Articles tagged with Cattle
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that heat stress on cattle could lead to financial losses of $15-40 billion annually by the end of the century. This would particularly affect producers in tropical regions, including South America, Asia, and Africa.
Free-ranging dairy cows exhibit unique natural behaviors, taking more daily steps than penned cattle. A comparison study found penned cattle take half as many daily steps in modern cubicle housing without access to pasture.
A new study reveals that Colombia's peace agreement has led to more forest loss, primarily due to increased coca farming and cattle ranching in the Andes and Amazon respectively. The research highlights the importance of considering local factors such as land use, politics, and socioeconomics in conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that temperate rainforests can play a crucial role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon and mitigating flooding. However, the research also shows that natural expansion of these ecosystems is unlikely to meet UK targets due to fragmentation and degradation.
A transition to silvopastoral systems could save up to 7% of Colombia's emissions budget for 2030. Adopting more sustainable agriculture, including silvopasture, can prevent further deforestation rates and protect remaining forest remnants.
A team of researchers from the University of Groningen developed an AI-based system that can identify individual Holstein cows in a milking station based on their coat pattern. The system achieved a recognition rate of 99.7% and has several advantages, including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.
A team of scientists led by Vimal Selvaraj has developed a way to preserve the genetic diversity of fast-disappearing native cattle breeds using stem cells. This technology could be used to clone extinct breeds or to produce animals with desirable traits, such as disease resistance and extreme weather tolerance.
A collaborative research study found Cryptosporidium prevalence to be 20-25% across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, posing a serious threat to dairy cattle and human life. The parasite is concerning due to its ability to become infectious in chlorine, increasing the risk of infection through traditional methods.
A new study reveals that the Pantanal, a vast wetland in central South America, can reconcile healthy jaguar populations with economic activities. Ecotourism lodges have been found to be suitable habitats for jaguars, allowing for a landscape of tolerance where the species is no longer persecuted.
A new study found that heat and antibiotics alone and in combination degrade soil microbe efficiency, resilience, and ability to trap carbon. This could diminish soils' resilience to future stress and exacerbate climate change effects.
Researchers found that bacterial communities in streams adjacent to young secondary forests recover to resemble those of mature forest streams within a decade after cattle is removed from the land. This study provides hope for restoring water quality through passive reforestation, which can be crucial for human health and the environment.
A study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that dairy calves use brushes for grooming and oral manipulation, with 40% of brush use being oral manipulation. Providing access to brushes can reduce abnormal behaviors and improve cattle welfare.
Researchers at WashU Medicine and University of Pittsburgh discover that Rift Valley fever virus uses a protein linked to cholesterol metabolism to infect cells. The finding could lead to therapies preventing or reducing the virus's impact by interfering with its entry into cells.
A Texas A&M AgriLife Research project aims to eliminate beef cattle pregnancy loss using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The researchers are studying the role of glycoproteins in embryo loss, with a focus on gene knockout technology, and aim to develop management strategies to prevent reproductive inefficiency in the beef industry.
New research suggests that scaling up silvopastoral systems in Colombia's Amazon Rainforest can lead to deforestation if safeguards are not put in place. The study found that excess male cattle produced by these systems may be sold to farms in nearby areas, contributing to deforestation.
A team of researchers has successfully toilet-trained 11 out of 16 calves, reducing the risk of ammonia emissions and improving farm efficiency. The MooLoo training method involved rewarding successful latrine use and using gentle deterrents to encourage correct behavior.
A breakthrough IVF method has been developed to significantly improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in cattle, reducing pregnancy issues and increasing overall meat and milk production. The new process improves live birth rates with a high accuracy rate, offering vast potential for the cattle breeding industry.
New research reveals Bronze Age farmers in China prioritized cattle for their diets, utilizing byproducts like millet stalks for feed. This approach differs from other regions, where cows were raised closer to human settlements.
A recent review from Oregon State University suggests that agricultural pollution is the cause of 48% of water-quality impairment in US surface waters. The study recommends greater buffer zones around bodies of water and more consistent enforcement of water protection regulations to reduce pollution.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that cattle are losing important environmental adaptations due to a lack of genetic information. They identified specific DNA variations associated with adaptations such as heat resistance and tolerance for high humidity, which could be used to create DNA tests for cattle.
The study found that temperatures between 17 to 24 degrees Celsius are preferable for humans, cattle, pigs, poultry, and agricultural crops. Extreme heat above 32°C with high humidity or 45°C with low humidity can be fatal for humans, while heat stress affects livestock, poultry, and crops at different temperature thresholds.
The University of Toledo has received a three-year $500,000 grant from the USDA to develop tools for selecting bulls with superior fertility. The project aims to reduce dairy production costs and advance ongoing human fertility research by identifying atypical centrioles in bull sperm.
Researchers from the University of A Coruña sequenced the oldest mitochondrial genome of modern cows' immediate ancestor, finding three aurochs with genetic differences. The ancient remains were discovered near a 9,000-year-old shepherdess, sparking debate about their relationship and domestication history.
A research team at ETH Zurich has created a comprehensive bovine genome reference by integrating data from six breeds, revealing numerous new genes and functionalities. These newly discovered sequences show connections to immune functions and may provide insights into genetic variants lost during domestication.
A team of researchers used satellite imagery to study the interactions between cows and elk at the interface of wildland and rangeland. Their findings suggest that elk have acclimated to cattle by avoiding cow pastures and selecting separate foraging sites, reducing potential grazing conflicts.
New research from Trinity College Dublin suggests a correlation between increasing Sika deer populations and higher local bovine TB infections in Ireland. The study found that County Wicklow is a hotspot for both Sika deer and TB infections.
Researchers used NIST's agricomb to measure methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water vapor from a beef cattle feedlot in Kansas. The portable system identified trace gases based on infrared light absorption, providing precise measurements of gas concentrations.
A review in the Journal of Dairy Science examines how US dairy industry breeding selection objectives are established, detailing opportunities and obstacles related to new technologies. The net merit dollars (NM$) selection index has increased the rate of gain in dairy cattle through genomic selection, but challenges remain in measurin...
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that feeding seaweed to beef cattle can reduce methane emissions by 82 percent. The study, which tested seaweed supplements over five months, demonstrates the potential for sustainable livestock production and could help address climate change.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that supplementing beef cattle diets with red seaweed can significantly reduce methane emissions without compromising meat quality. The research showed reductions of up to 80% in methane production, and the authors suggest that this could help farmers improve efficiency and reduce costs.
A study by Hokkaido University reveals that tick saliva contains prostaglandin E2, which suppresses the immune response of helper T cells in cattle. This finding could lead to better protection for cattle against tick-borne diseases.
A staggering number of over 34,000 street cattle roam the Indian city of Raipur, with one animal present for every 54 human residents. This high cattle population poses significant risks for road accidents and exacerbates human-cattle conflicts in urban areas.
Excessive use of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in industrial meat production facilities affects water quality and air pollution. Aerial transport of agrochemicals from feed yards contributes to environmental degradation, posing risks to humans and wildlife.
A recent study by Morgan Grabau found that cattle grazing on corn residue in the spring can increase soybean yields and minimize soil compaction. Contrary to initial concerns, the team discovered that even high-intensity grazing did not significantly affect subsequent crop growth.
Pumas and culpeo foxes can successfully coexist due to distinct diets, with pumas primarily feeding on introduced hare species and foxes on smaller mammals. This study sheds light on predator interactions and ecosystem balances in the Andes.
A genetically edited form of a herpes simplex virus has outperformed a leading vaccine candidate in a new study, significantly increasing antibody production and reducing viral replication. The modified live virus demonstrated cross-protection against both HSV-1 and HSV-2, suggesting an HSV-2-specific edition could be even more effective.
Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that even protected biodiversity hotspots are losing significant areas to agriculture and urban sprawl. Over a quarter century, the world's most biologically diverse places lost an area three times the size of Sweden.
The study found that removing dairy cows from US agriculture would decrease nutrient supplies, particularly calcium and vitamins, while having a minimal effect on greenhouse gas emissions. However, this reduction in essential nutrients could pose challenges for feeding the human population.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that cows are more relaxed when spoken to directly by a live human than when listening to a recorded voice. The researchers observed higher heart rate variability and lower heart rates after the live interaction, indicating improved mood.
Researchers have identified key genetic markers associated with heat and drought tolerance, inflammation resistance, and tick control in African cattle. The study reveals how Asian cattle breeds influenced the development of indigenous breeds through genetic 'time travel', enabling them to thrive across Africa.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have found a strong association between genes influencing cattle temperament and autism in humans. The study's findings could lead to improved animal welfare and meat quality by identifying genetic markers for better temperament.
Researchers investigate how genetics influence rumen microbiome in cattle, seeking to identify host genomic markers for heritability. The study aims to manipulate microbiomes to enhance agricultural production and develop more sustainable cow-calf systems.
Researchers at Penn State determined the optimum dosage of 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) to reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy cows by 16-36%, with no effect on milk production or quality. The study's findings suggest that widespread use of 3-NOP could be an affordable strategy to mitigate climate change.
Researchers at UC Davis successfully produced a bull calf named Cosmo with the SRY gene inserted via genome editing, resulting in expected 75% male offspring. This breakthrough aims to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact by producing more fuel-efficient male cattle.
A computer simulation model developed by Kansas State University researchers reveals significant vulnerabilities in the beef supply chain and transportation industry. The study found that packing plants are particularly susceptible to disruptions, which can have far-reaching economic consequences.
Researchers create true diploid genomes from a single individual using an innovative genome assembly strategy, applicable to cattle breeds and potentially other species including humans. The technique, called trio binning, disentangles maternal and paternal genomes, revealing important genetic differences between breeds.
Genomic analysis uncovers lineages specializing in cattle colonization; intensification of agriculture led to adaptation of generalist lineages, potentially creating zoonotic pathogens.
A new study finds that intensive farming practices increase the likelihood of pathogens becoming a major public health risk. Campylobacter, a bacterium carried by cattle, is estimated to be present in 20% of cattle worldwide and can cause serious illness in humans.
Researchers analyzed ancient potsherds to find clues about the diet and subsistence practices of ancient East African pastoralists. They discovered that ruminant meat, bones, and marrow were a staple, while milk residues were present at low frequencies.
A new study reveals that the risk of transmitting the virus PPRV does not significantly increase with age, unlike its sibling virus measles. Instead, animals from pastoral areas are more likely to become infected compared to agropastoral areas.
A study by University of Sussex researchers found that common anti-parasite treatments for cattle have devastating impacts on dung beetles, key prey items for various bird and bat species. The treatments, which are widely used and available without veterinary oversight, can attract adult beetles and impair their larvae's development.
Researchers found that bulls fed distillers grains had higher sperm quality and greater body weight, but no significant difference in body fat. The study suggests that distillers grains can be safely used in bull development rations, with minimal impact on reproductive health.
A new study published in Nature Sustainability shows that irrigation of cattle feed crops is the leading driver of water shortages and fish imperilment in the Western United States. Sixty fish species are at an elevated risk of global extinction due to flow depletion, primarily caused by irrigation of cattle-feed crops.
Researchers found that hormone implants increased weight gain and feed intake by 10% in Holstein steers, making them comparable to beef breeds. This technology can be a game-changer for dairy farmers struggling financially.
Research identifies high-risk locations and times for disease transmission between elk and cattle, highlighting the importance of minimizing contact between species. Guidelines provide actionable steps to reduce the risk of infection.
Scientists discovered that Mycobacterium bovis can survive and grow in small amoebae organisms found in soil and dung. The bacterium adapts to ambient temperatures and remains metabolically active, potentially explaining high transmission rates between animals.
Research at the University of Sydney found that cows give unique voice cues to express emotions and maintain herd contact. This knowledge can help farmers improve animal welfare by recognizing individual animals' needs.
A new study has confirmed that bovine kobuvirus is the causative agent for calf diarrhea in US cattle. The virus was found in four of nine samples tested at the University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
The project will evaluate producer preferences for bull genomics and physical traits, as well as feedlot preferences for feeder cattle genetic testing. Researchers hope to provide valuable information to producers to enhance marketing opportunities and improve market efficiency.
Researchers discovered that Shiga toxin subtype 2a enhances E. coli O157 colonization and facilitates effective cattle-to-cattle transmission. This finding highlights the importance of understanding Shiga toxin activity and its role in animal reservoirs to reduce human health threats.