Search Results (78)

The review provides an overview of research concerning the assessment of cattle welfare in different housing systems. Hence, it restricts its scope to factors known to have a particular influence on the expression of their natural behaviours. It analyses the impact of housing systems on social and maternal bonds, as well as on the health and productivity of animals and on the feeding behaviour and physical activity of animals. It also pays attention to the occurrence of stereotypies, indicating the quality of the environment in which animals live, and attempts to determine the extent to which environmental enrichment improves welfare. It can be seen that welfare can vary significantly depending on the cattle rearing system. In intensive rearing environments, weaning calves and limited space often result in stress and behavioural disorders (e.g., cross-sucking). Extensive systems, offering access to pasture and longer cow–calf contact, usually provide higher levels of welfare. A freestall system allows greater freedom of movement and social contact but requires appropriate management to prevent aggression; in contrast, the tethering system limits movement, which increases the risk of stress and health problems. It has also been shown that enriching the living space of animals can significantly improve their welfare, regardless of the housing system. By balancing productivity with ensuring that the cattle are able to express their natural behaviours and maintain good health, it is possible to benefit both the animals and the agricultural sector as a whole, increasing its profitability and gaining consumer confidence. Full article

Weaning is challenging for dairy calves, frequently resulting in digestive issues. This highlights the importance of implementing appropriate nutritional strategies to enhance gut health and support optimal growth. Postbiotics is a promising alternative to traditional probiotics, conferring health benefits without the risks associated with live bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with a postbiotic from dead-cell Limosilactobacillus ingluviei C37 (postbiotic LIC37) on blood biochemical parameters and jejunal epithelium transcriptomic profiles in calves. Fourteen Holstein bull calves were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 7). The control group (CON) received a basic diet, while the postbiotic group (DCLI) was supplemented with 1 g/d of postbiotic LIC37 for 90 days. Blood samples were collected on days 76, 83, and 90, respectively. The jejunal epithelial tissue was obtained from four randomly selected calves per group at day 90 for transcriptome analysis. The results showed that postbiotic LIC37 supplementation reduced globulin, total protein, neutrophil (Neu) levels, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels in the DCLI group (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified 76 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with significant upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism (FABP1), intestinal barrier function (B4GALNT2), and detoxification (GSTA1), alongside downregulation of immune response regulation (FCRLA, FCRL4). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses highlighted enrichment in pathways related to glutathione metabolism, drug metabolism, and vitamin digestion, indicating that postbiotic supplementation improved detoxification, oxidative stress defense, and nutrient absorption in calves. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of postbiotic LIC37 and supports its potential as a sustainable alternative to probiotics in calf nutrition. Full article

The environmental impact of beef cattle production varies significantly across farming systems, influenced by factors like feed, management practices, and land use. By applying the LCA perspective with “from cradle to farm gate” boundaries and using the CAP’2ER^® tool, this study evaluates the carbon footprint of two farming models in Italy: a semi-extensive cow-calf beef production and an intensive farm for calf fattening. The carbon footprint was calculated using two functional units: kilograms of live meat gross production (LMGP), and a monetary unit. The first model showed a lower carbon footprint, with 13.4 kg CO₂eq/kg LMGP and 1.96 kg CO₂eq/EUR, compared to the second one 19.2 kg CO₂eq/kg LMGP and 5.20 kg CO₂eq/EUR. The use of monetary value as a functional unit is rarely explored in the literature, since most studies have focused on weight-based metrics, favoring intensive systems with longer lifecycles compared to extensive farming. Furthermore, contrary to findings in the literature for semi-extensive systems like adaptive multi-paddock grazing, the tool used for the calculation did not detect any carbon sequestration. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into diverse functional units to assess the environmental and economic performance of farming systems. Expanding this approach could inform policies and consumer decisions, promoting sustainable beef production aligned with climate goals and the European Green Deal agenda. Full article

In the diet of calves, the search for additives that aid in their development is essential due to the impact that these can generate throughout their lives, resulting in a relationship with their longevity and the maintenance of the herd. Yuca schidigera has been used in ruminant diets, impacting health and performance; however, there are few reports on its intake by dairy cattle in the rearing phase. Therefore, this study’s objective was to evaluate whether adding Yucca schidigera to the diet of calves in the rearing phase can benefit health, productive performance, and feed efficiency. The study was conducted over 60 days, with 24 calves divided into two groups: G1 had no added Yucca schidigera and G2 had 188 mg of Yucca schidigera added per kg of dry matter intake. Data and samples were collected at 30-day intervals. No treatment effect was observed in body weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, or feed intake (p > 0.05); however, the calves in G2 showed 26.3% lower feed efficiency than those in G1. Using the concentrate consumption of the calves, the amount of Yucca schidigera ingested was calculated, i.e., 555 mg/calf/day. The total leukocyte count was significantly lower in the calves in G2 compared to G1 on the 60th day. No effect from the treatment or treatment × day interaction was observed for the hematologic variables: erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and platelets. The activities of the enzyme’s gamma glutamyl transferase and aspartate aminotransferase were higher in the animals in group G2. There was no effect from the treatment on albumin, globulin, total protein, C-reactive protein, glucose, cholesterol, urea, or amylase. There was a treatment × day interaction for levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione S-transferase, which were higher in the blood of calves in group G2 compared to the control. The activity of myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase did not differ between groups. Tumor necrosis factor and interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6) in the serum of calves that consumed Yucca schidigera were higher on day 60 compared to the control. A higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the ruminal fluid was observed in animals in group G2 compared to G1, primarily due to the higher levels of acetic acid. The amounts of propionate and butyrate were lower in the ruminal fluid of calves in group G2. These results allow us to conclude that the consumption of Yucca schidigera at a dose of 555 mg/animal/day interferes with calves’ metabolism and negatively affects feed efficiency. Full article

Introduction. Frailty is a common condition among older individuals and is associated with increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the impact of viral infections on frail populations. The present work aimed to determine frailty, functional and cognitive status, and clinical analysis of older persons in a long-term care facility in Chile, before and following the outbreak of COVID-19. Methods. A single-center, pre–post, and Pearson’s correlational study was conducted in a cohort of 20 persons positive for COVID-19 from a total of 45 residents. Data on demographic, clinical, functional (Barthel Index (BI) and Katz) and cognitive (Mini mental Examination) status, and physiological function (hematology, lipidic and biochemical profiles) were collected. Results. The mean age was 84 ± 2.4 years, and 80% were females. The most common comorbidities were Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus type II, and Alzheimer’s disease. Physical frailty was confirmed by body weight, body mass index, and calf circumference. Pre-infection, BI was negatively correlated with lipidic profile and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and positively with frailty (calf circumference). Pre–post analysis showed that frailty and most analytical results were not modified. However, functional dependence on daily live activities significantly increased as measured by BI, with worse grooming and bowel and bladder controls. Post-infection, correlations were lost except between BI and ESR, and decreased albumin levels were found. Conclusions. The worsening of specific functional limitations emphasizes the need for targeted interventions that can be correlated with ESR. Albumin appears as a potential biomarker for physiological dysfunction associated with their infectious/inflammatory processes. Full article

Combining soybeans with grass or biomass maize in silage holds promise in addressing the nutritional limitations of individual crops, providing a roughage with a good energy–protein balance. This study evaluated the effects of replacing urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) with silages made from intercropped maize–soybean and Guinea grass (GG) in calf diets on feed intake and growth performance. Sixteen native Yellow calves (130.7 ± 16.1 kg live weight and 12.8 ± 2.6 months old) were used; the experiment had a randomised complete block design with four dietary treatments: Treatment 1 (70% UTRS + 30% GG); Treatment 2 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% Guinea grass silage); Treatment 3 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% Guinea grass–soybean silage); and Treatment 4 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% maize–soybean silage). The animals were fed 0.5 kg concentrate per 100 kg live weight daily, with unlimited access to forage and clean water, for 12 weeks after a two-week adaptation. The results indicate that silages containing soybean increased total weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR); however, silage replacements had no impact on dry matter intake and body conformation, suggesting that Guinea grass–soybean or maize–soybean silage can effectively enhance the ADG and decrease the FCR of growing calves fed UTRS-based diets. Full article

Background: In light of the demographic context in which the older adult population is prominent, sarcopenia emerges as a significant concern for the health of these individuals. Aim: To assess the frequency of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia and the associated risk factors in the oldest adults living in the community. Methods: There were 399 participants aged 80 or older, of both sexes, using primary health care services in the metropolitan area of Brasília, Brazil. Sarcopenia was evaluated based on European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Muscle mass was measured by calf circumference, muscle function by handgrip strength, and muscle performance by gait speed. Clinical and socioeconomic variables, comorbidities, falls, and urinary incontinence were collected. The prevalence of sarcopenia was calculated with a 95% (IC) prevalence. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis was performed in Stata, with p < 5%. Results: Among participants, 78.2% were women. Prevalence of pre-sarcopenia was 31.8%, sarcopenia 3.3%, and severe sarcopenia 25.1%. After multivariate regression, sarcopenia was associated with the female sex, low weight, and a dependency for activities of daily living (ADLs). Similarly, severe sarcopenia remained associated with female sex, low weight, and an ADLs dependency. Sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were not associated with the level of education, marital status, income, physical activity, medications, falls, nor comorbidities. Conclusions: A quarter of older adults had severe sarcopenia. Sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were associated with being a woman, being low weight, and have an ADLs dependence. Full article

Background: The early identification of patients at risk of peri-procedural complications and poor prognosis is particularly important. We conducted our study to determine whether serum orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) concentration is associated with nutritional status and prognosis among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and Methods: A cohort study with a 3-month follow-up was conducted with 84 consecutive inpatients who underwent elective surgery in one center between 2016 and 2019 for primary CRC. The clinical characteristics and nutritional status of all patients were assessed. In long-term follow-ups (median; IQR: 1322; 930–1788 days; average 3.6 years), the patients’ survival status was also checked during a telephone consultation. Results: Before CRC surgery, patients with serum NPY concentrations equal to or higher than the median value (661.70 pg/mL) had higher scores in their Mini Nutritional Assessment, Barthel, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires, greater handgrip strength, a lower score in the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment, and almost a three-times lower risk of perioperative complications, as well as higher Barthel and IADL scores and larger calf circumference at the 3-month follow-up visit in comparison to individuals with lower serum NPY concentrations. A higher serum NPY concentration was predictive of a low Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 score at the 3-month visit, and this was also found to have significantly influenced the patients’ survival during the 1200 days after CRC surgery. Conclusions: A higher preoperative serum NPY concentration may be related to lower nutritional risk, more favorable patient nutritional and functional status, and better survival, but further studies are required. Full article

Background: Malnutrition among older adults is associated with numerous adverse effects, including increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and a heightened risk of falls. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in different groups of older adults using the F-MNA, anthropometry, and s-albumin and the association between nutritional status and fall risk. Methods: A total of 228 participants aged 60 years and older were divided into three groups: (1) patients in an internal medicine ward, (2) individuals living in family homes, and (3) residents of care homes. Disease profiles, nutritional status (assessed using the F-MNA and SNAQ), body composition, fall risk, and biochemical markers were evaluated. Results: The results indicated the highest prevalence of malnutrition among hospitalized individuals. Fall risk was associated with age, calf circumference, the F-MNA, the SNAQ, serum albumin levels, residence in a care home, comorbidities, and the number of medications taken daily. Regression analysis revealed that age, calf circumference, and residence in a care home were independent predictors of fall risk in older adults. Conclusion: Older adults are at significant risk of malnutrition, with the risk notably increasing during hospitalization and long-term stays in care homes. Hospitalized individuals had the poorest nutritional status and were at significant risk of further weight loss, underscoring the importance of post-discharge care and rehabilitation. Full article

A new multivalent vaccine (DIVENCE^®), containing live gE/tk double-gene-deleted BoHV-1, live-attenuated BRSV, inactivated PI3, and BVDV-1, and BVDV-2 recombinant proteins, has been designed to protect cattle against the main viral pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of DIVENCE^® against BRD in field conditions. A total of 360 animals from three different farms were included in this study. Calves were randomly distributed to the vaccinated (n = 183; DIVENCE^®) or control (n = 177; phosphate-buffered saline solution) group. All animals received two intramuscular doses (2 mL/dose) three weeks apart of the corresponding product. The entire fattening period (approximately 9 months) was monitored to assess the incidence, severity, and morbidity of BRD as well as administered treatments and growth performance. During this study, a BRSV outbreak was reported in one farm, where vaccinated animals had significantly (p < 0.02) lower morbidity (20.4%) and severity (score of 1.70) compared to the control group (53.70% and score of 2.11). Overall, vaccinated animals had a significantly lower number of cases (p < 0.001; 0.36 vs. 0.64 cases/calf), lower morbidity (p < 0.004; 26.78% vs. 41.24%), and lower antimicrobial treatments (p = 0.01; 33.3% vs. 57.4%) than control animals. Vaccinated animals presented significantly (p = 0.01) higher carcass weight than controls (6.58 kg). Vaccination with DIVENCE^® at the beginning of the fattening period decreased the incidence and morbidity of BRD following a BRSV outbreak. Additionally, the overall incidence and morbidity of BRD throughout the entire fattening period were reduced across farms. Thus, DIVENCE^® can improve economic outcomes in fattening units by reducing antibiotic treatments and enhancing performance. Full article

The franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) is a small cetacean endemic to the coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Due to its restricted distribution, it is subject to high bycatch mortality in the gillnets used for commercial and artisanal fishing. The rehabilitation of the franciscana is still a major challenge, as most attempts to rehabilitate stranded animals have failed. This study aims to present the case of the rehabilitation of a franciscana dolphin calf, stranded in San Clemente del Tuyú, Argentina, at the beginning of the predation period. The feeding strategy and nutritional profile at different stages during the 88 days of rehabilitation are meticulously detailed. Its diet was prepared by hand based on studies of milk composition, the feeding ecology of franciscana in Argentinean waters, and previous records of the Fundación Mundo Marino Rehabilitation Center. The diets were designed to meet the nutritional needs of franciscana dolphins. In addition, the hematological, cytological, and fecal analyses recorded during the rehabilitation are presented. Although the animal could not be released, due to its death, this report provides baseline information that can improve the ability of veterinarians to care for debilitated, live-stranded dolphins. This information may also be useful in the implementation and development of healthcare protocols for this species. Full article

This study focused on assessing whether the inclusion of probiotics (B. subtilis) as feed additives during the preweaning stage can enhance the body weight and metabolic condition of neonatal calves. A total of 50 Holstein calves, all born on the same farm, were randomly divided into two homogeneous treatment groups after birth. The calves in the control group (CG) were fed a milk replacer (n = 25) (13 females and 12 males) and those in the B. subtilis-supplement-treated group (TG), (n = 25) (13 females and 12 males) were fed a milk replacer with 7.5 mL/calf/day of B. subtilis probiotic (complied with the manufacturer’s guidelines). The probiotic was administered 24 h post-birth, signifying the start of the experimental period. It took one month to collect the animals. Body weight was measured at birth for all animals. A local veterinarian, working on the farm, conducted daily health checks of the calves, recording health parameters and any antibiotic treatments. Blood samples were collected from each calf at birth and 30, 60, and 90 days by puncturing the jugular vein using 10 mL evacuated serum tubes before morning feeding. Significant differences in body weight were observed between the CG and the TG at 30, 60, and 90 days of age. At 30 days, the TG had a 4.11% higher average body weight than the CG (54.38 kg vs. 52.71 kg). At 60 days, the TG’s average weight was 3.75% higher (79.21 kg vs. 76.34 kg), and at 90 days, the TG had a 2.91% higher average weight (112.87 kg vs. 109.67 kg). At 30 days of age, the TG showed significantly lower AST activity, with a 41.12% decrease compared to the CG (51.02 IU/L vs. 72.00 IU/L). Conversely, GGT activity was significantly higher in the TG by 64.68% (40.64 IU/L vs. 14.35 IU/L). Phosphorus concentration at 30 days was also significantly higher in the TG by 9.36% (3.27 mmol/L vs. 2.99 mmol/L). Additionally, the TG had a significantly lower total protein concentration, with a 21.63% decrease at 30 days (46.32 g/L vs. 56.34 g/L) and a 20.28% decrease at 60 days (48.32 g/L vs. 58.12 g/L) compared to the CG. These findings indicate that dairy calves given conventional milk replacer along with a daily dose of 7.5 mL of B. subtilis probiotic experienced enhanced growth performance and a more favourable metabolic profile during the first 90 days of their lives. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hand grip strength (HGS) is a crucial measure for evaluating muscle function and general physical ability, and it may be associated with several diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated inconsistent associations between anthropometric measurement and body composition with HGS. This study aims to investigate the association between anthropometric measurement and body composition with HGS in the elderly population residing in Indonesia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on older adults aged between 60 and 82 years who live in the community. Anthropometric parameters assessed in this study comprised the body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC), and waist circumference (WC). Subsequently, body composition measurements, including fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and the appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI), were assessed using a body composition analyzer. Last, the measurement of HGS was conducted using a hand dynamometer. Results: A total of 109 participants were involved in this study. Our study demonstrates a significant association between anthropometric parameters, namely CC and HGS. Subsequently, several body composition parameters, including FFM, SMM, ASMI, and MM in the four extremities, are also significantly associated with HGS. However, in a multivariate analysis, only CC and FFM were able to significantly predict HGS. Conclusions: Improving CC and maintaining FFM may enhance muscle strength in older adults. This suggests that targeted exercise and nutrition programs could increase muscle mass and strength, thereby mitigating age-related decline and improving quality of life. Full article

Malnutrition is a risk factor of sarcopenia in the elderly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, limited transportation and supply chain disruptions restricted access to nutritious foods. We assessed the nutritional status and sarcopenia risk in older people living with HIV (PLWH) on combination antiretroviral therapy in Thailand. This study was a hospital-based cohort among virally suppressed older PLWH who came for routine HIV clinic visits. The mini nutritional assessment (MNA), body composition analysis and 5-time chair stand test (CST) were performed to assess the nutritional status, muscle mass and physical performance, respectively. A total of 177 PLWH were enrolled (57.60% male). The median age was 58 years (IQR 55–62 years). Thirty-five participants (19.8%) were at risk of developing sarcopenia, and 28.2% had abnormal nutritional status. Muscle mass correlated positively with nutritional scores (r = 0.355, p < 0.001) but negatively with 5-time CST duration (r = −0.173, p = 0.021). In the multivariate model, muscle mass was associated with age, sex, mid-arm circumference, calf circumference and 5-time CST duration. In a well-viral-suppressed older Asian PLWH cohort, given the positive correlation between nutritional status and muscle mass, the nutritional status of older PLWH should be routinely evaluated and monitored. Full article

Previous research has indicated that preweaned dairy calves reared in pairs compared with individually have improved performance and indicators of animal welfare. One hundred and thirty Holstein female calves completed the trial, with eighty-five being allocated to paired housing and forty-five calves being allocated to individual housing. Daily live weight gain (DLWG), treatments and mortality were recorded throughout the preweaning period. Salivary cortisol, latency to feed and latency to approach a novel object were assessed at batching. There were no significant differences in DLWG, mortality and disease treatments between the average of the pair and the individually housed calves, although the pair-reared calves were quicker to approach the milk feed after batching and interacted more quickly with a novel object. The heaviest born calves within the pair had the highest DLWG from birth to weaning, with a higher percentage of calves approaching the novel object, compared with the lightest born calf within the pair. This study shows that calves within a pair may have significantly different performance and welfare during the preweaning period, with the heavier calf outperforming and displaying less fear and more exploratory behaviour than the lighter calf within a pair. Full article