Articles tagged with Livestock
A recent study found that cattle grazing with virtual fencing can create effective wildfire fuel breaks on sagebrush landscapes, reducing the risk of devastating wildfires. The technology uses collars to communicate with GPS and reception towers, forming a virtual fence to manage livestock distribution.
A study by the University of Sydney and Curtin University reveals that over a third of Generation Z respondents understand the climate impact of meat consumption. Despite this, livestock and meat production contribute significantly to emissions.
A recent Oregon State University study found that spent hemp biomass is a safe and nutritious alternative feed for lambs, with nutritional quality comparable to alfalfa. The findings provide evidence for the use of hemp byproducts as an animal feedstuff, potentially offering economic benefits for hemp farmers and livestock producers.
A University of Illinois study shows rumen-protected lysine can improve uterine health in dairy cows during the transition period. The supplement reduced genes involved in inflammatory proteins and increased genes keeping the uterus clean, leading to less inflammation and improved reproductive outcomes.
Researchers at Aalto University suggest using crop residues and by-products in livestock and aquaculture production to free up human-usable material. This could increase the global food supply by up to 13% without increasing resource use or requiring major dietary changes.
The University of Missouri has received a $25 million grant from the USDA to help farmers adapt to climate change through climate-smart practices. The five-year project aims to improve crop and livestock resilience on up to 500,000 acres of Missouri farmland.
Researchers found two distinct populations of the invasive American bullfrog in Brazil, one descended from 1935 introductions and another from the 1970s. The study highlights the need for law enforcement to prevent escape from frog farms.
The first global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals has been published, providing a comprehensive overview of the virus's impact on animal populations worldwide. The dataset shows an increasing number of reported cases globally, with high diversity of variants detected in various species.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science explores labor time-use on Irish pasture-based dairy farms during the busy spring and summer seasons. The research team found that milking was the most time-consuming task, accounting for 31% of farm labor input.
A new study suggests that incorporating farmers' behaviors into national infection control policies can better manage livestock disease outbreaks. The research found that individual farmers may respond differently to disease control measures, and their actions could be critical in protecting animal welfare and the farming industry.
A new study challenges conservation paradigms, suggesting re-introduced wolves and predators do not significantly impact deer populations or livestock, nor restore degraded ecosystems. Instead, they coexist with humans and other species in a delicate balance.
Researchers found that different lineages of Cryptosporidium parvum are increasingly exchanging their DNA, which helps the parasite evolve faster and potentially result in more virulent strains. The study suggests that globalization and close contact with animals increase the rate of genetic exchange.
A highly antibiotic-resistant strain of MRSA has emerged in livestock over the past 50 years, primarily due to widespread antibiotic use in pig farming. The CC398 strain has maintained its resistance and is capable of rapidly adapting to human hosts, posing a significant threat to public health.
Researchers found that zinc ion serves as a master-regulator of various processes in sperm to facilitate fertilization. Zinc helps maintain sperm in the non-capacitated state, preventing premature capacitation during artificial insemination.
A new platform and genomic database has been developed to monitor and control multidrug-resistant bacteria, with over 500 human pathogens already available. The database aims to provide strategic information on microorganisms classified as a “critical priority” by the World Health Organization.
China has increased animal protein production 800% over the past 40 years, but nitrous oxide emissions have risen only 286%, thanks to policy and farm management interventions. Anaerobic digestion and composting on farms are key strategies for future reduction in greenhouse gases.
A meta-analysis found that adopting existing mitigation strategies could reduce livestock methane emissions enough to help the sector limit its share of global warming to the 1.5°C target by 2030. The identified most effective strategies include increasing feed intake, grazing on less mature grass, and feeding concentrates.
The introduction of livestock and dairying to Bronze Age Mongolia may have driven social complexity, fostering the rise of complex societies. The spread of herds and horses into the Altai region had a significant impact on the development of these societies.
A field experiment in Bangladesh shows that the poor lack opportunities to gain wealth, but a one-time boost can make a major difference. The study suggests that poverty is not principally due to people's capabilities or attitudes, but rather an initial lack of resources prevents them from improving their circumstances.
A new study by the University of Bonn recommends significantly reducing meat consumption to mitigate climate change and environmental damage. While mass vegetarianism is not a viable solution due to limited food availability in some regions, moderate meat consumption can be sustainable if implemented carefully.
A Danish study found that the superbug C. difficile can be transmitted from pigs to humans, suggesting a link between animal agriculture and human infections. The study identified multiple antibiotic-resistant genes shared between pig and human isolates, highlighting the potential for zoonotic spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Research shows that children aged 9-11 believe farm animals should be treated like pets and think eating animals is less morally acceptable than adults. The study suggests that speciesism - a moral hierarchy giving different value to different animals - is learned during adolescence.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
Researchers from Tohoku University developed a new approach to treating intractable diarrhea in calves by harnessing the power of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The study identified key factors, including Selenomonas and Sporobacter, that facilitate successful FMT treatment.
A new study suggests that implementing primary pandemic prevention actions, such as better surveillance and wildlife management, can reduce the economic costs of emerging infectious diseases by up to 10%. These actions have a substantial co-benefit of preventing carbon dioxide emissions and conserving water supplies.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that virtual farm tours using virtual reality glasses and tablets can improve transparency in pig farming. Participants appreciated the comfortable and entertaining information intake, but suggested that additional explanations be provided to support virtual farm tours.
Young dairy calves are motivated to seek full social contact, even with partial interaction, according to a new study. The researchers found that calves pushed more weight to access pens with a social partner compared to empty pens, highlighting the importance of socialization for calf development.
Researchers found that increasing energy intake by feeding more milk replacer supports greater growth during summer. However, feeding frequency had no effect on growth during summer but improved growth during winter. The study suggests optimizing feeding strategies to maximize calf growth and welfare in hot environments.
The study's findings provide a foundation for developing efficient protein isolation techniques from insect powders, which could help address global hunger and malnutrition issues. Insect-based protein sources are rich in essential amino acids and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional farming methods.
A study by the University of Exeter found that older male elephants help keep younger, more aggressive males calm by policing their behavior. Without these older bulls, adolescent elephants become more fearful and aggressive towards non-elephant targets, posing a threat to humans.
A team of scientists led by Vimal Selvaraj has developed a way to preserve the genetic diversity of fast-disappearing native cattle breeds using stem cells. This technology could be used to clone extinct breeds or to produce animals with desirable traits, such as disease resistance and extreme weather tolerance.
A $19 million research project will investigate the connection between grazing management decisions and soil health, aiming to improve soil resilience and productivity. The project, led by Noble Research Institute, will provide farmers and ranchers with tools to measure outcomes of soil health in grazing land environments.
Research from the University of Göttingen reveals that milk producers in Cameroon employ strategies such as dairy-focused training and farm diversification to maintain their livelihoods after a supply chain disruption. The study's findings highlight the importance of adequate support for smallholder producers.
A new study used machine learning to predict the zoonotic capacity of 5,400 mammal species, identifying those at high risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2. The model, which combined data on biological traits with ACE2 receptor information, predicted 72% accuracy and identified numerous additional species with potential to transmit the virus.
Researchers found that urban waste products applied to agricultural fields in France contained higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) than livestock manures. The study also detected a shift towards more persistent PFAS compounds over time, raising toxicity concerns.
A study by IIASA researchers and Chinese colleagues highlights the need for sustainable food production in China to avoid environmental destruction. The global impact of China's increasing food demand is expected to be substantial, with significant challenges facing trading partners, particularly those involved in livestock products.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.
Breast milk from Mennonite moms on farms contains higher concentrations of IgA antibodies against food allergens and bacteria associated with farm animals. Babies born to these mothers show reduced rates of atopic diseases, suggesting a protective factor passed on through breast milk.
A new study provides a comprehensive framework to evaluate the emissions of three major greenhouse gases from food production and consumption. The research found that animal-based foods emit 57% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while plant-based foods account for 29%, with CO2 being the most important emission factor.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.
A new study found that heat stress in pregnant dairy cows reduces fetal growth and influences the performance and immune development of offspring. Calves born to heat-stressed cows have lower birth weights, organ weights, and higher rates of cell death, suggesting compromised placental and fetal development.
A new study found that early socialization of dairy calves does not negatively affect their behavior, performance, or health, and may even benefit their early-life health by reducing scours. Calves housed in pairs after birth showed greater comfort with pen-mates and a reduced risk of diarrhea.
A study by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that veterinarians experience pleasure in their job when receiving simple thank yous, spending time with peers, and further developing their expertise. Positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and a sense of accomplishment are also key factors.
A new study uses machine learning to predict over 20,000 unknown virus-mammal associations, expanding our knowledge of zoonotic diseases. The model identifies bats and rodents as key hosts for emerging viruses, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and mitigation strategies.
A study from the University of Illinois found that male piglets are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental and neurological anomalies when their mothers are infected with PRRSV during pregnancy. The researchers also discovered changes in gene expression associated with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and neur...
Research identifies areas with favorable conditions for horseshoe bats carrying coronaviruses, including forest fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and concentrated livestock production in China and Southeast Asia. These hot spots are at risk of becoming even more conducive to disease transmission due to changes in land use.
A recent study by a MU researcher found that tick-borne diseases are on the rise in the Midwest, particularly in humid climates. The study collected data on various tick species and their activity patterns, providing valuable insights for public health officials.
Researchers found that US agriculture contributes to 15,900 annual deaths due to poor air quality, mainly from ammonia emissions. Improving livestock manure management and using fertilizer additives can reduce mortality from poor air quality by consuming more plant-based foods.
The world's vast population of people, pets, and livestock has created an ideal environment for the evolution and transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases. To mitigate this threat, experts recommend using vaccination passports, maximizing genetic variation in livestock, and reducing animal protein consumption.
Researchers discovered early flocks of domesticated sheep in the Iberian Peninsula fed and reproduced on a controlled diet, with births occurring outside optimal seasons. This study reveals significant advances in animal husbandry during the Neolithic period.
A recent survey of Japanese consumers found that they are more likely to be worried about the use of gene-editing techniques on livestock than on plants. The researchers believe that this may be due to humans feeling closer to animals than plants, leading to stronger moral and taxonomic distinctions.
Researchers analyzed ancient bones from A??kl? Höyük to determine the ages of unborn and neonatal lambs. The study reveals that early Neolithic sheep-herders faced high levels of mortality among young animals, with infections, malnutrition, and overcrowding being primary causes.
A new study by researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and the Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology found that goats can more quickly adapt to changing environmental conditions than sheep. The results suggest that goats are more cognitively flexible and better able to navigate around obstacles.
The Morris Animal Foundation is partnering with Elanco Animal Health to better understand the incidence and prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs. The partnership involves Elanco sponsoring a new section of the owner and veterinarian questionnaires that directly evaluates signs of osteoarthritis.
A new study proposes a plan for farmers to protect themselves from financial losses while preserving endangered predators, such as snow leopards. Community livestock insurance contracts could benefit both farmers and conservation efforts.
Researchers at UMD are using genomic selection to identify genes that improve feed conversion in rainbow trout, leading to more efficient production and reduced waste. This work aims to address industry problems like downgrading, which affects up to 15% of filet products.
A recent study found that wolves in Mongolia primarily feed on wild ungulates like Siberian roe deer, contrary to previous research suggesting a diet of mainly grazing livestock. The researchers believe this shift may be due to the availability of easier and less dangerous prey in near-natural regions.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that political structure and economic conditions played a major impact on choosing livestock in ancient Europe. The research analyzed data from 101 archaeological sites across the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, revealing significant changes in livestock use over time.
A study by University of New South Wales found that kangaroo overgrazing is having a detrimental impact on soil health and vegetation biodiversity, even more so than rabbits. The research suggests that conservation reserves need to rethink their management strategies to address the issue.
A new study by CMCC Foundation investigates sustainable land management options to reduce GHG emissions from livestock, which contribute to 60% of agricultural emissions in Europe. The approach aims to enhance carbon sink function in soils and biomass through targeted land-use strategies.