Articles tagged with Cattle
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.
A large-scale study by Kyushu University researchers found that E. coli bacteria from cattle exhibit characteristics similar to those causing human food poisoning. The findings suggest that these bacterial adaptations may help them thrive in a cattle's intestine, leading to the emergence of new, harmful strains.
Researchers used a 'One Health' approach to study three bacterial species in the noses of young cattle, finding patterns that differ remarkably between the bacteria. The findings could help prevent and control respiratory diseases, particularly when infection becomes established in the lower respiratory tract within the lungs.
A new skin test can accurately differentiate between cattle infected with tuberculosis (TB) and those that have been vaccinated against the disease. This breakthrough has significant implications for reducing TB transmission from cattle to humans through unpasteurized milk or co-habitation with infected animals.
An international team sequenced 67 ancient genomes to observe genomic changes in cattle over eight millennia. They found a widespread influx of zebu genetics around 4,000 years ago, likely linked to a multi-century drought and changing climate.
A new genome-wide analysis uncovers the complex origins of domestic cattle by comparing ancient and modern genomes. The study reveals that multiple strains of wild auroch contributed to the growth of domesticated cows.
A study by the University of Adelaide and international researchers has shown that it is possible to breed cattle with reduced methane emissions. The genetics of an individual cow strongly influence the make-up of microorganisms in its rumen, allowing for selection of cows with lower levels of methane-producing bacteria.
A new breeding method increases genetic selection efficiency, conserving or improving population diversity. It considers variance in gametic diversity and relative predicted transmitting ability, resulting in gains of up to 16% compared to traditional methods.
Researchers combined two models to identify high-risk areas for lumpy skin disease virus in cattle, highlighting the importance of ecological conditions and wind patterns. The study predicts potential spread in regions such as Russia, Turkey, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
Research by Caroline Ng'weno and colleagues suggests that strategic placement of cattle corrals can create glades that attract zebras, reducing encounters between lions and hartebeest. This approach could lead to an increase in hartebeest populations, while lions focus on their primary prey.
Researchers discovered genes responsible for asexual reproduction in tropical grass, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving cattle health. This breakthrough enables faster and cheaper breeding of environmentally friendly forage grasses.
Researchers found that around half of all British farms were connected to more than 1,000 other farms per year when buying in cattle, and two-thirds were connected to over 1,000 farms when selling. This extensive network of contact chains can help identify potential routes for disease spread and inform control strategies.
Researchers from the University of Exeter found that lion killing by Maasai farmers increases when lions are identified as culprits of livestock death. This study challenges the common belief that lion killing is a retributive act caused by general loss of livestock.
A new study from the Oxford Martin School suggests that lab-grown meat production may have detrimental long-term consequences on the climate if it relies on high-carbon energy. The researchers found that while reducing methane emissions is crucial, replacing it with carbon dioxide could lead to increased global temperatures.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that cattle urine releases more nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, when spilled on degraded land compared to healthy pasture. Land restoration and conservation efforts can mitigate this impact by improving forage grasses, rotational grazing, and adding shrubs and trees.
Small farms in Cordoba's dehesas are showing more intense production and increasing livestock density, with beef cattle and Iberian swine being the most common combination. These family-owned farms are intensifying production despite traditional ideas of low productivity, and their study reveals key characteristics of these farms.
Researchers found that dairy cows' milk yield and composition follow predictable annual cycles driven by photoperiod, regardless of geographic location. The study's findings will help dairy farmers better manage their herds and interpret the effects of management strategies.
A study in Scientific Reports identifies mechanisms of pesticide resistance in cattle ticks, which contribute to significant economic losses. The study reveals that the ticks' ability to detoxify toxicants, including ivermectin, is a key factor in their resistance.
Researchers identified 35 genes linked to reproduction, milk production, growth, meat quality, and health in Gir cattle. These genes are a key step towards developing novel lines with desired traits for producers and consumers.
Researchers at Utah State University found that brucellosis causes a substantial decline in the probability of pregnancy among young adult elk. The disease has previously hidden consequences for the wild elk population, highlighting the need to quantify its effects on reproduction.
A study published in Parasites & Vectors found that host decoy traps baited with human or cattle odour can effectively collect outdoor-biting mosquitoes, including the main malaria vector species Anopheles arabiensis. The traps outperformed traditional methods such as human landing catch and caught more mosquitoes than expected.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria in European badgers kill off M. bovis, potentially reducing TB spillover to cattle. The bacteria also stimulate the badger's immune system, improving vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers identified 40 different Leptospira strains in Uruguay cattle, including rare isolates and serotypes matching those found in human leptospirosis patients. The discovery highlights the need for improved diagnostic tools and vaccination strategies to mitigate the risk of human infection.
A new study published in mSphere found that FMDV carriers can transmit the virus to naïve animals under controlled conditions. The findings impact global foot-and-mouth disease management and highlight the need for better vaccines to prevent carrier states.
Researchers found that injectable trace mineral Multimin90 improved conception rates in some herds, but not others. In one study, selenium and copper status improved compared to saline injections. The value of injectables lies in ensuring every animal receives the supplement at a chosen timing.
A Brazilian research project has identified six genomic regions linked to weight gain in Nelore cattle, a breed adapted to tropical climates. The study, led by Diercles Cardoso, used DNA analysis to pinpoint genes associated with growth and weight gain, offering potential for improvement of the breed's food efficiency.
The University of California, Davis, is leading a $2.5 million USDA-funded project to develop a cow genomics program. This initiative aims to unlock the secrets of the bovine genome, enabling more efficient genetic selection for improved growth and disease resistance in cattle.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to cattle and rice farming are risk factors for the devastating disease leptospirosis in northern Tanzania. Cattle and work in rice fields are associated with acute leptospirosis, suggesting that controlling Leptospira infection in livestock could play a role in preventing human infection.
Researchers suggest smaller, controlled experiments could demonstrate vaccine effectiveness with as few as 200 animals. A larger-scale natural transmission experiment using vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle could provide robust evaluation of the efficacy and mode of action of vaccination.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that rice and cattle farming are associated with acute infection. The research suggests that controlling Leptospira infection in livestock could play a role in preventing human leptospirosis in Africa.
A study in northern Tanzania found that cattle, sheep, and goats are infected with Leptospira bacteria, which can cause severe disease in humans. The research highlights the importance of understanding animal transmission to develop control measures.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers has identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a key player in impairing the immune response of cattle affected by Johne's disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a method to control this chronic enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.
The study found that Buša cattle account for a significant proportion of neutral genetic diversity in Bos taurus worldwide. The breed's unique genetic variation makes it an important conservation target for maintaining global genetic and functional diversity.
Research reveals that vampire bats in areas with high livestock abundance have different immune profiles, investing more in adaptive immunity to fight infections. The study's findings also suggest a higher risk of virus transmission to humans through cross-species contact, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices.
A Michigan State University study evaluated adaptive multi-paddock, or AMP, grass-fed operations and found that they can potentially offset greenhouse gas emissions. The research also showed that the finishing phase of beef production could be a net carbon sink, with carbon levels staying in the green rather than in the red.
Water troughs on farms can spread toxic E. coli in cattle, which can then infect humans through contaminated beef and salad greens. Reducing water volume in troughs paradoxically increases E. coli prevalence.
A study published in the journal Primates shows that while plants growing near the edges of cleared regions are negatively impacted by human activity, monkeys sharing the same habitat do not fare as poorly. The researchers found less diversity of tree species at the forest edge compared to the interior, and noted that these trees were ...
A DNA study of cow stomachs could significantly boost meat and dairy production by understanding which microbes help cattle extract energy from food. The research identified previously unknown enzymes that can break down plant material, potentially leading to new biofuels.
A global genomic study has identified genes that influence complex trait of height in cattle, confirming findings with miniature cattle and ancient DNA. The study's collaborative approach also reveals a high degree of overlap with human and dog genomes, opening up new possibilities for research on traits like temperament and body fatness.
A 26-year-old Oregon woman became the first known human to be infected with Thelazia gulosa, a type of cattle eyeworm, after possibly being bitten by an infected fly while fishing in Alaska. She underwent treatment at OHSU and removed all 14 worms from her eye over the course of a month.
Researchers at UC Davis develop a culture system that efficiently derives embryonic stem cells from cattle on nearly every attempt. This breakthrough could revolutionize the way genetics is done by orders of magnitude, enabling faster breeding of genetically superior cows with desirable traits.
The study explores ways to improve compatibility between livestock grazing and fish habitat in the Blue Mountains. New approaches, such as range riders and flexible on and off dates for livestock, emerged from stakeholder conversations.
Danish researchers have developed a method to reduce methane emissions from cattle by 5% through genetic selection, equivalent to 90,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This achievement has great prospects for climate-friendly bull semen exports and benefits cattle farmers.
Researchers have genotyped M. bovis samples from cattle in Mozambique, revealing a deeply geographically structured diversity of the disease. The results suggest that the diversity of M. bovis is maintained within regions through constant reinfection of animals.
An experimental MERS treatment developed from cattle plasma is safe and well-tolerated in a small clinical trial. The treatment, SAB-301, has been successfully tested in mice and shows potential for rapid production of human antibodies against other human pathogens.
Human antibodies manufactured from transchromosomic cattle have been found safe in healthy volunteers, suggesting a potential novel technique for rapidly producing antibodies for passive immunotherapy against emerging infectious diseases like MERS. The treatment, SAB-301, was well-tolerated and showed promise in countering the virus.
Researchers estimate that vampire bat rabies causes between 505-724 cattle deaths annually in Peru, with significant financial losses for farming communities. Enhancing vaccination programs can reduce the disease burden and increase awareness can encourage preventative measures.
A study by the Dairy Herd Health Group at the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science found that 25% of UK dairy farms used over half of all antibiotics in the sample. The research also identified factors associated with high antibiotic use, including oral antibiotics and digital dermatitis treatments.
The review discusses potential applications of genetic modification and genome editing in cattle for food production, highlighting the need for clear information about methods and their consequences. The authors emphasize the importance of stakeholder involvement and international cooperation to address ethical concerns and ensure publ...