Social networks describe animal relationships within particular physical, social, and observational conditions. Their welfare interpretation depends on understanding how those conditions shape the behaviour recorded. Building on ethology, spatial–social analysis, and animal welfare science, we propose social optionality as an integrative construct concerning the scope and revisability of an animal’s social repertoire in relation to physically available alternatives, their functional accessibility, and their behavioural relevance. The organising question is how an animal’s directed repertoire changes when the specified social alternatives change and where in the behavioural process that response arises. We distinguish physical availability, functional social accessibility, and perceived or valued alternatives, then separate encounter exposure, directed action, and observation quality. Existing network and reaction-norm methods can estimate the components of this framework; its contribution is their coordination around a declared opportunity contrast and explicit requirements for biological interpretation. A deterministic worked example illustrates why identical interaction patterns can arise under different access conditions and why reduced social activity need not change partner diversity. The proposed profile is not a validated welfare score. Its interpretation requires knowledge of cattle biology, individual history, and current conditions, while claims about control, agency, or welfare require additional evidence appropriate to those claims. The framework is independent of measurement technology, and ethological expertise informs every stage. Its operational value remains to be established against simpler models supplied with the same information.
Following the aim of reducing animal-based methods, it is crucial to develop, validate and standardize enzyme-based in vitro methods for feed evaluation. In the context of protein evaluation of ruminant feeds, proteases are used to estimate ruminal protein degradation. This review summarizes the current development of these methods and identifies main limitations, which can be attributed to the properties of the feed matrix in particular. The article shows where such methods can be used effectively and where further research is needed.
Cryopreservation-induced damage to bull spermatozoa remains a limiting factor in artificial insemination programs. Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has attracted attention as a semen extender additive. However, dose-dependent effects in Tris-based egg yolk extenders at varying incubation times are poorly characterized for cattle. The study evaluated the effects of caffeine supplementation concentrations (0, 3, 5, and 8 mM) in a Tris-based egg yolk extender and post-thaw incubation time (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours) on the quality of cryopreserved Nguni bull semen. Eighteen ejaculates were collected from three Nguni bulls using an electro-ejaculator and cryopreserved in Tris-based egg yolk extender at four caffeine concentrations. Post-thaw samples were incubated at 37 °C with 5% CO2 and assessed at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h for motility (CASA), morphology, viability, and acrosome integrity. The data obtained were subsequently analyzed using a general linear model ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. Caffeine at 3 mM produced the highest total and progressive motility across all incubation times, while 5 and 8 mM improved acrosome integrity but increased tail abnormalities and accelerated motility decline. Viability was not significantly influenced by caffeine concentration. Prolonging the incubation time significantly reduced all semen quality parameters (P < 0.01). A concentration of 3 mM caffeine per 20 mL of Tris-based egg yolk extender at an incubation time of 0–1 h yielded the best results with respect to total motility, progressive motility, and straight-line velocity. Higher concentrations (5 and 8 mM) improved acrosome integrity but compromised motility and morphological integrity during extended incubation.
IntroductionEdilbay sheep represent an important indigenous genetic resource of Kazakhstan, yet genomic differentiation among independently maintained breeding populations remains poorly characterized. This study investigated population structure and signatures of divergent selection in two Edilbay populations from the Azhar and Birlik breeding farms.MethodsFollowing quality control, 588 animals (294 per population) and 24,124 autosomal SNPs were analyzed using PCA, ADMIXTURE, phylogenetic reconstruction, FST, signed allele-frequency differences, runs of homozygosity (ROH), XP-EHH, and Rsb.ResultsDespite very low genome-wide differentiation between Azhar and Birlik (FST=0.0049), population-structure analyses revealed partial separation and greater heterogeneity within Azhar. Localized differentiation and haplotype signals were detected across multiple chromosomes, while ROH patterns indicated broadly similar genomic autozygosity in the two Integration of complementary ROH, FST, allele-frequency differentiation, and XP-EHH/Rsb signals prioritized a candidate region on OAR10. Coordinate refinement identified an approximately 206-kb convergence core in the genomic neighborhood of PCDH9. The prioritized variants were predominantly non-coding, and neither functional annotation nor regulatory analyses identified a causal variant.DiscussionThese findings reveal localized genomic differentiation within the Edilbay breed and highlight the OAR10 PCDH9-centered candidate region as a priority for further genomic and functional investigation.
Livestock feed quality is fundamental to animal productivity and food security. However, inadequate information exists on the technical competencies and training needs of feed processors in South-West Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge gaps and training needs among livestock feed processors in South-West Nigeria, and examined the implications for agricultural extension service delivery. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 287 registered feed processors that were selected through a multistage sampling procedure from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire. Technical knowledge was assessed using 31 feed-processing statements, while training needs were evaluated using the Borich Needs Assessment Model and respondents’ expressed needs. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge in 19 of the 31 technical areas that were assessed. These include feed safety, particle-size management, and basic nutritional practices. However, significant knowledge gaps were identified in feed formulation, nutrient balancing, ingredient classification, anti-nutritional factors, and appropriate use of feed additives. Training needs were highest for preparing feed formulas (BNV = 3.68), feed analysis (BNV = 3.48), ingredient inclusion levels (BNV = 2.42), and in identifying anti-nutritional factors (BNV = 2.33). Calculating proximate analysis and feed formulation were the most highly expressed training priorities. Feed processors possess practical operational skills but exhibit critical deficiencies in scientific and technical areas of feed production. Targeted extension-based capacity-building programs that focus on feed formulation, nutrient analysis, and feed safety are essential to improve feed quality, livestock productivity, and food system resilience in feed processing sector.
