This study evaluated effects of dietary tomato pomace (TP) levels on growth performance, haematology, carcass traits, visceral morphometry, and breast meat quality in Jumbo quail. A total of 350 unsexed, one-week-old quail were randomly assigned to five diets containing 0 (TP0), 25 (TP25), 50 (TP50), 75 (TP75), or 100 (TP100) g/kg TP for four weeks. Live weight and body weight gain exhibited quadratic responses to TP in week 1, with performance minimized at 84 g/kg TP. In week 2, live weight was minimized at 59.5 g/kg TP, whereas feed intake increased linearly (P = 0.013). Dietary TP reduced (P < 0.050) monocytes and cholesterol but increased total protein and mean corpuscular volume (P = 0.037). Quail fed 25 and TP50 diets had higher breast weights than those on TP75. Increasing TP levels decreased meat redness and drip loss while increasing shear force. Thus, higher levels (>75 g/kg) impaired meat traits.
This study investigates complexity matching pattern between daily milk yield in dairy cows and variations in Schumann resonance frequency bands. The analysis uses 895 days of data from a dairy herd in Lithuania and examines five low-frequency bands that overlap with canonical mammalian brainwave ranges: delta (0-3.5) Hz, theta (3.5-7) Hz, alpha (7-15) Hz, beta (15-32) Hz, and gamma (32-65) Hz. A matrix-based approach using Hankel matrix and Perfect Matrix of Lagrange Differences was applied in order to identify the temporal complexity matching between the milk yield and Schumann resonance magnetic field signals. Statistical validation was also performed using Spearman rank correlations. The results indicate the complexity matching across all frequency bands, with the strongest associations observed for the alpha band. Although the correlations are modest, the findings suggest that variations in the Earth's natural electromagnetic environment may coincide with fluctuations in dairy cow productivity.
Early piglet life is challenged by reduced feed intake particularly around weaning. This study investigated whether supplementing liquid creep feed with 20% lactose from day 10-28 would enhance growth, hormone levels, and gene expression in artificially reared piglets. Twenty-seven piglets were individually housed and assigned to three treatments: milk replacer only (CON), milk replacer with liquid feed (MRLF), or milk replacer with liquid feed containing 20% lactose (LAC). Feed intake and body weight were recorded daily. Small intestine and blood samples were collected for analysis of cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and gene expression. Piglets of the LAC group had lower body weight than CON piglets (P < 0.05), though average daily gain was similar. Dry matter intake differed (P < 0.001), and CON had poorer feed conversion ratio than MRLF and LAC. No treatment effects were found on hormone levels or gene expression. Further research should explore post-weaning effects of lactose supplementation.
This study evaluated soy gum as an emulsifying additive in pork fat based diets for starter broilers during the starter phase of life in a four by three factorial design. No interaction was detected for feed intake, body weight gain, or feed conversion ratio. Inclusion of 3.9 percent pork fat increased body weight gain from 0 to 14 days and from 0 to 21 days, and improved feed conversion compared with the fat free diet. Soy gum at 1.25 percent worsened feed conversion without affecting feed intake or weight gain. Pork fat increased ether extract digestibility, whereas 2.5 percent soy gum improved crude protein and dry matter digestibility. Apparent metabolizable energy was higher when 2.5 percent soy gum was combined with higher pork fat levels. Overall, soy gum improved dietary energy utilization after 14 days, but did not enhance growth performance in starter broilers under the conditions of this study.
Dairy products, especially the intake of dairy products by children, are quantitatively important iodine sources in Denmark, and concerns have been raised relative to the iodine intake of children. The present study investigated two dietary iodine levels, three post-milking treatments (with and without iodine) and compared two milking procedures for effects on blood and milk variables. Six early lactating dairy cows with permanent indwelling catheters were used. Higher urinary iodine concentrations and a tendency for higher blood plasma iodine concentrations were observed with higher iodine supplementation. Milk iodine concentrations remained relatively low with both treatments, below 100 & micro;g/kg. Blood plasma iodine concentrations were higher when the post-milking iodine spray was used. The milking procedure had a small numerical effect on milk iodine when a post-milking barrier product was applied. Dairy cows fed canola-based diets have a low iodine status even when supplemented according to the highest dietary iodine concentration recommended by EFSA.
This study examined the relationship between body weight and linear body measurements in FUNAAB-Alpha meat-type chickens. Six hundred chicks (200 each of Normal, Naked neck, and Frizzle) were raised from 2 to 8 weeks and evaluated biweekly for body weight, shank length, keel length, and breast girth. Feather type significantly (p < 0.05) influenced all growth traits across most ages, with Naked neck and Frizzle birds consistently outperforming the Normal feather type. Strong positive correlations were observed between body weight and all linear measurements within the three feather types. Breast girth was the best single predictor of body weight, while multiple regression models combining shank length, keel length, and breast girth improved prediction accuracy (R & sup2; = 0.88-0.93). These findings indicate that linear body measurements particularly breast girth provide reliable, non-invasive estimates of live body weight and can support more effective selection and breeding strategies for FUNAAB-Alpha chickens.
In weaned piglets, the decline of intestinal lactase activity predisposes animals fed lactose-rich diets to maldigestion and diarrhea. Microbial pathways can compensate via the Leloir or tagatose-6-phosphate routes, depending on transport systems and microbiota composition. This study assessed the effect of microencapsulated probiotic consortia on lactose utilization, gut microbiota, and performance in 108 piglets assigned to four diets: two probiotic blends (D1, D2), an antibiotic group (D3), and a copper control (D4). 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomics showed that probiotics, especially D2, stabilized the microbiota by enriching Firmicutes, increased Lactobacillus and Prevotella, and suppressing Escherichia coli. Functional profiling revealed distinct metabolic strategies: D4 relied on broad extracellular hydrolysis, whereas D1 and D2 utilized active Lactose-Phosphotransferase transport linked to intracellular catabolism. D2 exhibited the highest glycolytic engagement, indicating optimized energy harvest. Dietary probiotics enriched lactose-metabolizing pathways and stabilized the gut microbiota, alongside indicative trends toward better stool consistency and feed utilization.
The aim of the present study was to compare blood biochemistry of lactating dairy cows receiving veterinary treatment for mid-lactation milk fever with the profile of healthy controls. Mid-lactation milk fever in dairy cows is defined as hypocalcemia not accompanied by detectable clinical manifestations of other diseases. We investigated serum samples from 20 nonambulatory cows diagnosed with mid-lactation milk fever and found that calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphate perturbations mimics the profile expected in periparturient hypocalcemic paresis and we conclude that mid-lactation milk fever is a disorder related to the calcium metabolism in lactating dairy cows. We observed elevated serum concentrations and activities of serum amyloid A, interleukin-6, serum non-esterified fatty acids, and aspartate aminotransferase in cows suffering from mid-lactation milk fever, however, none of these variables correlated with the magnitude of the perturbation of the calcium status of the nonambulatory cows. The cause of mid-lactation milk fever is unknown.
This study investigated the population structure of a closed Bhakarwal flock maintained at the Mountain Research Centre for Sheep and Goat, SKUAST Kashmir using pedigree data analyzed with ENDOG version 4.8 software package. The mean inbreeding coefficient for complete and reference population was 13.36% and 23.19%, respectively. The effective population size (6.3) was critically below the FAO threshold (Ne = 50), suggesting a narrow genetic base and substantial loss of diversity. The effective number of founders and ancestors were both three, with merely two individuals accounting for 50% of the gene pool. Only 42% of the genetic diversity expected from the ancestral founders has been retained, with 58% lost due to genetic drift. The loss of heterozygosity attributed to genetic drift and unbalanced founder contribution was 23.19% and 17%, respectively, underlining the need for genetic conservation by introducing unrelated bloodlines and controlled mating strategies.
Objective: Our objective was to pool data from four independent trials to determine the effects of a formulated blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG; Fytera (R) Advance - Selko (R) USA) on the growth performance of feedlot cattle. Methods: Trials were conducted in South Dakota and Oklahoma (two receiving and two finishing studies). Within each study, pens were assigned to one of two treatments: (1) non-supplemented (CON); or (2) supplementation with 500 mg/steer/day of CCG. Results: During the receiving period, no effects were observed (P >= 0.13). During the finishing period, CCG supplementation improved feed efficiency by 1.75% (G:F = 0.174 vs. 0.171; P = 0.04) and tended to increase average daily gain by 1.70% (1.78 vs. 1.75 kg/day; P = 0.07), without affecting dry matter intake or carcass traits (P > 0.11). Additionally, when all four studies (receiving and finishing trials) were combined, CCG supplementation improved feed efficiency by 2.24% (G:F = 0.182 vs. 0.178; P = 0.02) and tended to increase average daily gain by 1.33% (1.50 vs. 1.52 kg/day; P = 0.07). Conclusion: These findings suggest that CCG supplementation, in combination with monensin, may enhance feed efficiency in finishing cattle.
This study compared the milk composition of Swedish Mountain Cattle (SMC) with modern dairy breeds, Swedish Red (SRB) and Swedish Holstein (SH). SRB milk had significantly higher fat and saturated fatty acid contents (p < 0.001), whilst SH milk demonstrated the lowest levels of most solids. SMC milk exhibited a higher lactose and a favourable casein profile with elevated alpha s1-casein, total beta-casein, and beta-casein A1 concentrations (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.006), indicating good potential for cheese-making. However, SMC milk also contained reduced kappa-casein levels and a significantly higher pH (p < 0.001), compared to the modern breeds. Principal Component Analysis revealed a homogeneous and compositionally stable profile in SMC milk, distinct from SRB and SH, underscoring its value in traditional dairy production. These findings support the preservation and targeted use of native breeds in diversified dairy systems.
This study aims at developing an innovative organic beef production system that generates a variety of beef products derived from male offspring of dairy cows. The system must ensure high and consistent meat quality, enhance consumer satisfaction and support a compelling narrative, involving calves raised with foster cows on pasture, followed by grazing on permanent grasslands post-weaning. The average carbon footprint of the three beef products was 18.6 kg CO2-eq/kg of carcass. Consequently, consumers would need to eat 57 g of beef or less from this system to match the carbon footprint of 100 g of conventionally, intensively produced beef. The hypothesis is that consumers, due to the overall concept of this system, will reduce their overall meat consumption - embracing a 'less is more' approach - to offset the higher climate impact per kg of beef associated with this organic system compared to more intensively produced conventional beef.
Crossbreeding dairy cows with Angus beef sires can enhance the performance and carcass quality of bulls in dairy-based beef production. This study evaluated 72 intact bulls (36 dairy-sired [D], 36 Angus-sired [C]) raised in either a high-intensity (H; 64% concentrate, slaughtered at 15 months) or low-intensity (L; 44% concentrate, slaughtered at 18 months) system. Across systems, C bulls outperformed D bulls in average daily gain (1.48 vs. 1.33 kg), carcass weight (389 vs. 343 kg), dressing percentage, conformation, fatness, and marbling scores (all P < 0.01). The H system improved daily gain and feed conversion but resulted in lower carcass weight and marbling than the L system. Notably, L bulls had superior carcass weight (387 vs. 346 kg) and marbling (2.1 vs. 1.7) (P < 0.01). These results indicate that Angus crossbreeding improves growth and meat quality traits in intact bulls, regardless of production intensity.
The study evaluated the effects of partially substituting soyabean meal with fermented water hyacinth meal (FWHM) in layer diets. Ninety-six hens were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments in a complete randomized design, replicated 8 times and each pen was considered an experimental unit. Dietary treatments 0% FWHM, 2.5% FWHM and 5% FWHM were fed to layer hens in an 8-week feeding trial. Inclusion of FWHM up to 5% had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on body weight, total weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, or nutrient utilization. Inclusion of 2.5% FWHM significantly reduced faecal nitrogen excretion and ammonia production (P < 0.001) and 5% FWHM improved apparent phosphorus digestibility (P < 0.001) and reduced faecal phosphorus excretion (P < 0.05). Dietary FWHM up to 5% inclusion level improved nutrient utilization, reducing environmental excretion without adverse effects on growth, while supporting sustainable poultry production.
The present study investigated the effects of sex, method of male castration (surgical and immunological) and PRKAG3 gene alleles at 199 and 200 codons, also known as RN gene, on meat and fat quality in 125 pigs. In terms of category (sex or castration method), the greatest meat colour differences were found between females and boars or immunological castrates. Both codons showed a significant influence on colour, but the alleles of codon 199 showed greater colour differences. The intramuscular fat content of the Longissimus lumborum of females and surgical castrates was higher than that of boars, whereas immunological castrates did not differ from any category. A previously undocumented relationship was found between the alleles of codon 199 and the content of unsaturated fatty acids or the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in backfat. For codon 200 a relationship with the omega-3 fatty acids content in backfat was observed.
The negative consequences of dirty dairy cattle are well known, as they affect both animal welfare and farm economics. Despite this, the prevalence of dirty cattle remains high in Sweden, with no decreasing trend. The aim of this project was to explore dairy farmers' awareness and opinions regarding the causes of dirtiness in cattle, as well as their attitudes toward preventive measures, in order to better understand knowledge, management practices, and decision-making at the farm level. Twenty-one Swedish dairy farmers voluntarily participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted during February and March 2021. Overall, the farmers believed that all housing systems can be kept clean, although the level of work required varies. They recognized that inadequate housing design complicates management. The interviews highlighted the critical importance of effective cleaning routines, which farmers consistently identified as a key factor in maintaining dairy cow cleanliness.
This study explores the factors influencing the success of the community-based bull breeding scheme. A double hurdle model was used to assess two key success indicators: the survival of the breeding bull and its ability to sire offspring. The findings indicate that while some factors overlap, most influencing variables are distinct. Specifically, the survival of the breeding bull is positively linked to the bull host's education, literacy, local government support, and prior consultations with the community before introducing the bulls. In contrast, the ability of the bull to sire offspring is positively influenced by the number of reproductive female cows owned, the ownership of improved cows, and tethering as the grazing method. To enhance the effectiveness of the CBBP, this paper recommends promoting grazing systems that reduce the movement of the bull, increasing investment in animal healthcare and ensuring mandatory consultations with farmers before providing breeding animals.
The objective was to determine the effects of three different milk feeding strategies with varying levels of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) on calves' hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), Cu status and plasma enzyme markers. The treatments were whole milk (CONTROL, <4 mg Fe per day, <1 mg Cu per day in milk), whole milk supplemented with iron (IRON, 110 mg Fe per day,<1 mg Cu per day) and milk replacer (MR, 152 mg Fe per day, 14.3 mg Cu per day). At birth Hct was 30.4 +/- 0.7% in average. CONTROL had decreasing Hct levels with nadir in week 5 of 22.5 +/- 0.8%. IRON and MR had increasing Hct levels, with zenith at 38.4 +/- 1.3% in week 5 and 34.7 +/- 0.8% in week 2, respectively. Hepatic Cu concentrations were greater (636 +/- 46 mg/kg DM) in MR compared with IRON and CONTROL (172 and 163 +/- 46 mg kg DM, respectively).
