Articles tagged with Livestock
A new study reveals that grazing abandonment leads to lower soil carbon, while continued grazing consistently results in higher soil carbon. Grazing is found to be crucial for sustaining grasslands and enhancing soil carbon storage.
A new review suggests that microplastics can act as mobile carriers for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes, creating hotspots where resistance can persist and spread. The review calls for integrated treatment methods to control microplastics, antibiotics, and resistance genes.
Research shows that a moderate presence of pikas improves the composition of vegetation for grazing yaks, increasing the abundance and nutritional quality of palatable grasses and sedges. This moderate presence helps suppress tall poisonous plants, thereby facilitating weight gains in yaks.
Researchers from Texas A&M are testing far-UVC light to determine its effectiveness in reducing airborne pathogens in commercial poultry houses without harming birds. The study, led by Morgan Farnell and Ziteng Xu, aims to provide a new tool for the poultry industry to protect bird health and reduce mortality and economic losses.
A new study analyzing a large dataset reveals that cattle were initially more abundant than sheep, but sheep increased in the 7th century, driven by monastic farms and wool production. The economy shifted towards draught cattle in the 10th to 12th centuries, but then declined as demand for meat and milk grew
A study analyzed 1,694 articles and found an annual growth rate of 9.5% in research addressing climate change and animal production. The study also noted an increase in interdisciplinarity, methodological sophistication, and new agendas focused on sustainability, adaptation, resilience, and animal welfare.
Researchers tested electron beam technology on ground turkey, finding it effective in inactivating pathogens while preserving meat quality. The study used modified atmosphere packaging to minimize oxidation effects, resulting in preserved meat quality and inactivation of pathogens.
Irrigated mountain hayfields act as large filtration systems, reducing nutrient concentrations in runoff and improving water quality. This study found that voluntary adoption of best management practices can effectively mitigate the impacts of agricultural nutrient use in mountain meadow hay systems.
A multidisciplinary team at Texas A&M Engineering is developing three field-ready formulations for treating New World screwworm infestations in livestock. The novel wound treatments aim to deliver rapid death of larvae while minimizing chemical residues, providing a much-needed solution for ranchers and veterinarians.
A study found that US meat products with sustainability labels, such as organic chicken (7% increase) and grass-fed beef (33% increase), tend to be pricier than their non-labeled counterparts. The price premiums vary greatly depending on the type of label.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring gut molecule that strengthens chickens' immune response against bacterial infections. The compound, sodium butyrate, reprograms chicken immune cells to fight diseases without causing inflammation.
Arkansas researchers used a machine-learning approach to study the organization of neighboring genes in bacteria. The novel method distinguished disease-causing strains of Enterococcus cecorum from nonpathogenic ones by analyzing how neighboring genes are organized within the bacterial genome. This new approach may provide valuable clu...
New research highlights the importance of preserving traditional cattle breeds' unique genetic profiles for resilience against disease and environmental challenges. These populations carry irreplaceable traits that could help future generations of farmers respond to global challenges such as climate change.
A recent study reveals that the Pimentel Barbosa Indigenous Territory, home to the Xavante ethnic group, has maintained its environmental configuration amidst agricultural expansion and deforestation. The area, dominated by Cerrado vegetation, has been preserved despite surrounding areas being converted to soybean farming and livestock...
Researchers propose using AI to track nitrogen flows, improve scientific models, and provide practical recommendations for farmers. This approach aims to rebuild the disrupted nutrient cycle and reduce nitrogen losses while increasing food productivity.
A new study reveals that industrial poultry farming has led to a 100-fold increase in Campylobacter movement, allowing strains to mix extensively in commercial poultry populations. This has resulted in more than 3.5 times as many gastroenteritis cases in the UK each year compared to other foodborne bacteria.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Local policies in China's 'Livestock-Free Zones' successfully reduced local carbon emissions, but this achievement was overshadowed by a significantly larger 'policy leakage' effect. A study found that for every unit of carbon reduced locally, approximately 3.14 units of carbon emissions were displaced to neighboring regions.
A new study has developed a high-resolution inventory of veterinary antibiotic emissions across China, tracking emissions from livestock and aquaculture into soil, freshwater, and seawater. The inventory estimated that approximately 23,110 tonnes of veterinary antibiotics were released into China's environment in 2020.
In California's human-dominated landscape, gray wolves predominantly feed on cattle, followed by mule deer and small mammals. This dietary composition suggests that coexisting with humans may be complex for wolf populations.
Researchers at Göttingen University found that virtual fences lead to a more even distribution of animals across the pasture and reduced movement near edges. Virtual fences also elicit similar behavior from cattle as conventional electric fences.
Researchers are testing two treatments to help ranchers protect their herds from bovine theileriosis, a deadly disease spread by the invasive Asian longhorned tick. The treatments include a prescription anti-tick vaccine and a slow-release parasiticide, with initial results showing promise in reducing symptoms and mortality rates.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that early bovines, such as Parabos tigneresi, inhabited a humid environment and weighed up to half a ton 4 million years ago. The discovery of well-preserved fossils at the Camp de Ninots site has shed new light on the evolution of large-bodied buffalo and cattle.
Researchers at Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT developed a new biophysical allocation method to distribute emissions among cattle farm products, providing a more accurate calculation than traditional methodologies. The study found that producing a single bovine embryo generates up to 37.5 kg of CO2 equivalent.
Researchers found that cows stared longer at unfamiliar faces and could match a known handler's voice with their image. The animals' heart rates showed no emotional response to the faces or voices.
A new study found that influenza D viruses can vigorously replicate in human cells and lung tissue samples, suggesting a strong potential to spill over to humans. Researchers also detected antibodies against Influenza D in people who work with cattle, but no active human infection has been discovered to date.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a promising new vaccine approach against highly pathogenic bird flu (H5N1) that demonstrates strong efficacy in both mice and dairy cattle. The vaccine platform protects against multiple H5N1 strains and generates immunity in both the bloodstream and respiratory tract.
Researchers analyzed bone collagen peptides from avian remains found at the Gungok-ri site in South Korea, identifying the presence of chickens and their management during the Proto-Three Kingdoms period. The study's findings provide insights into Korean food culture, agriculture, and animal domestication.
A study on Spanish transhumance identifies three distinct types of systems, aligned with agroecological principles, offering insights into sustainable livestock farming. The findings highlight the need for greater political support and a regulatory framework to protect this ancient practice.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that gentle human interactions trigger positive emotions in young chickens. The study's results suggest that early-life handling can shape animals' affective experiences and improve their welfare.
Researchers have developed a robotic gripper called ChicGrasp, which can learn to handle chickens by imitating human movements. The system uses advanced imitation learning algorithm and camera perceptions to grasp a chicken carcass by the legs and lift it on a shackle conveyor.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) has developed a scalable aquaculture platform that automates early-life stages, minimizing pathogen exposure and animal stress. The system uses light and flow-guided systems to improve survival rates and reduce labor input.
The new open-access reference guide emphasizes that breeding objectives must reflect farmer priorities and production realities. Local breeds are critical for climate adaptation and resilience in small-scale and low-input production systems, but many are at risk of extinction due to indiscriminate crossbreeding with exotic breeds.
A new scientific review highlights a growing environmental challenge linked to modern food production, where waste from livestock and aquaculture operations contains complex mix of emerging contaminants. These pollutants can spread through ecosystems and ultimately affect human health.
A $1.8 million grant will fund the development of refrigerated semen storage, eliminating liquid nitrogen needs for dairy farming in developing countries. This technology is expected to increase milk production and improve farmers' incomes, addressing food insecurity.
The study maps where and how millions of animals may be affected by heat stress in Europe. Regional differences were found, with southern European countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and Romania likely to face significant impacts.
A Texas A&M research team identified the Brucella abortus species causing illness in animals in Cameroon, with over 1 million cattle and goats potentially infected. The study highlights the importance of targeted disease control, improved diagnostics, and regional surveillance to safeguard animal and human health.
A study by Iowa State University researchers reveals that avian influenza can infect livestock and humans through their mammary glands, which have high levels of sialic acids. This increases the risk of transmission and potentially more dangerous adaptations emerging.
Researchers are tracking the New World screwworm's potential return to California, deploying traps baited with a lure that attracts the fly. Early detection is critical to preventing an outbreak, particularly among farm animals vulnerable to wounds. The project aims to raise awareness and prevent infestations if the fly were to reappear.
A study by Shinshu University researchers highlights the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to enhance livestock gut health, immunity, and growth while reducing dependence on antibiotics. The findings support sustainable livestock management and contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance risks.
New research reveals that large-scale livestock farming accelerates the spread of antibiotic resistance and heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. Dried poultry manure, once applied to vegetable plots for food crops, drives a dramatic surge in dangerous antibiotic resistance genes.
A study found high rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw milk, with 95% of isolated strains resistant to penicillin and erythromycin. The presence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in raw milk highlights the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use and improved hygiene practices.
A new study by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture reveals that water quality can significantly impact the type of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and litter. The study found a Bacillus species with probiotic properties was more prevalent in biofilms from poultry houses with normal sulfur-iro...
INRAE's work prioritizes agroecological practices to ensure animal health and sustainability in livestock farming. The PREZODE initiative aims to prevent future pandemics by bringing together over 170 partners, while research focuses on developing new tools for early disease diagnosis and prevention strategies.
A new study at Bournemouth University found that people with horse experience were more accurate at recognizing pain in horse faces, while those with social anxiety were better at detecting pain in human faces. The findings aim to improve animal welfare by helping owners recognize changes indicating pain in horses.
The study projects an average increase of up to 68% in respiratory rate for animals in the North compared to those in the South. Small ruminants will be more impacted by climate change, with dairy farming in the South being the most vulnerable to heat stress.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that social pressure is the primary driver behind farmers' willingness to protect their livestock from wolves. Financial support, such as subsidies for electric fences, also encourages farmers to take action. However, guard dogs are not a preferred option.
A new study reveals that Indonesian cattle breeds carry a unique blend of zebu and banteng genetics, making them more genetically diverse than other breeds. This diversity could lead to improved disease resistance, productivity, and greenhouse gas emissions in cattle farming.
A serological survey found antibodies against the virus in over 2% of cattle and wildlife samples in southern continental France. The detection highlights the risk of zoonotic transmission and underscores the need for further investigation into explanatory factors.
The Time2Graze project is developing a decision support system to help farmers in Latin America make better grazing decisions, increase productivity and reduce methane emissions. The tool will assess pasture availability and provide real-time alerts to optimize grazing intensity.
Researchers from academia and industry join forces to improve outbreak modelling readiness and inform policy decisions during disease outbreaks. The initiative provides datasets simulating real-time outbreak scenarios, enhancing global preparedness against HPAI's significant threat to animal and human health.
Researchers developed a new test to measure calcium digestibility in poultry feed, reflecting results of an older method, and found that both tests offer reliable results. The study's findings could help poultry producers optimize feed efficiency and reduce losses by millions of dollars.
A recent study found that wolf hunting has a limited effect on reducing livestock losses, with an average reduction of 2% in predation rates. However, the impact of hunting on lethal removals, which are expensive operations targeting specific wolves, is negligible.
A new NC State University study models a rerouting system for livestock trucks to reduce the risk of disease transmission between farms. The system, which considers cleaning and disinfection effectiveness, shows a 42% reduction in contacts between infected and uninfected farms, even without effective C&D.
A study by the University of Michigan found that counties with animal feeding operations have higher levels of air pollution, particularly PM2.5, linked to heart and respiratory issues. These operations also tend to be located near vulnerable communities with lower health insurance coverage and education.
Researchers have discovered that combining antimicrobial peptides from bees and frogs can prevent bacteria from mutating quickly, making them a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. This finding could lead to safer disease control in livestock and agricultural settings.
A new study has mapped the history of infectious diseases across millennia, offering insights into how human-animal interactions transformed our health landscape. The research analyzed ancient DNA from over 1,300 prehistoric individuals, revealing that zoonotic diseases became more widespread around 5,000 years ago.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that extreme heat can reduce milk production by up to 10% and even when farmers use cooling technologies. The researchers analyzed data from over 130,000 Israeli dairy cows and surveyed more than 300 dairy farmers to understand the impact of climate change on milk supply.
A new study found that cows fed hemp byproduct for 28 days and then withdrawn from the diet for four weeks have undetectable levels of psychoactive THC in their milk. The findings could pave the way for the use of spent hemp biomass as a feed supplement for livestock, providing an economic value to hemp producers.
A new study finds that Salmonella Dublin causes increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, and higher medication costs in dairy farms. The disease leads to hidden financial losses due to gradual infection without visible symptoms.