Articles tagged with Livestock
Millions of wild animals pass through markets each year, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The study highlights the need to regulate and eliminate the global wildlife trade to prevent the spread of diseases among humans, domestic animals, and ecosystems.
Researchers found that Eastern Bluebirds were 31% more likely to be found in connected patches, while seeds from wax myrtle plants were 37% more likely to be found in traps. The study showed a 'tight fit' between predictions and actual seed movement.
Researchers developed a simple method to neutralize phenols in manure using horseradish root and hydrogen peroxide, reducing odors by 50%. The mixture effectively deodorized over 50 gallons of hog manure in pilot-scale tests.
The PLMS system provides instant feedback on alternative grazing systems' impact on farm profit, milk production, and greenhouse gas emissions. A multidisciplinary team is developing the system to balance forage needs with livestock requirements.
The study reveals that light-to-moderate grazing has no ill effects on the ecosystem, and can even increase vegetative ground cover and plant diversity. In contrast, ungrazed lands show more cheatgrass and reduced plant variety, highlighting the benefits of managed livestock grazing.
The study found that larger herd sizes grant better social status, land, and income, but also lead to deforestation and water scarcity. Poor families with small herds rely on charcoal sales, affecting animal health and child nutrition.
Researchers found that bird abundance and reproductive success are often disconnected, with some species adapting to human disturbances and others facing declines. The study suggests that using bird counts alone may not accurately reflect habitat quality.
The research project aims to identify tick genes that spread serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease. By analyzing the genome data, scientists hope to develop vaccines to block transmission of microbes that cause tick-borne illnesses.
A team of researchers found that domesticated donkeys originated in northeastern Africa approximately 5,000 years ago. Genetic analysis revealed two distinct lineages, indicating two separate domestications, which occurred between 303,000 and 91,000 years ago.
Researchers at UC Riverside have successfully developed a low-carb corn variety with increased protein and oil content, thanks to the introduction of a cytokinin gene that promotes plant growth. This breakthrough could help address global food security challenges by improving the nutritional value of cereal grains.
Purdue University researchers found a new twist in a plant formation biochemical pathway, decreasing two acids in plant cell walls to enhance digestibility. This could lead to more nutritious livestock feed and improved crop yields.
Researchers at UCSD aim to improve care of laboratory animals with automated monitoring technology. The Smart Vivarium project combines cameras, sensors, and AI to enable 24/7 monitoring and analysis of animal behavior.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a strain of mice with the c. elegans gene fat-1, which converts omega-6 acids to omega-3s. The transgenic mice produce high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, opening up possibilities for farm animals that naturally produce omega-3 rich food products.
A recent survey found that attitudes towards wolves in Wisconsin are shaped more by cultural factors than individual experiences. Moderate support exists for wolf recovery statewide, with 73% of residents favoring maintaining or increasing wolf numbers. However, hunters and livestock producers exhibit greater intolerance towards wolves.
A University of Illinois study highlights the growing tension between farmers and newcomers to rural areas like Elburn, Kane County. Farmers see farmland as a means of livelihood and family heritage, while newcomers view it as public amenity. This clash is leading to erosion of community trust and decline in farming practices.
Researchers from Purdue's schools of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and IU School of Medicine will collaborate to study human diseases using animal models, improving understanding of muscle wasting, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The $4.5M program aims to develop new treatments for devastating childhood diseases.
Research found that geese prefer short-grass areas where protein ingestion is highest, helping to keep the grass short and maintaining its nutritional value. Grazing livestock, such as cows and horses, also prevent salt marsh vegetation from becoming too coarse, protecting the geese's food source.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania successfully transplanted testicular tissue from mice, goats, and pigs into mice, resulting in functional sperm production. This breakthrough has significant implications for preserving endangered species and developing new methods for livestock breeding.
The ACT EAB believes that this research represents an important milestone in demonstrating the feasibility of new therapies for tissue and organ repair. The board has established strict guidelines for human embryo research, including prohibiting culturing of human embryos in vitro for more than 14 days.
The study found that a gene called Tcr, which is transmitted at up to 95% from male carriers to their progeny, encodes a protein kinase likely to control sperm motility. This allows for the manipulation of transmission ratios and potentially exclusive fathering of female offspring in farm animals.
The University of Massachusetts has introduced an in-vessel composting unit at Tillson Farm, expected to process 10-20 tons of food waste into compost. The system, a self-contained commercial composter, uses a combination of heat, moisture, and air circulation to break down organic waste.