This study evaluated 10 by-product feeds as potential energy sources (Exp. 1) and 20 as protein sources (Exp. 2) to examine dry matter disappearance (DMD), total gas (GP), methane (CH 4 ) production, and rumen fermentation. Two batch culture experiments (randomized complete block designs) were conducted. Gas samples were collected at eight time points over 48 h for GP and CH 4 determination, with DMD, pH, volatile fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen also determined. Data were analyzed using PROC Mixed in SAS. A variety of by-products (meals, extracts, screenings, hulls, bran, or DDGS) were derived from canola, corn, flax, hemp, oat, pea, potato, quinoa, soybean, sunflower, and wheat. By-product affected ( P < 0.01) all variables (except total GP mL g −1 DMD basis). Potato starch (Exp. 1) and pea screenings (Exp. 2) had the highest (mean 87.8%) DMD, whereas hemp was lowest. Potato starch and pea hulls had the highest overall CH 4 , with hemp lowest in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, hemp products and red osier dogwood (ROD) had the lowest CH 4 . Overall, hemp and ROD had the lowest CH 4 , but reduced DMD, suggesting that animal performance may be negatively affected. However, this study examined by-products in isolation; thus, further assessment in formulated diets is required.
This study was developed to characterize some components of the nutritional matrix of Brazilian wheat, triticale, and barley, identify indicators of nutritional value variability, and predict the N-corrected metabolizable energy (ME n ). Forty-two samples of wheat, triticale, and barley were evaluated in 20 metabolism experiments conducted over 5 years. Eight pigs (replications) were used per treatment (a total of 496 pigs, 54.4 ± 8.89 kg), allotted to the treatments according to initial weight (block) in a randomized block design. The average ME n values determined for wheat, triticale, and barley were 3683 ± 119.4, 3678 ± 111.81, and 3447 ± 188.09 kcal kg DM −1 , respectively. The best model for predicting ME n includes BW, ash, total sugars, and gross energy and provides a reduction of over 56% in the prediction error when compared to using the mean. The relative concentration of some essential amino acids in the protein decreased with increasing protein content, especially lysine in wheat, triticale, and barley ( r = −0.77, −0.72, and − 0.50, respectively), threonine in triticale ( r = −0.61), and valine in barley ( r = −0.58). These results demonstrate the potential of Brazilian winter cereals as an energy source for pigs.
Globally, sheep rank third in red meat production after cattle and pigs, emphasizing the importance of improving growth traits in breeding programs. Birth weight is critical for neonatal survival, whereas weaning weight affects later growth performance and productivity. Therefore, improving these traits is important for increasing efficiency and profitability in sheep production systems. This study aimed to investigate the association between three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs413799434, rs401648197, and rs423370130) in the methionine sulfoxide reductase B3 ( MSRB3) gene on chromosome 3 (OAR3) and pre-weaning growth traits in Morkaraman sheep, an indigenous breed of Türkiye. A total of 477 lambs were genotyped using custom TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Genotype–phenotype association analysis revealed that rs413799434 and rs401648197 were significantly associated with body weights at 30, 60, and 90 days, as well as average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG-90). As a result of genotyping, some genotypes, such as rs413799434-TT, showed relatively low frequencies, and deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed for rs413799434 and rs401648197. Therefore, further validation studies using larger and independent populations are required to better clarify the potential association between variation within the MSRB3 gene and pre-weaning growth performance in Morkaraman sheep.
Understanding variability in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions among dairy farms is essential for identifying effective mitigation strategies. This study quantified gross and net GHG emissions in 62 commercial dairy farms in Québec, including a subset of 42 farms for which soil and tree carbon stock changes were assessed. Mean gross GHG emissions were 1.05 ± 0.16 kg CO₂-eq/kg fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM), with moderate variability (CV = 14.6%; range: 0.59–1.42). Net GHG emissions, accounting for soil and tree carbon stock changes, averaged 1.06 ± 0.35 kg CO₂-eq/kg FPCM and showed greater variability (CV = 33%; range: 0.28–1.87). Enteric fermentation was the main emission source (48% of gross emissions), followed by manure management (18%), soil emissions (14%), and feed production (13%). Changes in soil and tree carbon stocks strongly influenced net emissions, with combined effects ranging from −0.66 to +0.52 kg CO₂-eq/kg FPCM. Cluster analyses revealed significant differences among farms for gross and net GHG emissions, showing that inclusion of carbon stock changes modified farm performance interpretation. Greater milk yield per cow, dietary starch content, and soil clay content were associated with lower emission intensity. Both emission sources and carbon sequestration contributed to farm-level variability.
This study assessed the effects of including 5% oven-dried apple pomace (ODAP) in the diets of grower pigs on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and stress biomarker. Sixteen Camborough mixed-sex grower pigs, initially weighing 30 +/- 3.3 kg, were randomly allocated to either a control (CON) or 5% apple pomace (ODAP) diets with 8 animals each (n = 8) for 21 days. Data were analyzed using the t test procedure in SAS 9.4, followed by a post hoc test, and significance was declared at P < 0.05. The average daily weight gain and feed intake showed no difference among treatments. The overall gain-to-feed ratio was significantly improved with ODAP (P < 0.01). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein showed no significant differences between the two diets; however, ODAP significantly increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of neutral detergent fiber and digestible energy. Salivary cortisol was not affected by dietary treatments. These findings indicate that a 5% inclusion of ODAP improved the feed efficiency and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs.
Reducing dietary crude protein (CP) with essential amino acid (AA) supplementation can improve nitrogen utilization; however, it may compromise growth performance if nitrogen supply becomes limiting. This study evaluated the effects of dietary CP reduction on growth performance and metabolic responses in growing–finishing pigs. Two 28-day feeding trials were conducted using pigs with initial body weights of 55 and 70 kg. In Experiment 1, pigs were fed diets containing 15.5% or 13.5% CP, and in Experiment 2, CP levels were 13.5% or 11.5%. Reducing dietary CP decreased average daily gain in growing pigs, whereas feed intake and gain-to-feed ratio were not affected. Low-CP diets reduced apparent total tract CP digestibility and blood urea nitrogen, and altered circulating proline and serine concentrations, while most essential AA were maintained. In finishing pigs, low-CP feeding downregulated jejunal AA transporter and mammalian target of rapamycin gene expression. However, fecal fermentation characteristics, microbial composition, and carcass traits were not significantly affected by dietary treatments. Overall, dietary CP reduction influenced growth performance and metabolic responses in growing–finishing pigs, suggesting that adequate nitrogen supply remains important even when essential AA requirements are met.
An alternative stun-kill electrocution technique may be more user-friendly to euthanize large pigs (68-300kg), over the captive bolt or gunshot. High voltage (>250 Volts) equipment for applying head-chest electrocution through tongs exists, but is costly. Attaching two electrodes (copper clamps) to blood-rich areas, then connecting them to an accessible 120 Volt power source, could theoretically, deliver sufficient amperage simultaneously to the brain and heart, killing the pig. This study investigated the behavioural response of sows (n=138) and finisher (n=40) pigs to electrode attachment, and ease of application. Each pig was restrained in a pen and received four treatments in varied sequence: bridle-belt (BB), clamps on tail and ear (CTE), or flank and lip (CFL), and handling without electrodes (CON). Per treatment, electrodes were left attached for 10s then removed. The behavioural response was scored (0: accepting to 3: highly aversive) and behaviours expressed (frequency) were recorded. Three attempts to attach electrodes were allowed, and the duration of time for attachment was measured. Attaching CTE was quickest (P<0.001) and >1 attempt was most probable with BB (P<0.001). Aversion was more probable with CTE and CFL compared to BB or CON (P<0.001). Clamp combinations were easier to attach, while BB minimized aversion.
The Azores is a Portuguese archipelago, located in the North Atlantic, with a subtropical climate. Its position on the Gulf Stream makes this region ideal for year-round grass-fed cattle for milk and meat production. Dairy operations in the Azores have major importance for the islands’ economy. However, these weather conditions also favor the growth of fungi in pastureland. Among them, Pseudopithomyces chartarum, formerly called Pithomyces chartarum, is one of the fungi with enormous negative economic impact for farmers, and the dairy industry in general. As in New Zealand and other regions of the world, outbreaks of pithomycotoxicosis occur in our grazing cattle, finding the need for preventive procedures, for there is no cure for the disease. This paper provides an overview of the disease and presents recent advances regarding the environmental conditions and predictability of P. chartarum sporulation based on a 2-year study with IoT temperature and humidity sensors. It will also cover prevention strategies to minimize the impact of the disease in grazing cattle. The duration of zinc supplementation as a preventive measure was reduced by approximately 40 days per year over the course of the study, indicating a more targeted and efficient management strategy.
A 3-year study evaluated an injectable trace mineral (ITM) product (Multimin (R) 90) containing Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn on beef cow and calf performance. Each year, cows were blocked by age, stratified by body weight (BW), and randomly allotted to 1 of 2 treatments, either (i) ITM + granular 2:1 trace mineral (ITM; n = 9 797 100/year); or (ii) granular 2:1 trace mineral alone (CON; n = 98100 101/year). The ITM was given at 4 weeks pre-calving (PC) and 4 weeks pre-breeding (PB). Cow BW and body condition score (BCS) were evaluated at ITM administration and at fall pregnancy testing (PT). Blood serum mineral concentrations were evaluated at PC, PB, and PT. Serum mineral concentrations at PC, PB, and PT did not differ (p > 0.05) between groups. However, Cu levels at PT increased (p = 0.03) for ITM (0.49 ppm) compared to CON cows (0.43 ppm). Over 3 years, average pregnancy rates were 92.1 and 90.6% for ITM and CON cows (p = 0.57). Cow BW and BCS did not differ (p > 0.05), and calves born to ITM cows did not differ (p > 0.05) by birth weight or weaning weight. Future studies should include more cows with greater variability in initial trace mineral status.
This study evaluated the effects of hemp by-products on in situ degradability, cannabinoid residues in the milk of lactating ewes, and growth performance and tissue cannabinoid residues of lambs. Experiment 1 assessed the in situ degradability of wheat screenings (control), hemp hulls, and screenings. The ruminal degradability was greater (P < 0.01) for wheat screenings compared to hemp by-products. In experiment 2, 15 lactating Canadian Arcott & times; Suffolk ewes were assigned to either 15% wheat screenings, 15% hemp hulls, or 15% hemp screenings (dry matter (DM) basis). No cannabinoid residues were detected in milk 4 h post-feeding from ewes. In experiment 3, 12 Canadian Arcott & times; Suffolk ram lambs received the same three treatments as the ewes, except wheat or hemp ingredients were included at 20% DM. Hemp hulls increased (P = 0.03) dry matter intake compared to wheat screenings, but weight gain was unaffected (P > 0.05). Cannabinoids were detected in muscle, fat, kidney, and liver of lambs fed hemp by-products. Our findings support the utilization of hemp by-products in ruminant diets; however, a withdrawal feeding period may be required when inclusion levels exceed 10% DM in lamb diets to prevent detectable cannabinoids at slaughter.
This study evaluated the effects of 5 or 10 days of feed restriction (FR), relative to ad libitum feeding, on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) function using six ruminally cannulated beef heifers in a 3 & times; 6 Latin rectangle. Periods consisted of 5 days of baseline measurements, a 10-day challenge phase, and four consecutive 7-day recovery phases. During challenge, heifers were exposed to either: CON (ad libitum feed provision for 10 days); FR5 (ad libitum feed provision for 5 day followed by FR to 30% of baseline dry matter intake (DMI) for 5 days); or FR10 (FR to 30% of DMI for 10 days). Water intake, and total ruminal and fecal shortchain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were less during challenge for FR5 and FR10 relative to CON (P < 0.015). No differences were observed for SCFA absorption (P >= 0.42). Ruminal digesta was 11 kg lighter for FR5 and FR10 than CON during challenge (P = 0.03). While paracellular permeability of the total GIT was not affected (P >= 0.65), post-ruminal permeability was greater for FR heifers during challenge than CON (P < 0.01). Independent of the duration, FR reduces GIT fermentation, does not affect SCFA absorption, and increases post-ruminal permeability.
Absolute methane (CH4) production (g/day) from sniffer systems can be estimated by multiplying the measured CH4 to carbon dioxide (CO2) ratio with predicted CO2 output (g/day) based on body weight and energy-corrected milk yield. However, this method may introduce bias in CO2 prediction due to differences in energy use efficiency, affecting CH4 estimates. Using respiration chamber data from 1060 individual records across 37 studies, we simulated CH4 predicted from sniffers to examine the relationship of CH4 and CO2 estimates with feed efficiency, categorized by residual feed intake (RFI). Carbon dioxide production was overestimated in the low-RFI (efficient) cows (12.2 vs. 11.6 kg/day) and underpredicted in the high-RFI (inefficient) cows (12.3 vs. 13.4 kg/day). Consequently, CH4 emissions were overpredicted in efficient cows (380 vs. 362 g/day) and underpredicted in inefficient cows (384 vs. 419 g/day; P < 0.01). When cows were grouped by CH4 prediction error, observed CH4 emissions and yields increased across error groups, while predicted values showed the opposite trend (P < 0.01). These results indicate that CH(4 )estimates based on predicted CO2 may be systematically biased, which could affect animal ranking and genetic progress if used in selection indices without adjusting for feed intake or efficiency.
During winter, Western Canadian cow-calf producers (WCCCPs) use field-feeding methods such as swath-grazing to reduce costs and improve nutrient cycling. This study identified the primary reasons for and against swath-grazing, updated common agronomic and production practices used by practitioners, and assessed associations between swath-grazing adoption and operation characteristics. Survey responses (n = 220) from WCCCP were analyzed. Swath-grazing was currently or previously utilized by 70% of respondents. Reduced fuel (94%) and labour (60%) were the top two motivators for adoption. Concerns with waste (24%), weather (22%), wildlife (19%), and animal performance (19%) were the top four reasons cited by respondents (63/220) who ceased swath-grazing. Polycrops were used by 43% of swath-grazers, with oat, pea, hairy vetch, and turnip being the most incorporated crops in mixtures. On average, producers swath-grazed for 70 days, allocating new swaths every 4.5 days. Majority of producers managed leftover swaths in the spring by grazing with cattle (56%) and/or using field equipment to incorporate residue into the soil (21%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that having a spring calving start, cultivated land, use of stockpile grazing, and a cattle feeding enterprise were positively associated with swath-grazing adoption (P <= 0.05), while post-secondary education was associated with reduced adoption (P = 0.004).
This study evaluated the effects of Bacillus subtilis and l-arginine supplemented during early gestation on reproductive performance in sows. Sows were assigned to four treatments: a control diet or supplementation with B. subtilis, l-arginine, or their combination, from day 5 to 30 of gestation. Reproductive traits were recorded at farrowing and analyzed using linear and generalized linear mixed-effects models. No treatments had significant effects on litter size, piglets born alive, litter birth weight, birth weight variability, farrowing duration, birth interval, or stillbirth and mummification rates (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, combined group tended to have a lower individual birth weight of all piglets (1296 vs. 1426 g; p = 0.064) and exhibited a significantly lower individual birth weight of live-born piglets (1356 vs. 1486 g; p = 0.027). In addition, the combined group showed a lower proportion of piglets weighing more than 1.5 kg (30.5 vs. 50.7%; p = 0.021) and a tendency toward a higher proportion of piglets weighing less than 1.1 kg (23.0 vs. 15.5%; p = 0.071). No interaction effects between B. subtilis and l-arginine were detected. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, supplementation with B. subtilis and l-arginine during early gestation did not confer significant benefits in sows.
Eprinomectin is used to control parasites in cattle, but data are limited on its longitudinal effects alone or in combination with antimicrobials like chlortetracycline on bovine microbiota. Rumen and fecal samples were collected on day 0 and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks from control steers (n = 5) or steers administered, eprinomectin (LR, day 0, n = 5), chlortetracycline (CTC, days 0-56, n = 5), or LR and CTC (LR + CTC, n = 5). The V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA gene was amplified in extracted DNA and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Alpha-diversity in rumen and fecal samples remained consistent (P > 0.05) across all samplings and treatments. However, permutational multivariate Analysis of variance revealed changes (P < 0.05) in microbial communities in rumen but not fecal microbiota with LR and CTC. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in rumen and fecal microbiota in all samples. Prevotella dominated in the rumen, while 5-7N15 (Bacteroidaceae family) and Oscillospira dominanted in feces. All steers had similar relative abundances of Prevotella in the rumen, and 5-7N15 and Oscillospira in the feces. These findings suggest that eprinomectin and chlortetracycline may alter microbial communities in the rumen, with minimal impact on dominant taxa in feces.
The objective was to determine the effect of dietary fibre (DF) supplementation in Salmonella Typhimurium (ST)-challenged pigs fed a low indigestible dietary protein (IDP) or high IDP (HIDP) diet. Thirty-two weaned pigs (7.3 +/- 0.1 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a 2 & times; 2 factorial arrangement (n = 8 pigs/treatment) with IDP level and DF supplementation (DF-vs. DF+) as factors. After a 7-day pre-inoculation period, all pigs were orally inoculated with ST followed by a 7-day post-inoculation period. Inoculation with ST increased rectal temperature and inflammatory cytokines, worsened fecal consistency score, and altered acute-phase protein and redox biomarkers (P < 0.05). Regardless of DF, HIDP decreased average daily feed intake and average daily gain (P < 0.05) in ST-inoculated pigs (P < 0.10). HIDP worsened fecal consistency score and ST quantification in cecal digesta, regardless of DF (P < 0.05). Regardless of IDP, DF+ reduced myeloperoxidase concentration in colonic digesta (P < 0.05). HIDP increased ST translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, plasma d-Lactate, and alkaline phosphatase, and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.05), while DF+ increased plasma SOD and GSH (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate the negative effects of HIDP on growth performance and health status of ST-challenged weaned pigs, while DF supplementation improved antioxidant and intestinal inflammatory status.
This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Cannabis sativa seeds (Beldiya ecotype) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and breast muscle fatty acid composition in Cobb(500) broilers from day 21 to 42. A total of 120 birds were assigned to four diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30 g/100 g cannabis seeds (CS). Growth performance parameters were assessed primarily as indicators of bird response. Body weight was not significantly affected by CS inclusion up to 30 g/100 g, although minor variations were observed during weeks 2 and 3. Feed intake decreased at higher inclusion levels, while feed conversion ratio showed moderate improvement during the early experimental phase. Carcass characteristics and meat quality traits were not influenced by dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Dietary CS was associated with improved lipid-related parameters, including reduced plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (p <= 0.05). Breast muscle fatty acid composition was significantly improved (p <= 0.001), with increased proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, resulting in a reduced omega-6:omega-3 ratio. Under the present experimental conditions, CS inclusion altered lipid metabolism and improved the fatty acid profile of broiler meat without marked adverse effects on growth performance, confirming its potential as a functional feed ingredient in poultry production.
This study investigated the factors affecting water sulfate levels and explored the use of electrical conductivity (EC) in predicting high sulfate water using 3491 water quality records. A cut-off value of 2500 mg/L of water sulfate levels was used to differentiate safe and unsafe water for livestock. The predictive accuracy of three EC cutoff values, 4000, 4250, and 4500 & micro;S/cm, were determined and compared to identify the best cutoff value. Approximately 10% of water contained unsafe sulfate concentrations, while well and spring had the best quality water. The highest sulfate level was registered in 2021 when there was pronounced drought in the region. While season did not affect sulfate levels, sulfate-to-total dissolved solid (TDS) ratio did differ (p < 0.05) with high ratios observed in spring and summer. The 4250 & micro;S/cm EC cutoff value had the best performance metrics and could be used with high confidence in diagnosing water safety in terms of sulfate concentration. However, because the diagnostic potential of electrical conductivity depends on the stability of the sulfate-to-TDS ratio, periodic laboratory testing of water should be encouraged to verify that this EC cutoff remains highly predictive of safe water.
The survey examined differences in calving distribution, calf management, feed and water testing, and animal health practices among cow-calf herds in western and eastern Canada, using data from the 2022 breeding season through weaning of the 2023 calf crop. Larger herds had a higher proportion of cows (63%) and heifers (67%) calving in the first 21 days compared to smaller herds (57% and 63%, respectively). Pain control for dehorning was more commonly reported in the east (82%) than the west (67%), though overall frequency of use did not differ significantly. For castration, pain control use was slightly higher in the west (50%) than in the east (45%), with a significant regional difference in frequency (P = 0.013). Feed testing varied by region (P < 0.001), occurring once or more annually in 50% of western and 31% of eastern herds. Water testing frequency did not differ significantly, with over 60% of producers in both regions never testing water. Vaccination rates were 95% (west) and 92% (east). While vaccination and pain control uptake was consistently high overall, there is room to improve pre-breeding vaccine use, pain control, and feed and water testing-especially among smaller herds or those relying on visual assessments for cattle performance.
Cow-calf producers in western Canada face large amounts of operational uncertainty each year. However, there are limited livestock-specific risk management tools available to producers outside of Livestock Price Insurance (LPI). Despite offering downside price protection to producers, adoption levels in western Canada over the last decade have remained low. In this paper we analyze survey data from 336 western Canadian cattle producers using a logit model to understand what factors impact the likelihood of LPI purchase. In addition, we explore common rationale behind non-adoption from producers in the three prairie provinces. We find that producers who have large herd sizes, are risk-averse, and who participate in other risk management programs are more likely to purchase LPI. Mixed producers with large proportions of their operating acres dedicated to crop production, and producers operating in a partnership were less likely to adopt LPI. Across all three prairie provinces, the cost of LPI emerged as the dominant reason behind non-participation, followed by program complexity and limited indemnities. The results of this research indicate that premium subsidization and targeted extension may have the potential to increase future program adoption.
