficient bromoform dosing, potential compound degradationduring field storage, and limitations of laser methane detection. Achieving consistent dosing and accurate methane assessment in extensive grazing systems requires improved delivery mechanisms, compound stabilization, and measurement techniques. Full article

Donkey milk is highly regarded for its nutritional, immunological and hypoallergenic properties. In this context, the global demand is increasing, and the challenges of low production and milk hygiene need to be addressed. This study evaluated the effects of dietary and phytogenic supplementation on milk yield, nutrient digestibility, and milk quality in lactating jennies (Equus asinus). All donkeys had unrestricted access to natural pasture during the study. In addition to grazing, animals were divided into three groups (n = 10 per group) that differed only in the type of supplemental feed. The control group (CG) received pasture grass with a corn-based supplement; Group 1 (G1) received the same basal feed enriched with sunflower meal and a phytogenic blend of medicinal plants; and Group 2 (G2) received the same compound feed as G1 but without the phytogenic additives. Over an eight-week period, milk production, apparent digestibility coefficients (dry matter, protein, fibre, and ether extract), and microbiological quality were assessed. G1 demonstrated the highest milk yield (p < 0.001), improved nutrient digestibility (e.g., crude protein digestibility: 57.89 ± 4.21%), and a significant reduction in total viable counts (TVC) from 2.848 ± 0.265 to 1.898 ± 0.404 log₁₀ CFU/mL (p < 0.001), compared to CG and G2. The latter maintained relatively stable TVC values (2.930 ± 0.260 → 2.838 ± 0.196; p = 0.356641), accompanied by reduced interindividual variability, whereas CG exhibited a slight increase (2.922 ± 0.253 → 2.949 ± 0.323; p = 0.792259) and greater variability, suggesting a negative trend. Crude protein digestibility was 55.86 ± 6.66% in G2 and 45.26 ± 9.85% in CG, further supporting the superior nutrient utilization efficiency observed in G1. The phytogenic supplement stabilized milk chemical composition, suggesting potential galactagogues, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. These findings support the use of functional feed additives as a promising strategy to enhance productive performance and milk hygiene in sustainable donkey farming systems. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sequential supplementation with different crude protein levels and periods on performance, nutritional and metabolic characteristics, and efficiency of nitrogenous compounds use in grazing male Nellore calves at pre-weaning. Fifty male Nellore calves during pre-weaning were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The strategies were as follows: Supplementation period in the initial pre-weaning was 1–78th experimental day and in the final pre-weaning was 79–156th experimental day. The Low and high protein levels in the supplement were 150 g CP/kg) and 300 g CP/kg, respectively. All animals received 6 g/kg BW of supplement. Protein levels in the supplement did not affect intake of forage DM, and neutral detergent fiber in the animals. However, a higher CP intake and the CP to DOM ratio (p-value < 0.05) was evidence for the high calves compared with low calves. Supplementation strategies did not affect the blood concentrations of IGF-1, glucose, and total protein. Likewise, protein levels in the supplement did not affect the ADG and number and diameter of muscle fibers. In conclusion, the decrease in protein levels in the supplement from 300 to 150 g CP/kg DM does not detrimentally affect performance and nutritional and metabolic characteristics in male beef calves under a grazing system at pre-weaning. Full article

The parturition season of grazing Tibetan ewes spans from October to March, a period that exacerbates the adverse impacts of nutrient-deficient herbage on milk yield, body condition, and postpartum recovery. To alleviate the weight loss of ewes during the cold seasons, we provided concentrate supplements at four levels (dry matter (DM) basis), 260 g (C1), 440 g (C2), 520 g (C3), and 610 g (C4), alongside a basal diet of grazed pasture. A total of 96 multiparous Tibetan ewes (third parity, body weight: 45.17 ± 3.69 kg (body weight (BW) were enrolled within 12–18 h postpartum and randomly allocated to four dietary groups (n = 24 ewes per group). We measured growth performance, ruminal histomorphology, fermentation parameters, and digestive enzymes. A multi-omics technique (16S rRNA gene sequencing and RNA-seq) was employed to investigate the mechanisms underlying alterations in ruminal function. The results showed that increasing the concentrate level decreased body weight loss and increased average dry matter intake (p < 0.05). Rumen morphology was significantly altered: papilla width and muscle layer thickness were greatest in the C4 group, whereas submucosal thickness was highest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Cellulase activity was lowest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Papilla width of lactating Tibetan ewes in the C4 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that in the C1 and C3 groups. Concentrate supplementation altered ruminal microbiota composition and diversity. Each group exhibited a distinct microbial signature: the C1 group was characterized by Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Candidatus_Omnitrophus, Paenibacillus, and unclassified_Oligoflexaceae; the C2 group was enriched in Papillibacter, Anaerovibrio, V9D2013_group, and unclassified_Peptococcaceae; the C3 group was characterized by unclassified_Bacteroidales_RF16_group; and the C4 group was characterized by Ruminococcus, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Mitsuokella (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes (TRPA1, EPHB1, GATA3, C4, ABCG2, THBS4, and TNFRSF11B) that are predominantly involved in immune regulation, signal transduction, and nutrient digestion. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that Anaerovibrio was negatively correlated with propionate (r = −0.565, p < 0.05). However, it was positively correlated with the ratio of acetate and propionate (r = 0.579, p < 0.05). Moreover, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group was negatively correlated with cellulase (r = −0.699, p < 0.05) and α-amylase (r = −0.514, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the increasing concentrate supplementation alleviates body weight loss in lactating Tibetan sheep by orchestrating improvements in rumen histomorphology, digestive function, altering bacteria composition, and ruminal immune and modulating host epithelial gene expression. Full article

The number of donkeys in Europe has significantly declined in recent decades due to mechanization; however, recently, the demand for donkey milk and other purposes has led to a slight increase in their population. However, information on how they are kept and managed, and their welfare is limited. This review aimed to explore the husbandry, management, and welfare of donkeys (Equus asinus) across European Union member states, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique was used. The search was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science, identifying 797 records that were screened using titles, keywords, and abstracts, resulting in 78 retained records. An additional 19 records were identified using snowballing and experts’ suggestions, bringing the total to 97. Dairy donkeys have been studied mainly in Italy, and there they are usually managed under extensive to semi-intensive husbandry systems. Donkeys involved in human intervention therapies are generally managed semi-intensively. Based on the literature, most donkeys are provided with shelter and outdoor access, and this can be with or without pasture, except the free-range donkeys that graze year-round. Health and management-related issues (e.g., obesity, dental disorders, and hoof disorders) could be overlooked, potentially compromising their welfare. The feeding management of donkeys is generally traditional and poorly studied, relying mainly on forages supplemented with concentrates. Most donkeys suffer from overweight/obesity except for lactating donkeys, which are often underweight. This may indicate unbalanced feeding practices. Improved understanding of housing and feeding management is essential for establishing evidence-based welfare guidelines tailored to the donkeys’ species-specific needs. Full article

Sheep and goats are essential in many parts of the world, providing meat, milk, and fiber while also aiding rural and low-income communities. The cost of feeding is a major factor in the overall expenses of animal production. Therefore, it is crucial to improve nutrient utilization and accurately assess nutrient needs. Sheep and goats in different parts of the world are raised under different systems influenced by variations in environmental conditions. In tropical areas, sheep and goats often consume low-quality diets that do not meet their production requirements. These substandard diets, which include high-fiber feeds like straw or hay, are commonly provided to small ruminants and can adversely impact their feed intake, digestion, and nutrient absorption. To address these shortcomings, these feeds are usually supplemented with high-energy and protein-rich ingredients. This is achieved by enhancing low-quality feeds and employing strategies such as enriched feed blocks. However, the feeding practices and utilization of sheep and goats are influenced by various factors, including climate, breed, and production system, all of which are critical to consider when assessing their feeding needs. For example, animals that are mobile, such as those in nomadic or grazing systems, expend considerable energy on movement, which requires supplementation. Additionally, an animal’s body size, shaped by genetics, affects chewing rate, rumen pH, and bacterial composition. Meat production factors may be improved with proper use of NFs in small ruminants. This review explores the dietary needs of sheep and goats in relation to different production factors. Full article

Low fertility limits reproductive efficiency in cattle. This study was conducted with multiparous Brangus cows receiving dietary supplementation with or without L-citrulline [Cit; an immediate precursor of L-arginine (Arg)]. During the entire experimental period, cows grazed green pasture and had free access to drinking water and mineral blocks. One hundred and seven (107) cows were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups: dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) without Cit supplement (n = 36); DDGS top-dressed with rumen-protected Cit product (RPAA; n = 36); or unprotected Cit product (RUAA; n = 35). After 2 months of lactation, all cows were synchronized to estrus and were bred once via artificial insemination. From Day 1 to Day 60 of gestation, cows were individually fed once daily 0.84 kg of a supplement (DDGS; control), 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RUAA (containing 0.07 kg of unencapsulated Cit), or 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RPAA (containing 0.07 kg of rumen-protected Cit). The supplemental dose of Cit was equivalent to 0.5% of the estimated daily intake of 14 kg dry matter from pasture. On Days 40 and 60 of gestation, ultrasound was used to determine pregnancy rates. Each pregnant cow had a single conceptus. On Day 60 of gestation, blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein. All cows grazed normally and appeared healthy. Birth rates for live-born calves were 22% and 35% in cows receiving DDGS alone and Cit supplementation, respectively (p < 0.05). The beneficial effect of Cit was associated with increases in concentrations of Cit (+19%), Arg (+20%), ornithine (+19%), proline (+17%), and insulin (+82%) but decreases in concentrations of ammonia (–14%) in maternal plasma (p < 0.05). Thus, dietary supplementation with Cit is a simple, novel, and cost-effective nutritional method to increase the reproductive efficiency of lactating beef cows. Full article

This study evaluated dietary inclusion of tannin-based feed additives on heifer performance and physiological measures associated with fescue toxicosis and vaccine response. Forty-five yearling beef heifers (292.6 ± 29.0 kg) grazing toxic, endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue pastures were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) soybean hulls (SH; n = 3 pastures), (2) SH and BX tannin-saponin additive (BX; 10.0 g heifer⁻¹ d⁻¹; n = 3 pastures), and (3) SH and ATX tannin-polyphenol additive (ATX; 5.0 g heifer⁻¹ d⁻¹; n = 3 pastures). Treatments were administered over an 84 d period. Data were analyzed using R and SAS 9.4 with treatment as a fixed effect, block as a random effect, and pasture as the experimental unit. Treatment effects were assessed at the pasture level. Average daily gain (ADG) of heifers receiving ATX (0.53 kg/d) and BX (0.49 kg/d) were increased relative to heifers receiving SH only (0.23 kg/d) between D56 and D84 (p = 0.07). There was no impact of treatment on other performance measures (p > 0.15) or on serum metabolite responses including bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) titers (p > 0.15), prolactin (p = 0.97), haptoglobin (p = 0.26), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN; p = 0.38). Preliminary results show the potential for improved weight gain, suggesting further investigation with more experimental units is warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digital interventions can have a positive effect on the health-related behaviors of adolescents. However, it is unclear if social network-based interventions using Facebook can help to optimize medical treatment as usual (TAU) for adolescent obesity in public health care centers. We examined the feasibility, usability, and effectiveness of APOLO-Teens, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Facebook-based intervention as a supplement to TAU on changing eating habits/behaviors, physical activity levels, and psychological functioning of adolescents with overweight/obesity. Methods: This was a Randomized Controlled Trial (Trial registration number: NCT04642222). One-hundred and thirty-five adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (67.5% females) were randomly assigned to the TAU control group (n = 66) and the APOLO-Teens intervention group (n = 69). Intervention outcomes were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention (6 months later). Using per-protocol analysis, the sample size retained for final analysis included 77 participants (Control group = 39; Intervention group = 38). Two-way mixed ANOVAs were used to test within-and between-group changes. Results: The APOLO-Teens social network-based intervention was feasible (adherence rate: 85.5%) and the intervention group had a significant increase in fruit consumption (F (1,35) = 6.99, p = 0.012; significant group-by-time interaction). Both groups increased vegetables on the plate consumption and decreased pastries/cakes intake, depressive symptomatology, grazing eating pattern, and BMI z-score (p < 0.05; significant time interaction). Conclusions: The APOLO-Teens social network-based intervention was feasible, and the effectiveness results suggest that it can be a beneficial supplementary intervention to TAU in adolescent obesity. Full article