Articles tagged with Livestock
A new study reveals that global grazing lands have increased year-to-year precipitation variability, constraining livestock support and food security. Regions with high variability support lower livestock densities and are already marginal for crops.
Researchers found that dairy calves are naturally optimistic or pessimistic, just like humans, and that these individual differences can affect their well-being. The study suggests that recognizing and addressing these personality traits can lead to better treatment and living conditions for farm animals.
A 5000-year study of Amboseli National Park in Kenya reveals rapid environmental changes caused by human activities, including the arrival of Massai people and the ivory trade. The findings highlight the need to manage national park boundaries more strictly to keep pace with climate change.
Researchers recreated prehistoric projectiles and points from ancient sites in Alaska to understand technological choices made by early humans. The study found that composite microblade points were more effective on smaller prey, while stone and bone points had strengths for larger game.
Scientists have isolated a new botulinum neurotoxin, BoNT/En, from a strain of Enterococcus, sparking concern over the potential for multi-drug resistance. The toxin, found in cow feces, was unexpectedly discovered to resemble the toxin that causes botulism, with experts warning of its potentially deadly consequences.
The partnership between Rothamsted Research and Timac Agro UK aims to develop practical solutions for farmers through research, development, and real-life improvements. By investing in research and people, the collaboration seeks to create a flexible industry that provides innovative solutions for agriculture.
A study by University of Queensland researchers reveals that predators and scavengers can regulate diseases, improve agricultural productivity, and dispose of waste. These animals are often considered a threat to humans but may provide valuable services.
A new study from WCS, Duke University, and the Centre for Wildlife Studies in India found that communities near Rajasthan wildlife reserves show a high tolerance for wildlife. Despite experiencing losses, 85% of respondents believed protecting wildlife was important.
A new study found that black-backed jackals have a preference for eating livestock, including sheep and goats, over similarly sized wild prey. This has significant consequences for farmers and the management of predators in South Africa, highlighting the need to protect livestock from these animals.
The report highlights the need for Europe to change its diet to improve consumer health and mitigate climate change. Scientists recommend decreasing animal protein consumption, introducing new incentives for affordable nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolved and spread decades before the widespread use of ampicillin. The study suggests that low doses of penicillin fed to livestock may have triggered this evolution.
A meta-analysis of hundreds of studies found a close relationship between parents' diet and offspring immunity across various animal species. The study suggests that poor nutrition can negatively impact disease resistance and that the effects of a parental diet can be inherited and maintained in offspring even on a normal diet.
The UQ dipstick technology enables fast and accurate diagnosis of human, animal and plant diseases in remote locations. The technology extracts DNA and RNA from living organisms in under 30 seconds without specialized equipment or personnel.
Researchers found high rates of tick-borne disease exposure among Mongolian herders and livestock, particularly in the northern provinces. The study highlights the importance of investigating human-livestock-environment interactions to identify risk factors for disease transmission.
A study models the effects of removing farmed animals from the US agricultural system on food production and greenhouse gas emissions. Removing animals resulted in increased food availability, but also led to nutrient deficiencies and reduced GHG emissions by 28%. The removal of animals had unintended consequences on the food supply
Scientists are developing tools to map areas at risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks using machine learning and big data. The project aims to predict when and where pathogens will make the leap from animals to people, enabling a proactive approach to managing zoonotic diseases.
A new study examines the impact of rotational grazing and rest on greater sage-grouse nests, finding no significant increase in survival rates from rest periods. The research suggests that various grazing management systems can coexist with sage-grouse conservation.
A new study reveals that livestock grazing has damaged one-third of giant panda habitat in the park, with bamboos being a crucial food source. The degradation coincides with a nine-fold increase in livestock numbers over 15 years, driven by factors such as increased consumer demand for meat and unclear government policies.
A study on swine farm volunteers found that levels of MRSA in nasal passages became virtually undetectable after two hours of exposure. Airborne transmission was the primary route of infection, not direct physical contact with animals. The risk of transmission to non-farm dwellers is considered negligible due to this decline.
Global antimicrobial use in animals is projected to rise by 52% by 2030, threatening antibiotic efficacy. Implementing policies such as user fees and stricter regulation could mitigate this trend.
Researchers analyze and describe a comprehensive strategy for preserving antibiotic effectiveness by reducing antibiotic use in farm animals, aiming to reduce consumption by up to 80 percent globally by 2030. The study suggests that limiting meat intake or imposing user fees on veterinary antibiotics could achieve significant reductions.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting deer and farm animals, with limited effectiveness of past management strategies. New research proposes controlled forest fires as a risk control strategy, aiming to reduce the spread of prions shed by animal waste and carcasses.
Scientists have mapped genes turned on and off in sheep tissues, shedding light on immunity and meat quality. The findings provide a major step towards understanding how genetic information influences physical traits.
A recent study analyzed feral pigs, gray squirrels, and waterfowl from uncontaminated and contaminated habitats to assess environmental contamination. Many waterfowl tissues exceeded safe consumption levels, posing health concerns for both birds and humans.
A recent study by the University of Zurich found that exposure to sialic acid from farm animals can prevent asthma in children. This protective effect is due to an anti-inflammatory response triggered by regulatory T-cells, which dampen incorrect immune responses.
A study documents the African leopard's caloric demands and predatory behaviors, revealing that males spend 26% of their daily calories on territorial patrol, while females expend 8% on parenting. This data provides insight into the cats' behavior, allowing researchers to assess ecosystem impacts and predict human actions
Researchers develop practical wool dye from sorghum husks, offering UV protection and fluorescence, while reducing waste disposal. The dyes showed good colorfastness even after multiple washes and ironing cycles.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing $4.2 million to repay veterinary school loans for eligible veterinarians who serve in areas with a shortage of veterinary resources. This assistance aims to retain veterinarians in rural America, where they can provide essential services to farmers and ranchers.
Research suggests that biodiversity is linked to lower infectious disease prevalence in people, contradicting concerns that intact ecosystems pose a danger. However, animal species do not present an equal threat of disease transmission, and some families like rodents transmit disease more commonly than others.
Research found that higher levels of grazing early in the growing season decline sage-grouse population trends, while similar levels of grazing later in the season correspond with increases. Grazing management actions can positively affect sage-grouse populations by increasing food resources and nesting cover.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that allowing livestock to graze amidst protected wildlife disrupts their survival. Wildlife reacts differently to livestock invasions, requiring diverse policies for each species.
A groundbreaking study has used DNA from taxidermy specimens to understand the genetic diversity of Irish and British goat populations. The research reveals two distinct genetic groupings among feral 'Old Goat' herds, with modern-day dairy goats falling outside these groupings.
Genome editing enables precise genetic changes in livestock, boosting productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers aim to apply this technology to improve animal welfare and potentially produce single-gender offspring.
A mathematical model determines the best vaccination strategy in the presence of uncertainty surrounding vaccination efficacy and animal vaccination capacity. The study shows significant cost savings can be achieved by accurately identifying our capacity to vaccinate, with £55 million in outbreak costs potentially saved.
Researchers from the University of Warwick have discovered that establishing a daily vaccination capacity can effectively control and eradicate foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. By tailoring controls to this number, the UK could save up to £50 million and spare around 200,000 animals from culling.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that around a quarter of snow leopard and Himalayan wolf diets consist of livestock, highlighting the challenges for conserving these endangered species. The research analyzed DNA and hairs in scats from 182 snow leopards and 57 wolves, revealing prey preferences and diet composition.
A new project from Liverpool John Moores University is using drones equipped with thermal cameras to help identify endangered species, such as rhinos and orang-utans. The technique involves analyzing thermal heat profiles to create a unique 'fingerprint' for each animal, allowing for more efficient conservation efforts.
The study reveals that veterinarian movements significantly contribute to the spread of diseases, with animal exchanges playing a synergistic role. This research can help develop more accurate tools for predicting disease outbreaks and implement effective biosecurity measures.
A comprehensive report warns of dire prospects for many nonhuman primates due to habitat loss, hunting, and poaching. Conservation efforts are crucial to address local poverty and population growth, as well as humanity's agricultural footprint and mining activities.
Researchers used imaging techniques to map the brain wiring of two thylacine specimens, comparing them to the brains of living Tasmanian devils. The results suggest that the larger-brained thylacine had more cortex devoted to planning and decision-making.
Researchers found that livestock can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on rare wildlife, such as argali and wolves. While livestock reduces available pasturage for argali, it also serves as an alternative prey source for wolves, relieving predatory pressure. In contrast, herding dogs pose a threat to argali populations.
Research suggests that up to 40% of natural grasslands worldwide have potential for increased livestock grazing, leading to a 5% increase in milk production and 4% in meat production. The study highlights the importance of considering seasonal constraints and socioeconomic factors in unlocking this potential.
A Rift Valley fever outbreak has been reported in Niger, with 64 human cases and 23 deaths confirmed. Umeå University's Osama Ahmed Hassan joined a UN expert mission to develop action plans to curb the spread of the disease. The mission aimed to implement short-, mid- and long-term strategies to prevent further outbreaks.
Scientists have developed machine learning algorithms to recognize insect feeding patterns causing devastating damage worldwide, including citrus greening through probing on host tissues. The technology enables rapid screening and disruption of pathogen transmission, benefiting agriculture, livestock, and human health.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded over $4.3 million to 48 veterinarians to repay their loans and provide critical services in areas lacking sufficient veterinary resources. The program aims to address shortages of food animal veterinarians, particularly in rural areas.
A unique study by Midwestern University and partners identified genetic markers associated with CWD resistance in elk, enabling the development of more sensitive tests. This breakthrough allows deer and elk farmers to take ownership of CWD management through selective breeding, potentially stopping the disease in its tracks.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have named a new species of extinct reptile, Vivaron haydeni, discovered in New Mexico. The species, related to crocodiles and dinosaurs, is the sixth known rauisuchid found in the region.
Researchers have developed genetically modified male flies that produce only males when mating, suppressing New World screwworm fly populations. The technique could increase the efficiency of sterile insect technique programs and provide a cost-effective solution for controlling livestock pests in tropical regions.
Tiny immune receptors on T-cells recognize antigens more effectively when clustered together, leading to improved immune response. This discovery could lead to new strategies to reprogram inactive T-cells and improve treatment for cancer and deadly infections.
Researchers found that ancient turtles' shells evolved from broadened ribs for burrowing, not protection, in a study published in Current Biology. The discovery sheds light on the earliest beginnings of the turtle shell's unique structure.
A team of 43 wildlife experts warns that preventing the extinction of iconic species like gorillas and tigers demands bold political action and financial commitments. The scientists highlight the urgent need to address threats such as illegal hunting, deforestation, and habitat loss.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London found that goats communicate with humans by gazing at them when faced with unsolvable problems. The study showed similarities between goat behavior and that of domesticated animals like dogs and horses.
Researchers uncovered evidence of early Chacolithic agropastoral communities using rock-shelters as enclosures for sheep and goats. The study reveals a correlation between the use of shelters and grazing areas in the Sierra de Cantabria region.
Research finds TB transmission in mongooses occurs through social behavior, with scent marks and urine allowing pathogen spread. Smaller social groups are most threatened by the disease.
Researchers found that dromedaries' genetic diversity is linked to their use as transportation animals. The animals' high genetic diversity was maintained due to regular gene flow from different populations.
Researchers estimate cheetah populations in the Maasai Mara to be lower than previously thought, with an average of 1.28 adult cheetahs per 100km2. The 'spatially explicit' method used can distinguish between visiting and resident animals, providing a more accurate count.
A new study provides science-based recommendations for setback distances between animal agriculture practices and fresh produce, aiming to improve food safety. The research found that produce fields should be set back at least 160 meters from areas of manure application to lower the risk of foodborne illness.
Experimental physicists at Saarland University developed a flexible security solution that can detect changes in the Earth's magnetic field. The sensor cable system issues a warning signal when it registers a change in the field strength, making it ideal for monitoring gardens, driveways, and livestock.
A comprehensive analysis published in Nature Climate Change estimates that the livestock sector can account for up to half of the global agricultural, forestry and land-use sectors' mitigation potential. The study suggests integrating land use and practice change, dietary patterns and nutrition can help unlock this potential.
Research shows that restoring and protecting streamside meadows can help keep streams cool for the California golden trout, which are threatened by rising temperatures. The study found that water temperatures approached the upper limit of tolerance in areas with suitable habitat, but were cooler in ungrazed meadow areas.