Articles tagged with Livestock
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.
A new study found that fences in the Western US region pose a significant barrier to migratory wildlife, with mule deer and pronghorn antelope encountering over 200 fence encounters per year. The study highlights the need for more 'wildlife-friendly' fences and encourages prioritizing fence modifications or removals.
The growing wolf population in Germany threatens legally binding nature conservation goals due to increased attacks on livestock. The researchers propose simplifying regulatory measures, actively managing the wolf population, and providing financial support for farmers to implement conservation efforts.
A new study found that grasslands, a critical carbon sink, have become a source of greenhouse gas emissions due to increased livestock numbers and intensive management. Sparsely grazed areas provide significant cooling services, while intensively managed pastures contribute to warming.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that heifers trained on a phantom before introducing an automated milking system visited the actual system more frequently, increasing milk yield. The training program reduced the need for human assistance during milking and prepared animals well for early lactation.
A new study highlights the link between COVID-19 and wildlife trade, emphasizing the need for effective legislation to regulate the trade of wildlife and reduce consumer demand. The research suggests that addressing wildlife trade and habitat fragmentation can help prevent future zoonotic diseases.
The study reveals that mammal defaunation has wiped out over 40% of ecosystem services provided by mammals, such as ecotourism and disease control. Large-bodied mammals are disappearing fastest, while small-bodied species often perform the same services, with overlapping species among rodents, bats, and apex predators.
Research suggests slow-living animal species are more likely to act as disease reservoirs due to higher demographic competence for persistent infections. The study highlights the importance of using ecological characteristics like lifespan and reproductive capacity to identify potential wildlife reservoirs.
The report highlights the need for improved disease and pest management systems to address the vulnerability of lower-middle and low-income countries to pandemic-scale outbreaks. Agricultural producers face significant challenges, including reduced labor availability, supply chain disruptions, and under-funded research programs.
A recent study found that animals quickly lose their antipredator behaviors after interacting with humans, with domestication leading to the fastest changes. This loss can have significant implications for conservation and urban planning.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to remove endogenous germline in recipients, allowing for donor-derived spermatogenesis. The approach shows promise for improving livestock and conserving endangered species.
A study by the University of Copenhagen reveals that female leopards in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains are active from early morning to late afternoon, whereas male leopards only hunt at night. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and highlights the need for further research on these majestic predators.
A new species of 'soft' tick associated with bats has been reported in New Jersey, raising concerns about public health risks. The tick, Carios kelleyi, was found on big brown bat larvae in Mercer and Sussex counties, highlighting the need for further research into its disease-carrying potential.
Researchers argue that fungi-derived leather is a promising alternative to traditional leather due to its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The material is biodegradable, releases less carbon into the atmosphere, and has a similar feel to animal leather.
A recent study found that 72% of Gen Z are not ready to accept lab-grown meat, citing concerns over taste, health, and environmental impact. Despite this, 41% believe it could be a viable nutritional source for transitioning to more sustainable food options.
Synbiotics combine pre- and probiotics, providing a wider range of health benefits. The new definition allows for the use of microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates, enabling the creation of synergistic synbiotics with targeted health benefits.
Researchers from Kazan Federal University have successfully sequenced the genome of Lactobacillus hilgardii LMG 7934, a type of bacteria that can be genetically reprogrammed to consume more nitrates. This allows for potential use in remediating environmental pollution and improving livestock feed.
Scientists have identified three genes linked to high protein digestibility in sorghum, which could lead to breeding programs to enhance the crop's nutritional value. This breakthrough aims to improve the lives of people in third-world countries and US livestock producers by increasing the protein content of sorghum.
A study led by Virginia Tech researchers explores the effects of mobile phones on Maasai women's lives, revealing that technology both empowers and hinders gender dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of understanding context-specific empowerment in rural communities.
A new report from Colorado State University outlines a list of 20 climate indicators that provide insight into the impacts of climate change on US agriculture. The indicators, organized in five categories, offer a broad look at what's happening across the country.
A new method has been developed to extract antibiotic residue in food from animal sources, allowing for simultaneous extraction and sample cleaning. The procedure uses supramolecular, nontoxic solvents and has been validated by European regulations, making it suitable for routine controls.
A study from the University of Tokyo found that feeding distillation remnants from shochu production to pigs reduces stress levels and improves the quality of meat, resulting in better-tasting sirloin and fillets. The leftovers also contain nutrients like leucine and histidine peptides, which may contribute to the benefits.
High fluorine levels in New Zealand soils are toxic to Rhizobia bacteria, which fix atmospheric nitrogen for legume plants. However, the study found no impact on the crops or livestock in question.
Researchers found that animals exhibited unusual behavior up to 20 hours before earthquakes, with stronger reactions closer to the epicenter. The movement data were evaluated using statistical models, suggesting a potential for an animal-based earthquake early warning system.
A study in Kenya found that grassroots dog vaccination campaigns can prevent rabies deaths, but to eliminate the disease, larger efforts are required. The efforts involved vaccinating over 13,000 dogs and raising awareness among children about rabies prevention.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a novel sperm selection technology that uses microfluidic chip technology to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates. The technique successfully collects and selects fertile sperm with high viability, resulting in higher fertilization rates.
Researchers warn that SARS-CoV-2 can infect various animals, posing a risk of transmission to humans. Implementing surveillance programmes is crucial to detect infected animals and prevent outbreaks.
A study presents clear opportunities to conserve what remains of Earth's ice-free land without significant human influence. The research aims to inform the upcoming global Convention on Biological Diversity and emphasizes the importance of maintaining natural lands in separating animal and human activity.
Changes in land use, such as deforestation and urbanization, alter animal behavior, leading to increased disease emergence in humans. Research highlights the need for further studies on disease spread and its link to animal ecology, pathogen ecology, and land-use change.
A team of experts has conducted a review study on the impact of land-use changes, such as deforestation and urbanization, on the behavior of animals and the risk of disease transmission to humans. The study reveals that there are significant gaps in understanding how these factors affect the spread of diseases from mammals to humans.
A study led by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggests that effectively reducing encounters between domestic prey and wild predators requires knowing the principles governing ecological interactions among these players and their surrounding landscape. By considering the ecology of how predators hunt, how their prey beha...
The study analyzed seven Latin American countries and found that widespread adoption of emission-reduction techniques is necessary to meet target. Researchers highlight barriers to adoption, including lack of access to inputs and information, and propose solutions such as formal systems of replication, subsidies, and technical assistance.
Scientists found dairy residues in ancient pots from hunter-gatherer sites in Lesotho, dating to the 1st millennium AD, confirming contact with farming communities. The discovery suggests that hunter-gatherers adopted animal husbandry techniques from their lowland counterparts.
A new study reveals a direct link between virus spillover and environmental change, which threatens wildlife populations. The research highlights how human activities such as hunting, trade, and urbanization increase the risk of virus transmission to humans.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the people of La Bastida employed an intensive agricultural strategy, combining crops with animal husbandry to boost their food production and economic prosperity. This approach allowed them to feed a large population, increasing their productivity compared to other nearby communities.
Researchers develop a new health tracking sensor that can monitor vital signs like heart and breathing rates through fur or up to four layers of clothing. The sensor could help owners track their pets' health and improve the work of sniffer dogs used to detect bombs and missing persons.
The Himalayan wolf has been found to be a genetically distinct species adapted to harsh high-altitude environments, posing key threats from human activities such as livestock herding and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these ecosystems and the wolves' populations.
A global study on the impacts of human land-use found that predators and small ectotherms are disproportionately affected, with abundance reductions of 25-50% compared to natural habitats. The researchers analyzed over 1 million records from 80 countries and 25,000 species.
Researchers have identified hundreds of new viral diseases in insects, including those with negative strand RNA genomes that cause Ebola and measles. The discovery expands the database of known viruses, enabling scientists to investigate cases of rare illnesses in humans more effectively.
A fast and inexpensive device to capture and identify various strains of virus has been developed by researchers at Penn State and New York University. The VIRRION device uses arrays of nanotubes engineered to be comparable in size to a wide range of viruses, enabling rapid detection through Raman spectroscopy.
A study found that local people in Nepal's Himalayan regions have mixed views on snow leopard conservation, with some valuing the species' cultural significance and others fearing its impact on livestock. Conservation efforts that benefit both humans and snow leopards are crucial for their coexistence.
The UK veterinary profession is critically low and unprepared for a 'No Deal' Brexit, with concerns over workforce shortages, animal certification, and research. The government's lack of preparedness has been rated as red by Vet Record.
An interdisciplinary group of researchers will investigate antimicrobial use and resistance in Argentinian livestock farms, aiming to develop a complete picture of AMR levels and their environmental impact. The project will inform policy making and potential interventions to reduce antimicrobial use and AMR.
A research project from the University of Otago is developing a ryegrass variety that can be induced to flower for seed production under artificial conditions. This could lead to more productive and efficient farming, increasing productivity and reducing land use while minimizing environmental impact.
A study by Vincent Richards and colleagues found that antibiotic-resistant genes are being transmitted from humans into animal species, including livestock, companion animals, and wildlife. This reverse zoonosis is facilitated by high bacterial genome plasticity, allowing bacteria to adapt quickly to environmental changes.
The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge about underassessed foods, which represent more than half of animal production and over 25% of total food globally. The researchers argue that a more complete global food assessment is necessary to develop sensitive and versatile local solutions to environmental and food security issues.
Researchers at Clemson University examine the effects of feral hogs and elephants on livestock and livelihoods, highlighting the importance of including non-traditional culprits in human-wildlife conflict discussions. They found that these species can cause significant damage to farming infrastructure and affect local communities' perc...
A new study examines the effects of feral hogs and elephants on livestock, finding significant impacts on farming livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of considering non-carnivore species in mitigating wildlife impacts, with potential consequences for conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that despite regulations, over 60,000 exotic animals are abandoned in Spain each year, causing significant harm to the environment. The researchers argue that improving biosafety measures, training buyers, and regulating importation can help reduce this problem.
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that rural Amish babies had a more diverse and beneficial gut microbiome than urban babies, which led to a more robust development of the respiratory immune system. The researchers used fecal transplants from Amish babies to colonize the guts of newborn pigs, showing a connection betwe...
A study reconstructs a severe megadrought interval in Australia between 1891 and 1903, revealing widespread ecosystem impacts. The findings suggest that record rainfall deficiencies can lead to mass mortality and ecosystem collapse, with over 60 genera experiencing severe stress.
A legal framework is needed to address human-induced land use change and its impact on disease risk. Patricia Farnese proposes adaptive models and guidelines for land-use planning that consider the intersection of human activities and natural landscapes.
A new article connects future population growth, agricultural development and infectious disease, highlighting the need for balance in agriculture to prevent disease outbreaks. Solutions proposed include improving hygiene, genetic variability, education, and predictive models.
Free-roaming horses in the US West degrade landscapes and shrink biodiversity due to soil compaction, water resource domination, and over-grazing of native plant species. The authors argue that rigorous ecological research is needed to address these issues and promote scientifically sound management.
Scientists found high levels of clinically relevant AMR bacteria in urban wildlife in Nairobi, carrying a significant risk to human health. The study highlights the importance of taking an ecological approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance by improving urban planning and waste management practices.
Wild snow leopards are under threat from emerging infectious diseases, with four pathogens detected in their blood, including Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira species. This study identifies the need to establish surveillance to monitor potential disease impacts on this vulnerable population.