Articles tagged with Livestock
Selective breeding by humans led to significant changes in pig skulls, with snouts becoming shorter and flatter, in just a century. The study also found that even separate breeds of domestic pigs underwent similar changes, highlighting the power of human influence on animal evolution.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that hybrid distance learning increases training completion rates for rural women in Nepal, with 51% completing the program compared to 30%. The research showed that women with babies and those with existing work obligations were more likely to participate in the hybrid program.
Researchers identified distinctive immune cells in cow's milk using single-cell RNA sequencing, shedding light on mammary gland biology. The study's findings have implications for improving livestock productivity and milk quality.
A lone spotted hyena was found in South Eastern Egypt, marking the first recorded instance of the species in this region for thousands of years. The individual was tracked and killed after killing two goats, providing evidence of how regional climate change can affect animal migration patterns.
A global assessment of dung production has revealed hotspots in central Africa, Australia, and Eurasia, indicating the presence of herbivores. The study also highlights the importance of accurate livestock density assessments for agriculture and food security.
Researchers highlight the risks of bypassing natural selection in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which can lead to deleterious epigenetic changes and increased health problems. They propose applying evolutionary principles to ART protocols to improve outcomes for human ART and animal production.
Researchers found that animal-based products account for nearly 60% of agriculture's energy footprint worldwide. Despite improving efficiency, the world still relies heavily on fossil fuels to produce food, posing a risk to energy security and food supply.
The IHT Cooling Pads, developed by Purdue University and IHT Group, have earned recognition from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and Resource magazine as 2025 AE50 award winners. The mats utilize advanced water-based cooling technology to tackle heat stress in sows and boars.
A new study reveals that human waste, both treated and untreated, is responsible for the microbial impairment in Delaware's inland waterways. The researchers found a majority of microbial signatures in the water matched a human waste signature, indicating infrastructure issues with septic systems may be to blame.
A study on Spanish dehesas has developed a tool to model pastureland productivity and water stress, allowing for more efficient grazing management. During severe droughts, grass production can drop by up to 67%, with areas having limited slopes and moderate tree cover being the most productive.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
Histomonosis, a deadly parasite that decimates turkey flocks, is being studied for its transmission routes and potential treatments. Researchers aim to understand how the parasite survives and spreads, with a focus on fecal-oral transmission via contaminated feces or cecal droppings.
Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.
Researchers estimate that silage from maize, alfalfa, and sorghum crops can produce substantial amounts of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Chlorate addition may significantly lower N2O emissions, primarily due to denitrifying bacteria.
The study predicts light transmission, absorption, and power generation of different PV materials, enabling the selection of optimal materials for agrivoltaics. By carefully tuning the 'colour' of light transmitted through semi-transparent PVs, researchers can enhance crop growth while generating solar power.
New nutrition strategies could slash methane emissions from dairy cows by a staggering 60%, according to a Journal of Dairy Science review. Diet reformulation, using feed additives like seaweed and 3-NOP, may be key to achieving this goal.
A KAUST-led study reveals that plant trait diversity increases above an aridity threshold of 0.7, challenging the view that harsh environments reduce biodiversity. The research found that chemical and morphological traits respond similarly to changes in aridity and grazing pressure.
A new study found that high doses of red seaweed reduce methane emissions in cows, but the effect is short-lived. The researchers discovered that the seaweed inhibits methanogenic microbes, leading to a near-total elimination of a key microbe involved in methane formation.
A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.
A recent study by the University of Exeter warns that intensive livestock farming may raise the risk of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). The researchers highlight the need to consider social and economic factors in traditional assessments.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
Researchers characterized the microbial composition of oral fluid, feces, and environment of nursery piglets on commercial farms in Brazil. The study found distinct oral fluid bacterial profiles differing from those in feces and environment, with potential implications for swine health and production.
A team of researchers discovered a line of chickens bred for water conservation that can thrive under heat stress while consuming significantly less water than standard broiler lines. The high water-efficient chickens showed a 32-point improvement in water conversion and six-point improvement in feed conversion.
Research by the University of East Anglia reveals that net zero plans show limited ambition in dealing with residual emissions, which are expected to come from hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and agriculture. The study analyzed national climate strategies for 71 countries, finding that only 26 quantify residual emissions, with m...
A small-scale livestock abortion surveillance system in Tanzania revealed insights into potential infectious diseases and their transmission to humans. The study demonstrated the feasibility of such systems in rural areas, highlighting the importance of timely reporting and effective data collection.
A recent study reveals that humans inhabited a lava tube in northern Saudi Arabia for thousands of years, with evidence of repeated occupation and a transition to oasis agriculture. The site provides valuable insights into the history of human settlement in the region.
Researchers evaluated different pig farming systems, finding that none performed well across all four areas: land use, greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use, and animal welfare. However, some individual farms did excel in all domains, highlighting the potential for trade-offs to be minimized.
Recent research connects biological domestication to early food globalization, proposing a new conceptual framework that challenges traditional narratives. Archaeological investigations have shown that plant and animal domestication entailed a more gradual transition spanning thousands of years across extensive geographies.
Researchers found that humans transfer viruses to domestic and wild animals at a rate twice that of animal-to-human transmission, highlighting the importance of monitoring viral exchange between species. This study's findings have significant implications for understanding zoonotic diseases and conservation efforts.
A study found that days above 32°C during the mating week caused a 2.1 million fewer lambs produced in Australia each year. If global warming increases by 1°C or 3°C, annual losses could increase to 2.5 million and 3.3 million, respectively. The research also found that heat stress can reduce lamb birthweight by 0.6-1.4kg.
A new study finds that climate change is likely to alter the seasonal profile of disease transmission for parasitic worms, with temperature and humidity playing key roles. The research suggests that infection risk may shift towards northern regions as temperatures rise, while southern regions face more extreme conditions.
Researchers found duplicated antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria from environments with higher antibiotic use, increasing the likelihood of evolution and resistance to new treatments. The study suggests using antibiotics more efficiently could address the growing antibiotic resistance crisis.
A new study from Uppsala University found that increased access to water in arid areas can lead to a surge in demand for water and pasture, threatening the livelihoods of nomadic livestock farmers. The research highlights the need for effective management of water infrastructure to ensure climate resilience.
The first Neolithic farmers and shepherds in Andalusia settled permanently on the island of San Fernando, Cadiz, 6,200 years ago. They collected and consumed shellfish throughout the year, with a greater exploitation during the colder months of autumn, winter, and early spring.
Korean scientists have successfully grown animal muscle and fat cells inside rice grains, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful hybrid food. The cell-cultured beef rice has been found to have 8% more protein and 7% more fat than regular rice, making it a potential alternative to traditional livestock-based protein sources.
A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the use of spent hemp biomass as a feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows. The research shows that hemp biomass is safe and does not negatively affect milk production or animal health, despite being less palatable due to its characteristic smell. The study suggests potent...
Researchers have developed a novel approach to determine the age of mosquitoes, which could help improve pesticide strategies and reduce the spread of diseases like malaria. The method uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to analyze biomolecules in mosquito water extract.
A Brazilian study developed a method using AI to identify crop-livestock integration areas from satellite images. The approach can benefit agriculture by optimizing land use, diversifying farming activities, and encouraging sustainable practices.
The study's findings highlight serious failures in animal welfare protection during transportation, with all countries falling short of guaranteeing adequate protection. The researchers propose updating the regulations to address major risk factors such as excessively long journeys and hot weather, drawing key future directions for new...
Researchers analyzed over 26,000 farmer's market transactions to find that sales were better on Sundays, early in the morning, and during certain holiday months. The study provides insights into how farmers can increase their sales using point-of-sale data analysis.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science analyzes the life cycle of milk production in 47 small farms in Karnataka, India, identifying key emissions hotspots and potential sustainability improvements. The research highlights the importance of high-yielding animals and efficient feeding strategies to reduce carbon footprints.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Precision Livestock Farming aims to empower graduate students and early-career researchers with machine learning, statistical tools, and database systems. The school will provide a platform for them to process vast amounts of data and develop a multidisciplinary approach to PLF.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that extreme rainfall leads to significant spikes in nutrient concentrations, particularly after ½ inch, 1 inch, and 2 inches of precipitation. However, agricultural management practices such as cover crops can lower nutrient levels in water and persist until the end of the growing season.
Researchers found rabies virus variants closely related to those in White-tufted marmosets in bats, highlighting potential for human transmission. Genetic sequencing revealed complex spillover dynamics between hosts, emphasizing the need for public health measures and animal conservation.
A systematic review published in the journal Virulence reveals that introducing more diverse gut bacteria can improve outcomes for people and animals infected with cryptosporidium. This may be achieved through diet, probiotics, or faecal transplant therapy.
Asian longhorned ticks, originating from East Asia, have been detected in Ohio, with over 1 million estimated in a single pasture. Researchers stress the need for early detection and targeted control measures to manage these persistent pests.
A new study found that making simple substitutions like switching from beef to chicken or plant-based milk can reduce the average American's carbon footprint from food by 35%, while also boosting diet quality by between 4-10%. These small changes can have a significant impact on both climate and health outcomes.
Researchers will study the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among deer, including captive and wild populations, as well as its relationship with humans and the environment. The project aims to understand disease ecology in whole systems and inform better management practices for deer producers.
A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in PLOS Climate suggests that implementing meat taxes and livestock emissions regulations could be a feasible solution to reduce agricultural emissions. The authors argue that such policies could build support for climate action, making them an attractive option for policymakers.
A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...
A new $1.9 million NIH grant will investigate the role of glycogen in supporting healthy pregnancies. The study aims to understand how glycogen storage in the uterus affects fertility and pregnancy loss, with a focus on obesity's impact on uterine glycogen metabolism.
The patented cooling pads designed by Purdue researchers improve feed intake and milk output in sows and increase piglet weaning weight. The technology also maintains boar semen quality and reduces heat stress abnormalities.
Researchers have discovered that adding the tropical alga Asparagopsis taxiformis, also known as red sea plume, to cow feces significantly reduces methane production by 44%. The study suggests that this approach could be a promising natural method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from manure.
Researchers found that biting midges responsible for transmitting the virus are active on warmest days throughout the winter, contrary to previous theories. The discovery suggests that bluetongue virus transmission is likely ongoing year-round, with potential economic impacts for cattle farming.
A new study highlights five countries—India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, and Sudan—as key locations for strategic investments in sustainable livestock practices. These countries have high greenhouse gas emissions and large numbers of people and animals exposed to climate stress.
Researchers warn that exploding wild pig and macaque populations in Southeast Asia pose significant zoonotic disease risks to humans. The study, led by the University of Queensland, found that these animals can carry diseases that can be transmitted to people, highlighting the need for urgent management solutions.
A new study models the spread of African swine fever in US swine farms, finding that control actions can reduce secondary infections by up to 79% but an outbreak could still be persistent and costly. The model suggests that between-farm movements are the primary route of transmission.
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.