Articles tagged with Livestock
A team of researchers used a non-invasive method to extract protein from medieval parchment samples, identifying the use of multiple mammal species in some manuscripts. The study resolves a long-standing controversy over the origin of 'uterine vellum' and sheds new light on medieval manuscript production techniques.
Exposure to dogs or farm animals during a child's first year of life is associated with a lower risk of childhood asthma. Children exposed to these animals at age six had a significantly reduced risk of developing asthma.
A new study found that nearly half of camels in parts of Kenya have been infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. The research suggests camels may be a major reservoir host for the virus and a potential source of infection in humans.
A national nitrogen budget for Denmark shows significant reductions in nitrogen emissions from agriculture, but other sectors like energy production and transport remain major contributors. New initiatives, such as organic farming expansion and electric vehicles, aim to further reduce nitrogen losses.
Researchers at the University of Bonn successfully eliminated multi-resistant bacteria from a pig stable using radical hygiene measures, including frequent hand washing and quarantine. While MRSA was not eradicated, overall health improvement led to reduced antibiotic use, highlighting potential applications for hospitals
The world's first known mass extinction, which occurred around 540 million years ago, is now believed to have been caused by the emergence of complex animals capable of altering their environments. These 'ecosystem engineers' changed the planet in ways that made it difficult for earlier multicellular organisms like Ediacarans to survive.
A new study found that Asian sheep are genetically diverse, with two migratory waves of domestication. This diversity can help herders in developing countries preserve valuable traits for meat production.
Leptospirosis is a poorly understood and often misdiagnosed bacterial disease with a high case fatality rate. The researchers aim to develop an inexpensive, sensitive, and efficient diagnostic test for leptospirosis, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality.
Research by Cornell University found family farm managers in NY make $22,000 less annually, yet experience non-financial rewards like socioemotional wealth and future ownership opportunities.
Researchers found that humans carried more antibiotic-resistant staphylococci than farm animals they worked with. The study suggests a low health risk to close contact workers and milk consumers through exposure to resistant bacteria originating from milk.
A collaboration between UK, Colombia and Kenya institutions aims to improve Brachiaria forage crops with drought and pest-resistance. The project uses genomic technologies to develop new varieties under physical stresses.
A new UNSW Australia study suggests that reintroducing Tasmanian devils to the mainland could restore ecosystem health by controlling red foxes and feral cats. The devil's presence would also benefit small and medium-sized animals, such as bandicoots and ringtail possums.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have developed a new genetic technique using CRISPR-Cas9 to improve the nutritional value of feed for livestock. The method generates specific yeast that combine protein with digestive enzymes, reducing the need for supplements.
Researchers found that just ten diseases account for around 50% of all published knowledge on diseases at the wildlife-livestock interface. The study emphasizes the need for sustained investments in research to evaluate risks and improve responses to disease epidemics in animals and humans.
Insect-based food production could alleviate childhood malnutrition and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock sources. The use of insects as food requires strict regulations and sanitary conditions due to disease and pesticide risks, according to the FDA.
A study found that rhino horn is more valuable by weight than gold, diamonds, or cocaine, posing a devastating threat to the world's largest herbivores. The loss of these animals would have drastic implications for ecosystems and human societies, with some species expected to become extinct in as little as 80-100 years.
Researchers have developed a new variety of low-allergenic soybean that lacks key allergenic and anti-nutritional proteins, making it suitable for use in infant formulas, livestock feed, and aquaculture. The 'Triple Null' soybean has the potential to reduce processing costs and make animal feed production more efficient.
A UNL researcher highlights the impact of climate change on the emergence of infectious diseases, citing examples of West Nile virus and Ebola as predictable outcomes. The expert calls for greater collaboration between public and veterinary health communities to address the growing threat.
The Arizona State University-SoilCarbon Nation team is examining the adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing management technique to compare its effectiveness with conventional, continuous grazing methods. This approach aims to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide while improving ranch ecosystems and wildlife habitat.
University of Illinois journalism professor Matthew Ehrlich compiled hundreds of cat-related tales from the New York Times digital archive, showing a range of stories beyond just cute cat videos. He found hero cats and nuisance cats, as well as concerns over animal treatment and rights.
The FibreLux is a small portable unit measuring average fiber diameter, comparable to the $75,000 OFDA2000 in accuracy with an 87% rating. Preliminary studies indicate the tool is user-friendly enough for growers to use on ranches.
A WCS study tracked guanacos in Karukinka Natural Park, Chile, revealing their seasonal movements and conflicts with livestock. The research suggests a limited science-based harvest may help conserve this species.
A study found that deworming medications reduced individual deaths from bovine tuberculosis but increased the potential for disease spread to other animals. The research suggests that treatments that aid an individual could come at the expense of a wider spread of disease in the larger community.
A Harvard study found that members of an East African herding tribe who engaged in violent raids had more wives and thus more opportunities to increase their reproductive success. The study, which analyzed the data of 120 men, found a clear correlation between raid participation and higher reproductive capacity.
A Kansas State University research project developed a simulation model to assess the impact of vaccination strategies and livestock herd types on foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. The study found that effective control methods can be implemented while minimizing harm to the livestock industry.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and the University of York used genetic sequencing techniques to analyze DNA from parchment samples, revealing insights into livestock breeding history. The study sheds light on how agricultural development shaped animal genetics across centuries.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London studied goats' physiological, behavioral and vocal indicators to understand their emotional states. They found that goats exhibit subtle positive emotions through ear position and call stability, paving the way for improved animal care.
A GPS-collar study found that leopards stay surprisingly close to homes and can thrive in human-dominated areas, depending on resources. The study's findings suggest that leopards are not always 'stray' or 'conflict' animals but residents, requiring policy makers to rethink conservation strategies.
The Ebola pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The study emphasizes the urgent need to adopt a One Health approach to detect and prevent infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that MRSA bacteria from farm animals has been detected in UK hospitals, highlighting the need for strict biosecurity practices and responsible antibiotic use. The strain, CC398, is resistant to some common antibiotic drugs and can be transmitted to humans through contact with livestock.
A new analysis of over 12,000 outbreaks affecting 44 million people worldwide reveals a rising trend in global infectious disease outbreaks, with 65% caused by zoonoses. Despite this increase, the impact of outbreaks is declining on a per capita basis.
Research from Durham University found that Alpine Chamois have decreased in body size over the past 30 years, with young animals now weighing 25% less than those of the same age in the 1980s. The study suggests that climate change is affecting how chamois behave, leading to reduced body size.
A Washington State University study found that consumers are willing to pay a 10 percent premium for environmentally labeled meat products, leading to significant water savings in livestock production. The research suggests that moderate price premiums can have a greater impact on water conservation than high premiums for niche products.
Researchers at Duke University found that controlled grazing by goats can reduce phragmites stem density by half in three weeks. The approach also restores native plant species diversity and function, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides.
Researchers identified 230 SNPs associated with climate change and found that gene TBC1D12 became advantageous in colder climates, suggesting a link between sunlight and vegetation availability. The study could inform breeding practices for more resilient livestock breeds.
Researchers found that a muscle, called axochord, runs along the midline of marine worm Platynereis, similar to where the notochord would be in chordates. This discovery suggests that the notochord may have evolved from a muscle-based structure in an ancient ancestor.
The US National Science Foundation, NIH, and USDA have awarded over $12 million in new research grants to study the ecological and biological mechanisms behind human-induced environmental changes and infectious diseases. Researchers will investigate topics such as landscape structure on disease dynamics and host vaccinations' impact on...
A new study reveals that nearly half of hog workers in North Carolina carry livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus, with 46% persistently carrying the bacteria up to four days after exposure. The drug-resistant strains have implications for public health, potentially spreading to family members and communities.
Researchers used GPS technology to study sheepdog behavior, finding that they employ two basic rules: collecting dispersed sheep and driving aggregated ones forward. This model can be applied to various fields like livestock management, environmental cleanup, and robotics.
Researchers found that wild sheep with higher tolerance to nematode infection produced more offspring, while those with lower tolerance left fewer descendants. The study provides groundwork for boosting human and livestock resilience to infection.
A new study suggests that improving food systems on specific regions and crops can boost global food security and protect the environment. The report identifies key leverage points for reducing environmental impacts and increasing food production in six countries: China, India, U.S., Brazil, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Closing the yield g...
Research at Aarhus University found that children raised on farms have lower risk of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The study suggests a correlation between urbanization and rising incidence rates of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Scientists have developed a technique to control the population of the Australian sheep blowfly by genetically modifying female flies to require a common antibiotic to survive. This approach allows for the separation of male and female larvae, enabling the use of male-only genetic control programs to reduce blowfly populations.
Researchers discover protein toxic to nematodes, protecting fungus and plant roots from parasites. The toxin docks on modified sugar structures, paving the way for novel vaccines against parasites and pathogenic germs.
A new study suggests that Tanzanian communities are rejecting the traditional practice of rewarding lion hunters for killing non-threatening lions, which could help conserve endangered species.
The IPCC report highlights the urgent need for actions to adapt to climate change and ensure food production and security. Innovative solutions, such as improved crop varieties and livestock breeds, can significantly lessen negative impacts.
Eight international scientists propose eight sustainable livestock strategies to cut costs while boosting the quantity and quality of food produced. These include feeding animals less human food, raising regionally appropriate animals, and tailoring practices to local culture.
A new study reveals that targeted livestock production systems can lead to a 23% reduction in emissions from land use change within two decades. This shift would make it more profitable for farmers to expand mixed systems with higher-quality feed, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
The study highlights the decline of large carnivore species worldwide, with 17 species occupying less than half of their former ranges. The authors call for an international initiative to conserve these species in coexistence with humans, citing the importance of their ecological effects and social benefits.
Research shows that livestock guarding dogs can protect farm animals from predators, resulting in a 91% reduction in livestock losses. This leads to increased tolerance of predators among farmers, allowing for greater coexistence with threatened species like cheetahs.
The University of Illinois has won Grand Challenges Explorations grants to develop a single-dose vaccine for multiple animal diseases and a system to study the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium. This funding aims to address pressing disease problems in developing nations, improving animal health and productivity.
Researchers found that probiotic Enterococcus faecium reduced pathogenic E. coli strains in piglets' intestines, promoting gut balance and reducing antibiotic use. The study suggests probiotics could substitute for antibiotics as growth promoters.
A new textbook sheds light on environmentally friendly technologies that can manage and recycle animal manure effectively and sustainably. The book highlights the need for robust interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals in environmental technology, industrial farm animal production, and agriculture to implement these solutions.
A new study by Neil Carter found that when Nepalese villagers are given control over local land management decisions, it benefits both people and tigers. The researchers showed that tigers prefer grasslands near water, which flow into nearby forests or grassy cover.
Locust swarms threaten food security in Asia, Africa, and Australia, costing billions of dollars in lost harvests. A new ASU-led project studies human behavior, market forces, and ecological systems to minimize locust outbreaks.
A study by Imperial College London finds that EU law could reduce tolerance for brown bears in Croatia, leading to increased conflict between humans and bears. The current system involving hunting ensures local support for the animals' survival, but EU legislation may disrupt this.
A study published in JAMA Network found that high exposure to swine manure in crop fields and proximity to high-density swine livestock operations increase the risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and skin and soft-tissue infections in humans.
Researchers found an association between living near pig farms and manure fertilizers with community-acquired MRSA infections. Approximately 11% of cases could be attributed to crop fields fertilized with swine manure.
Researchers have developed a method to exploit biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) in Brachiaria grasses, which can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen leaching. This approach offers potential for increasing crop yields while keeping global climate change within manageable limits.
A new study suggests that anthropomorphism can be a powerful tool for promoting low-profile species in conservation projects. By understanding how people attribute value and emotions to species, conservationists can create effective programs that speak to people's cultural expectations. The research highlights the importance of conside...