Search Results (618)

The ubiquitous presence of modified mycotoxins such as zearalenone-14-glucoside (ZEN-14G) in agricultural resources presents a critical challenge to livestock safety, specifically regarding their capacity to disrupt lipid metabolism and fermentation in the rumen. This study aimed to evaluate the dose- and time-dependent direct effects of ZEN-14G on rumen fermentation characteristics, nutrient disappearance, and mycotoxin biotransformation under controlled in vitro conditions, and to explore the associated microbial and metabolic responses. An in vitro batch fermentation system was established with three ZEN-14G doses, namely control (CON), low dosage (GL), and high dosage (GH), across three time points (6, 12, and 24 h). Basic fermentation parameters, fat disappearance rates, and ZEN-14G metabolites were quantified, while 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were conducted specifically on 24 h endpoint samples from the CON and GH groups to investigate downstream mechanistic disruptions. The results showed that while baseline pH homeostasis remained unaffected across groups, ZEN-14G dose-dependently inhibited fat disappearance, with the GH group exhibiting a significant reduction throughout fermentation. Targeted quantification confirmed that ZEN-14G was predominantly deglucosylated to free ZEN and reduced to α/β-ZEL. Endpoint multi-omics revealed that although overall α/β-diversity was maintained at 24 h, ZEN-14G induced fine-scale strain-level replacement (12% shared ASVs), marked by the depletion of the key lipolytic bacterium Prevotella sp. R79. Untargeted metabolomics showed marked disruptions in sphingolipid metabolism and linoleic acid oxidation, where the accumulation of cytotoxic oxidized fatty acids (12,13-EpOME) and membrane turnover markers (sphingosine) positively correlated with enriched Bacillota. In summary, under macroscopic acid–base homeostasis, masked ZEN-14G directly impairs ruminal lipid metabolism, alters microbial community structure at the strain level, and perturbs cell membrane lipid turnover strictly within an in vitro system. These findings establish a key mechanistic baseline for masked mycotoxin biotransformation in the rumen, highlighting the necessity for future in vivo feeding trials to fully evaluate their systemic risk profile in ruminants. Full article

Swine wastewater is a nutrient-rich waste stream with considerable potential for cyanobacterial cultivation and resource recovery. However, its impacts on microbial community dynamics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the cultivation of Arthrospira platensis in a medium containing 25% swine wastewater and 75% Zarrouk medium (SWW₂₅) using a flat-panel photobioreactor. A. platensis achieved a biomass concentration of 1.58 ± 0.02 g/L, a biomass productivity of 0.11 ± 0.01 g/L/d, and a specific growth rate of 0.26 ± 0.01 d⁻¹. Simultaneously, the system removed 98.5% of ammonium nitrogen and 80% of orthophosphate. Metagenomic analysis indicated changes in bacterial community composition during A. platensis cultivation. Microbial community analysis revealed shifts in relative abundance after cultivation, likely associated with changes in community composition following Arthrospira biomass enrichment, while Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Synergistota remained among the dominant phyla. In addition, ARG profiling indicated a decline in ARG diversity and read counts during cultivation, whereas tet(X) remained the only detectable ARG after A. platensis cultivation. Collectively, these findings suggest that A. platensis cultivation under non-axenic conditions was associated with biomass production, nutrient removal, and changes in microbial community composition and ARG profiles in swine wastewater. Full article

To compare resistance to apple Valsa canker across scion–rootstock combinations and to identify key evaluation indicators and superior resistant combinations, we established 15 scion–rootstock pairings using ‘Yueyanghong’, ‘Harlikar’, and ‘Qiufuhong’ as scions and Qingzhen No.1, Qingzhen No.2, M. baccata Borkh., M. robusta Rehd., and M. hupehensis Rehd. as rootstocks. We assessed resistance under natural field infection conditions. We measured plant growth indices, leaf photosynthetic parameters, anatomy of one-year-old shoots, and mineral nutrient contents for each combination. We then performed correlation analysis with the disease index to identify relationships between these indicators and disease occurrence under diseased conditions and to clarify their physiological basis. Finally, we comprehensively evaluated grafting compatibility and disease resistance among scion–rootstock combinations to identify combinations that might reduce Valsa canker severity and the associated predictive indicators. Results indicated that combinations using ‘Yueyanghong’ as the scion had the lowest overall disease index. In particular, ‘Yueyanghong’/Qingzhen No.2 showed the best graft compatibility (FCC = 2.10, RSR = 1.10) and the most favorable comprehensive disease-resistance profile. ‘Yueyanghong’/M. hupehensis Rehds exhibited the highest photosynthetic rate. By contrast, ‘Harlikar’/Qingzhen No.2 and ‘Qiufuhong’/M. baccata Borkh displayed relatively high disease indices and were classified as highly susceptible under the experimental field conditions. Lower disease index correlated with higher leaf net photosynthetic rate and with higher intercellular CO₂ concentration. Combinations with low relative electrical conductivity retained greater membrane-system stability. A lower disease index was positively associated with higher potassium (K) content, while higher iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) contents correlated with increased disease index. Finally, lower disease index corresponded to greater shoot phloem thickness and higher cell density. In conclusion, using the disease index as a quantitative measure and integrating multidimensional indicators, plant growth, photosynthetic physiology, mineral nutrition, and shoot anatomical structure, allows preliminary evaluation of compatibility and disease resistance across scion–rootstock combinations. Full article

Fermented foods and beverages represent a cornerstone of Nigerian food culture, yet their scientific documentation remains fragmented, and their potential within global bioeconomy frameworks is largely unrealised. This review addresses two interrelated gaps: the absence of a comprehensive ethnogeographic analysis of Nigerian fermented foods that integrates ecological, cultural, and agricultural drivers of regional diversity, and the limited examination of these foods as models for circular bioeconomy development. Using a narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed literature spanning 1986–2025, we systematically map the distribution of fermented tuber, cereal, legume, dairy, and fruit products across Nigeria’s major geopolitical zones, demonstrating that agroecological endowment, ethnic composition, trade routes, and cross-cultural interactions shape regional variation. Beyond their socio-cultural significance, Nigerian fermented foods contribute meaningfully to food security by extending shelf life, enhancing nutrient bioavailability, and reducing post-harvest losses. This review further positions ogi (fermented maize gruel) and garri (fermented cassava granules) as model systems for circular bioeconomy integration, demonstrating how by-product valorisation can generate value-added outputs, including animal feed, bioethanol, biodegradable packaging, and organic acids. Key challenges, including food safety deficits, absence of standardised production protocols, and limited regulatory frameworks, are critically assessed. Three priority research directions are identified: metagenomics-based microbiome profiling, development of culturally appropriate starter cultures, and formulation of gender-responsive regulatory instruments. Nigerian fermented foods, properly documented and integrated into innovation systems, represent an underutilised asset for sustainable food system transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Long-term intensive maize cultivation under subtropical double-cropping systems has resulted in increased compaction and declining fertility. Although conservation tillage and straw return have been widely adopted to improve soil quality, their combined effects on soil physicochemical properties, biological functions across the 0–40 cm soil profile, and maize yield performance remain poorly understood. A six-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of straw management (CK: conventional practice; SR: straw return) and tillage systems (NT: no-tillage; RT: rotary tillage; SS: subsoiling; SS+RT: subsoiling combined with rotary tillage) on the soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and maize yield. The integrated SR+SS+RT treatment significantly reduced soil bulk density by 2.57% while increasing soil water content by up to 12.20%. Compared with traditional seeding, straw return increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) by 8.38% and 13.52%, respectively. Enhanced soil biological activity was also evident, with MBC increasing by 7.70% and substantial enhancements in soil enzyme activities, particularly cellulase (+12.08%) and acid phosphatase (+15.80%). Moreover, the combined SS+RT treatment was associated with a more even vertical distribution of carbon and nitrogen, thereby alleviating nutrient stratification within the soil profile. The grain yield was strongly and positively correlated with sucrase (r = 0.773) and cellulase (r = 0.738) activities, indicating significant associations between selected soil biological indicators and maize yields. Consequently, the SR+SS+RT treatment produced the highest spring and autumn grain yield (9405 and 8696 kg ha⁻¹), compared with SR+NT. Integrating straw return with subsoiling and rotary tillage provides a synergistic strategy for alleviating soil compaction, improving soil physicochemical and biological properties throughout the root zone, and enhancing maize productivity. This integrated management practice offers a sustainable approach for restoring soil fertility and maintaining high crop yields in intensive subtropical agricultural systems. Full article

Native Mexican turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) are an important genetic resource in family-based production systems exposed to marked regional and seasonal environmental variation. This study evaluated the associations between environmental gradients, diet composition, and hematological responses in native Mexican turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) raised under traditional family-based production systems. Fifty approximately six-month-old males were evaluated in a 5 × 2 factorial design including five physiographic regions and two seasons (rainy and dry). Crop content composition, estimated dietary nutrient composition, body weight, and hematological profile were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, principal component analysis (PCA), and multiple regression. Grains and energy-rich by-products predominated in the diet (58.2–76.2%), whereas the dry season increased dry plant fragments and crude fiber while reducing crude protein from 17.5 to 14.3% (p < 0.001). Body weight was greatest in the Neovolcanic Axis region (5.20 kg) and lowest in the Coast region (4.35 kg) (p < 0.001). Erythrocyte-related variables were higher in temperate, high-altitude regions, whereas leukocyte-related variables predominated in warmer regions (p < 0.05). PCA explained 71.3% of the total variation, identifying nutritional–productive and immunological–adaptive components. Physiographic region was the factor most strongly associated with the diet composition and hematological responses, whereas the dry season intensified nutritional constraints and their effects on physiological adaptation. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effect of three different cultural media—coconut coir, peat moss, and deep-water culture—on the metabolomic profiles of two tomato cultivars, Heinz and Roma. Tomato fruit quality is influenced by intricate interactions between the genotype and root-zone environment; nevertheless, little is known about how substrate-based systems compare metabolically to deep-water hydroponics. Methods: Fruit samples from both cultivars grown under controlled greenhouse conditions were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy to identify treatment-dependent biochemical changes. Polar metabolites were extracted using a methanol–water solvent solution and examined using a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer. Spectral datasets were processed and analyzed with multivariate statistical tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA). Results: Distinct clustering patterns were observed, indicating both cultivar-specific and cultivation-system-dependent metabolic differentiation. The PCA model displayed excellent explanatory and predictive capacity, while supervised OPLS-DA improved group discrimination, demonstrating that both genotype and growing medium significantly influenced the chemical composition of the fruit. Soluble sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), sugar alcohols, organic acids such as citric and malic acids, and a variety of amino acids involved in nitrogen metabolism and stress reactions were among the key distinguishing factors. Carbohydrate-related spectral areas (3.0–5.5 ppm) were highly associated with treatment separation, indicating that the cultivation system had a significant impact on carbon allocation and energy metabolism. Conclusions: Fruits grown in deep water culture have distinct metabolic fingerprints from those grown on coconut coir and peat moss, implying that root-zone oxygen availability and nutrient dynamics may influence primary and secondary metabolism. Full article

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield depends on biological nitrogen fixation, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and calcium fertilizer on nodulation remain unclear. Here, we used integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to investigate potential mechanisms in peanut roots. Compared with the non-inoculated control, AMF inoculation alone was associated with a 22.1% higher nodule number per plant. The combined application of AMF and CaO showed a 35.9% higher nodulation than AMF alone, and a 30.9% higher AMF colonization rate than AMF alone was also observed. Mechanistically, AMF colonization was associated with enhanced carbon-nitrogen metabolic profiles and up-regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism-related pathways, suggesting a potential role in providing energy, carbon skeletons, and signaling molecules for nodule formation. Calcium fertilizer correlated with strengthening of the glyoxylate cycle and pentose phosphate pathway, possibly contributing to the energy supply for nodulation. It also affected genes related to protein secretion and lipid metabolism, with observed changes in membrane lipids and transport metabolites, which may enhance symbiotic interface function. This study reveals the multi-level mechanisms through which AMF and calcium fertilizer collectively promote peanut nodulation, providing a systems-level perspective on plant–microbe–nutrient relationships during symbiosis. Our findings offer new insights for sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical nitrogen inputs and promoting nodulation in legumes. Full article

Wheat dust, an underutilized agro-industrial by-product, is rich in nutrients and may serve as a sustainable soil amendment. This study evaluated its effects on wheat (Triticum durum L.) growth, nitrogen metabolism, and drought tolerance. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted. First, a dose–response trial (0, 2, 5, 10, 20% w/w) assessed biomass, chlorophyll content (SPAD), and expression of nitrogen-related genes (NR, NRT1, NRT2, GS2). Second, a factorial experiment (0, 10, 20% × well-watered or 50% water capacity) examined growth, yield components, oxidative stress markers (MDA), antioxidant enzymes, soil enzymatic activities, and multivariate responses. Wheat dust elicited concentration-dependent, context-specific effects. Under well-watered conditions, 10% was optimal, increasing shoot biomass (+39%) and chlorophyll (+10–15%), accompanied by upregulation of NR, NRT1, and NRT2, indicating enhanced nitrogen acquisition. Under drought, 20% produced the strongest effects: biomass increased by +313%, seed number per spike by +3900%, and seed weight per spike by +1650% relative to the stressed control. Lipid peroxidation declined by 83%, while chlorophyll increased by +215%, reflecting strong protection of membrane integrity and photosynthetic capacity. Soil biological activity was markedly stimulated at 20% under drought, with FDA hydrolysis (+1320%) and protease activity (+8250%) indicating enhanced microbial functioning and nitrogen cycling. Principal component analysis confirmed a systemic shift from stress-dominated profiles in controls to growth- and metabolism-oriented profiles at 20%, with convergence of stressed and non-stressed plants. Thus, wheat dust improves productivity at moderate doses and confers pronounced drought resilience at higher rates, supporting its valorization within climate-resilient, circular agricultural systems. Full article

Ensuring high crop productivity while reducing nutrient losses and environmental impacts remains a central challenge of modern fertilization strategies. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) have emerged as a key tool to synchronize nutrient availability with plant demand by embedding soluble nutrient sources within coatings or matrices that modulate water penetration and ion diffusion. This narrative review synthesizes recent advances in CRF materials and technologies, with particular emphasis on biodegradable and bio-based systems, hydrogels, nanostructured carriers, and extrusion-based matrix formulations. It outlines the main classes of coating and matrix materials, their release mechanisms, agronomic performance, and documented benefits for nutrient-use efficiency, crop yield and quality, and soil and water protection. The review also analyzes major scientific, technical, environmental, and economic barriers that currently limit the large-scale deployment of CRFs, including microplastic pollution from persistent polymer coatings and the difficulty of tailoring release profiles under variable field conditions. Emerging directions are highlighted, such as composite and multilayer bio-based coatings, superhydrophobic and stimuli-responsive structures, biochar- and compost-based matrices, nutrient recovery from waste streams, and integration with precision agriculture and sensor technologies. The paper identifies priorities for future research needed to translate promising CRF concepts into robust, field-validated and sustainable fertilization solutions. Full article

Bauxite mining causes severe soil degradation in the ecologically fragile karst region of Southwest China, yet targeted vegetation restoration schemes remain poorly developed. This study aimed to screen promising selected restoration species and preliminarily explore their soil improvement characteristics in karst bauxite mine wastelands through a field observational survey. We investigated six vegetation-soil conditions at 0–10 cm topsoil (two-year monocultures of Robinia pseudoacacia, Ligustrum lucidum, Zea mays, Miscanthus sinensis, topsoil from >15-year Z. mays with straw return, and unvegetated bare land), alongside paired 10–20 cm subsoil from the same long-term Z. mays stand as a depth-profile reference, and analyzed soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and bacterial/fungal communities via high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that vegetation cover neutralized strongly acidic mine soil and significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and available nutrients compared with the bare control (p < 0.05). The long-term Z. mays cropland showed the strongest soil nutrient accumulation, with topsoil SOM, available phosphorus, and available potassium, increased by 428.6%, 250.0%, and 65.3%, respectively, relative to the bare control. Notably, the subsoil of long-term Z. mays also maintained high nutrient levels, but its absolute values are not directly comparable with topsoil treatments due to different sampling depths. All vegetation conditions elevated soil enzyme activities and microbial alpha diversity and significantly shifted bacterial and fungal community structure (beta diversity) compared with the control. Several bacterial phyla (including Chloroflexi and Proteobacteria) that have been associated with carbon-cycling functions in prior studies were relatively more abundant in revegetated soils; however, their functional roles in this system remain to be verified. Redundancy analysis identified SOM, TN, and available potassium as key environmental correlates of bacterial community variation. Overall, the long-term crop–straw return pattern shows comprehensive soil improvement effects, providing observational baseline data and reference for ecological restoration of karst bauxite mining areas in Southwest China. Full article

The use of crossbreeding between dairy and beef breeds has been adopted as a strategy to add value to male calves from dairy systems, improve productive efficiency, and reduce economic and animal welfare concerns. This study evaluated the effects of Holstein × Angus crossbreeding on productive performance, metabolism, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid profile during the feedlot finishing phase. Twenty-four uncastrated male cattle (8 Holstein, 8 Angus, and 8 crossbreds) were confined for 130 days and fed an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diet. No significant differences were observed among breeds for weight gain, dry matter intake, feed efficiency, or nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05). However, Angus and crossbred cattle showed higher carcass yield compared to Holstein cattle (p ≤ 0.05). Angus and crossbred animals presented higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate in the rumen (p ≤ 0.05). Breed differences were also observed in erythrocyte indices and serum urea concentrations (p ≤ 0.05). Meat from crossbred animals showed superior quality attributes compared to Holstein, including lower ultimate pH, higher lightness, greater water-holding capacity, and an intermediate lipid profile between the parental breeds (p ≤ 0.05). It is concluded that Holstein × Angus crossbreeding improves carcass yield, ruminal fermentation efficiency, and meat quality, without compromising productive performance, representing a viable strategy for adding value to male calves from dairy herds under tropical production conditions. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) landraces are rich sources of genetic and nutritional diversity, yet their compositional traits remain undercharacterized compared to modern hybrids. This study compiled and analyzed data from 1554 maize samples—995 landraces and 559 hybrids—evaluated at the CIMMYT Maize Quality Laboratory over more than a decade. Traits assessed included kernel structure, macronutrients, iron, zinc, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. Landraces showed greater variability and higher average concentrations of protein (10.88 vs. 9.92%), iron (17.63 vs. 13.91 mg kg⁻¹), zinc (22.70 vs. 18.98 mg kg⁻¹), and anthocyanins, whereas hybrids, particularly those developed through provitamin A biofortification programs, exhibited higher average provitamin A (3.33 vs. 1.84 µg g⁻¹) and total carotenoid concentrations. Correlations between kernel structural components and nutrient composition highlighted the structural basis of grain quality variation. These findings demonstrate that landraces and hybrids provide complementary nutritional profiles that can jointly support breeding, food innovation, and sustainable food systems. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary LC inclusion (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) in Pekin ducklings from 7 to 65 days of age on growth performance, carcass traits, metabolic profile, immune status, and economic efficiency. A total of 250 unsexed 7-day-old Pekin ducklings were randomly allocated to five dietary treatment groups, each comprising five replicates of 10 ducklings. The linear response plateau analysis estimated LC breakpoints of approximately 50 mg/kg diet for body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Additionally, LC significantly improved carcass yield and crude protein content of the meat, as well as enhanced its antioxidant capacity. Physiologically, LC enhanced hematological indices, lipid metabolism, and thyroid hormone activity, without adversely affecting liver function. Moreover, LC favorably modulated the intestinal microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and reducing pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, it improved immune status, as indicated by higher immunoglobulin levels, lysozyme and phagocytic activities, and lymphocyte proliferation. LC significantly enhanced the mentioned parameters without inducing any adverse effects; however, the magnitude of the response plateaued and subsequently declined at higher inclusion levels (200–400 mg/kg). The improvements in performance and health status were attributed to the enhanced fatty acid oxidation, energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and immunomodulatory effects of LC. In conclusion, including 50 mg L-carnitine/kg in the diet represents an effective and appropriate nutritional strategy under the conditions of the present study to optimize growth performance, carcass quality, nutrient digestibility, health status, and economic profitability in Pekin duck production systems. Full article

Provision of cow–calf contact (CCC) in combination with pair housing may enhance welfare and stimulate greater intake of both milk and starter feed, thereby improving the performance and health of calves reared under cold conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of combining partial daily CCC (5 h/d) with pair housing (19 h/d) in dairy calves reared in outdoor pens during winter, when the mean ambient temperature was 6.2 ± 0.4 °C throughout the study period. A total of 30 Holstein calves (birth weight = 37.4 ± 3.4 kg) were enrolled at birth. Fourteen calves received daily dam contact and were pair-housed (DC-PH), while the remaining 16 calves had no dam contact (NC); of these, 8 were pair-housed (NC-PH) and 8 were individually housed (NC-IH). Dam contact was maintained until day 60, after which all calves were weaned and group-housed until day 80. Milk consumption was greater in DC than NC calves (7.4 vs. 5.5 L/d). During the pre-weaning period, body weight and average daily gain did not differ between treatments. However, DC-PH calves had greater body weight at day 80 and higher average daily gain between days 60 and 80 than NC-PH calves (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Pre-weaning starter feed intake and feed efficiency did not differ across treatment groups. Dry matter digestibility was significantly greater in NC-PH than in NC-IH calves (87.7% vs. 81.4%; p = 0.03), but no significant effects were observed on NDF and DM digestibility between NC-PH and DC-PH calves. On day 54 (the pre-weaning phase), compared with NC-PH calves, DC-PH calves had higher blood glucose (p = 0.05), lower cortisol (p = 0.02), tended to have lower βHBA concentrations (p = 0.06), and a greater ruminal protozoal count on day 35 (p = 0.01). Total health score tended to be higher in DC-PH than NC-PH calves (p = 0.06) and was higher in NC-IH than in NC-PH calves (p = 0.05). During an 8-h behavioral recording prior to weaning, DC-PH calves were observed less frequently performing non-nutritive oral behaviors, such as licking the stall or fences and sucking on other calves, and tended to be more frequently standing, contacting other calves, playing alone, walking, and ruminating than NC-PH calves. After weaning, DC-PH calves were observed more frequently eating, resting, walking, and engaging in social interactions than NC-PH calves. Likewise, after weaning, NC-IH calves were observed more frequently playing, vocalizing, and walking, but less eating than NC-PH calves. Overall, our findings indicated that while social interaction (NC-IH vs. NC-PH) significantly improved dry matter digestibility and health, the addition of dam contact (DC-PH) maintained nutrient digestibility at levels comparable to NC-PH, but tended to reduce health status. Also, calves in the DC-PH treatment, which voluntarily consumed more milk than NC calves, exhibited greater post-weaning growth, more favorable behavioral responses, and improved pre-weaning metabolic profiles (lower cortisol and βHBA concentrations and higher blood glucose). These findings indicate that the partial dam contact management system, together with greater voluntary milk intake, was associated with enhanced post-weaning performance and metabolic status, as well as differences in rumen microbial development. However, as milk intake was not standardized across treatments, these responses cannot be attributed solely to maternal contact. Overall, under the conditions of this study, partial dam contact represents a feasible management strategy to support calf welfare and development, provided that appropriate environmental management is implemented to minimize disease risks. Full article