A University of Illinois researcher is testing a new model for conservation that involves raising awareness among private landowners about invasive species and providing strategies for moderate livestock grazing and controlled burns. The goal is to promote the growth of native wildlife habitats in the Grand River Grasslands, which has ...
Researchers reveal evidence of dairy farming in prehistoric Saharan Africa around 7,000 years ago, based on fatty acid analysis of ancient pottery. This finding confirms the early presence of domesticated cattle and milk in the region.
A parasitic flatworm called Fasciola hepatica hinders the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle by reducing the sensitivity of skin tests. This study found that liver fluke infection can create false negatives for TB, allowing infected cattle to continue transmitting the disease.
A study of over 3,000 dairy herds in England and Wales found that liver fluke infection reduces the sensitivity of skin tests used to diagnose bovine TB. This means infected cattle may not be identified by current surveillance schemes, contributing to the disease's spread.
A dairy study funded by the American Jersey Cattle Club Research Foundation investigates how breed and conformation affect cow longevity. Dr. Pablo Pinedo aims to compare the productive life of Jerseys, Holsteins, and their crosses in multi-breed herds.
A genetic study has traced cattle back to a small herd of approximately 80 animals domesticated around 10,500 years ago. The research used DNA extracted from ancient cattle bones found in Iranian archaeological sites to determine the origins of domestication.
A new study by researchers at the University of Alberta found that the ranchland near Pincher Creek is a hot zone for grizzly bear encounters. Despite no human fatalities, the area's private land and cattle carcasses attract bears.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will lead a $25 million project to study Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) strains that cause over 265,000 illnesses annually. The team will focus on the seven most dangerous STEC strains and develop diagnostic techniques to reduce STEC risks in cattle.
Scientists have developed a vaccine using a harmless parasite to carry medicines into cattle's bloodstream, offering long-term protection against common conditions. The treatment could also be adapted to deliver drug treatments against common cattle diseases.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist has developed a partnership with South African colleagues to improve cattle breeding, benefiting breeders worldwide. The research focuses on the Nguni breed, which is popular among poor farmers due to its fertility and tolerance to harsh conditions.
A new study reveals that wild animals like zebras can sometimes enhance cattle growth and production, especially during times of plenty. Grazing by zebras reduced weight gain for cattle in the dry season but increased it in the wet season due to improved grass quality.
African ranchers may need to rethink their approach to managing savanna rangelands, as a new study suggests that coexisting with wildlife can enhance cattle growth. Grazing by wild animals like zebras can actually improve the quality of grass for cattle during the wet season when grass becomes rank and unproductive.
A recent study has identified a genetic marker on bovine chromosome 20 associated with the incidence of three costly cattle diseases: pinkeye, foot rot, and pneumonia. This finding has the potential to improve disease tolerance in cattle and reduce economic losses for producers.
A study by Iowa State University found that grazing management practices can greatly reduce the amount of sediment, phosphorus, and pathogens deposited into pasture streams. Simple and practical techniques can be implemented to minimize pollution while allowing cattle to graze on pasture stream banks.
A new analysis confirms that localized reactive badger culling increases the risk of infection in nearby herds. The study found that the presence of any reactive culling activity within one kilometre of a herd more than doubled the risk of bovine TB, even after adjusting for the number of confirmed outbreaks nearby.
A new study on Northumberland's Chillingham cattle reveals climate change is altering the timing of their breeding schedules, leading to more winter births and lower calf survival rates. The long-term dataset, dating back to 1860, provides valuable insights into how mammals respond to global warming.
A new variant of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been detected in cow's milk, which is genetically different from existing MRSA strains. The variant can evade some existing detection methods, leading to incorrect prescriptions and potentially putting people at risk.
Researchers found that cattle fed with wet distiller's grains (WDGS) had higher levels of E. coli O157:H7 in manure and on their hides compared to those without WDGS. The study aims to determine the causes of this difference and find ways to reduce E. coli levels.
Researchers report a decline in the proportion and concentration of diclofenac in cattle carcasses in India, slowing the annual population decline of vultures by approximately 60%. However, illegal use of diclofenac remains a challenge to be addressed.
Scientists created a method to reconstruct cattle dietary history and authenticate beef origins by analyzing muscle tissue and tail hair elements. The technique provides a powerful tool to verify farm practices and label claims on meat products.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that rotational grazing techniques can benefit both cattle and wildlife in native pasturelands. The results show a greater forage base, producing larger, more valuable cattle while reducing incentives for deforestation and habitat loss.
Researchers will use DNA-based models to predict genetic merit for feed efficiency and identify specific bacteria that affect cattle digestion. The study aims to improve animal well-being, reduce production losses, and minimize environmental impacts.
The GPFARM-Range computer model allows ranchers to test various scenarios involving forage yields, weight gains, and stocking rates under different weather conditions. This research supports USDA's priority of promoting agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change.
Researchers found wolves rely on cattle for up to 45% of their summer diet in southwestern Alberta, shifting from wild prey in non-grazing seasons. Cattle make up a significant portion of wolf packs' scavenged feeding events, often located near bone yards and grazing areas.
Scientists have developed a process to turn meat and bone meal, once destined for landfills due to a government ban, into partially biodegradable plastic. The new material is durable and requires no raw materials from oil or natural gas.
A team of US Department of Agriculture scientists found that moderate cattle grazing can improve soil health and sequester carbon and nitrogen. Decades of plowing have degraded the soil in the Piedmont region, but researchers discovered that grasses planted on eroded land and grazed by beef cattle can restore soil quality.
Two new species of cladocerous crustaceans, Leydigia iberica and Leydigia korovchinskyi, have been discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. These ancient arthropods, dating back to the Permian period, are considered powerful bio-geographic indicators.
Fire, cattle, and prairie dogs play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of vegetation on the western Great Plains. This mosaic of diverse vegetation supports various wildlife species, including declining populations of grassland birds and ground-nesting birds.
Researchers identify significant differences in timing of cell fate commitment between mice and cattle, raising implications for embryonic stem cell generation. The study shows that the early implantation process is driven by a key evolutionary step enabling early implantation in mice.
A report published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that catnip oil is 99% effective in repelling bloodsucking stable flies. The repellent action lasts for about three hours and has the potential to reduce cattle industry loses by $2 billion annually.
A team of K-State researchers is working to reduce the percentage of cattle affected by bovine lameness, a common health issue in US feedlot and stocker calves. They are developing models to assess lameness and identify risk factors for prevention, as well as analyzing indicators of pain to determine effective treatment options.
Researchers discovered the FMD virus selectively infects epithelial cells in the nasopharynx after just six hours of exposure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and potentially eradicate the disease, which causes significant economic losses globally.
Catnip oil has proven 99% effective in repelling stable flies that cause $2 billion in annual losses. The repellent action lasts for about three hours and is being improved upon.
Cattle fever ticks are transmitted by bovine babesiosis, a deadly disease that affects US cattle. USDA scientists have developed two strategies to control the spread of infestation: a 4-Poster Deer Treatment Bait Station and an injectable time-release treatment containing doramectin.
Researchers found that naturally raised steers can be produced effectively in either confinement or pasture finishing systems, but require a premium of $110 to justify costs. Pasture finishing is more profitable and results in higher quality grades.
Researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp successfully restored a sleeping sickness parasite's susceptibility to drugs, potentially alleviating economic losses. The discovery involves combining antibiotics with an existing medicine, ISM, which could lead to more effective treatments for both cattle and humans.
A team of scientists found clear evidence of feasting at the ancient Hilazon Tachtit Cave burial site near Karmiel, Israel. The Natufian community members gathered there for special rituals to commemorate the burial of the dead, with feasts being a central element.
Researchers are developing a new vaccine technology using MHC tetramers to accelerate bovine vaccine creation, promising faster and more accurate development of vaccines for East Coast fever and foot-and-mouth disease. The goal is to provide basic science insights needed for better disease control in developing countries.
Scientists are using a vaccine to vaccinate bison against brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby livestock. Researchers found that bison infected with Brucella abortus exhibit similar symptoms to cattle, highlighting the need for targeted eradication programs.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a genetic sensing mechanism that allows E. coli to form colonies in cattle, and found that interfering with this system can prevent the bacteria from colonizing and reaching humans. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing food-borne illnesses.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that starting early-weaned cattle on corn and finishing them on a diet high in co-products can achieve high-quality beef while reducing feed costs. Cattle fed these diets showed significant marbling and higher profits compared to traditional finishing methods.
Agricultural Research Service scientists studied cattle grazing patterns to understand its effect on sagebrush communities and grouse habitats. They found that monitoring the rate of interspace tussock consumption can help preserve grouse habitat by allowing ranchers to move their grazing lands when 40% of these tussocks are consumed.
Agricultural Research Service scientist Michael Flythe has found that hops can inhibit hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria, a key contributor to ammonia production in cattle. This reduction in ammonia production can lead to improved ruminant nutrition and reduced reliance on expensive high-protein supplements.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are working to understand the causes of heat stress in cattle and develop management strategies to mitigate its effects. They have identified 11 influential factors contributing to animal susceptibility, including coat color, health history, and temperament.
Research by USDA scientists found that cows can efficiently graze pastures with easily accessible leaves, reducing the need for time and land. This approach enables ranchers to better estimate how long to leave cattle in a pasture and how large to make it.
Researchers investigated Norwegian Red cattle's performance and health in free-stall and tie-stall systems. Free-stall cows in small herds produced significantly less milk due to increased fighting time, while larger herds offset this loss.
A new study published in PLoS ONE suggests that badger culling is unlikely to be a cost-effective way of helping control cattle TB in Britain. The research found that the benefits of repeated widespread badger culling disappear within four years after the culling has ended, resulting in significant financial losses for farmers.
Researchers found that warmer climates would limit protein availability to grazing animals, with projected scenarios suggesting plant protein concentrations will diminish in the future. To adapt, ranchers may need to manage herds differently or provide supplemental protein.
Researchers developed a genetic family tree for cows and ruminants, spanning 29 million years, using a new technique that also applies to humans. The study provides insights into cattle domestication, breed formation, and evolutionary connections to humans.
Researchers analyzed ancient bison genetic mutations to identify important variations in domestic animals, potentially improving agricultural breeding programs and disease resistance. The study also revealed the evolutionary history of the ruminant family tree and provided insights into climate change adaptations.
Researchers have found that transhumant sheep farming is crucial for griffon vulture conservation, as it provides an important trophic resource. The study shows that the presence of transhumant cattle in mountain passes gives vultures access to up to six times more food than local livestock.
Researchers have identified a four-gene region on chromosome 6 that affects cattle carcass weight, known as the CW-2 genotype. This discovery could accelerate the breeding of meatier cattle by identifying genetic markers for selection.
Indonesian zebu cattle have a unique origin with banteng (Bos javanicus) as part of their ancestry, adapted to tropical climates. The study shows that many famous 'racing bulls' from Madura descended from banteng cows.
Beef farmers can now reduce their cattle's methane gas production by up to 25%, according to a new formula developed by researchers. This reduction is expected to significantly improve environmental stewardship on farms, with methane accounting for 72% of Canada's total cattle emissions.
The complete cattle genome has been sequenced and annotated, providing unique insight into the biology and evolution of cattle. This breakthrough research could lead to significant improvements in beef and dairy production, including increased milk production, disease resistance, and meat quality.
Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the domestic cattle genome, identifying approximately 22,000 genes and sharing about 80% with humans. The findings provide critical insights into the structure and function of the human genome, including segmental duplications that affect immunity and metabolism.
A recent study on the bovine genome has provided valuable insights into potential new developments in cattle research. The project identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that can help researchers identify favorable traits, leading to improved disease resistance and meat quality.
The completed bovine genome sequence provides new information about mammalian evolution, cattle genetics, and improved cattle production. Researchers identified genetic variation among different breeds of cattle, shedding light on the relationship between genes and meat quality.
UC Riverside researcher Kerry Knudsen discovered a new species of lichen on Santa Rosa Island, California, and named it Caloplaca obamae in honor of President Obama. The discovery highlights the importance of preserving public lands and studying biodiversity on the island.
Researchers at Kansas State University collaborated with Epitopix LLC to develop the US' first vaccine against E. coli O157 in beef cattle. The vaccine has been granted conditional approval by the USDA and is expected to help reduce cattle shedding of the pathogen.