Articles tagged with Livestock
A new study reveals that wolves' re-introduction to Yellowstone National Park has led to a resurgence of berries in the grizzly bear's diet, helping them gain weight before hibernation. The recovery of trees and shrubs has improved the bears' health and ecosystem balance.
A study by University of Illinois economist Peter Goldsmith highlights the need for better communication between the livestock industry and local communities. The research found that more effective communication can help reconcile important issues and build common experiences, leading to a more factual conversation.
A new study suggests that sustainable farming practices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving food security. By increasing crop yields using efficient methods, such as new varieties and precision farming, farmers can cut emissions by 12% per calorie produced.
A recent study reveals that grassland fencing is threatening the survival of wild ungulates in Asia. The fencing has restricted their movement and reduced their habitat, making it harder for them to migrate and find food. This can lead to genetic isolation and increased extinction risk.
A new study found that industrial livestock workers in North Carolina carry drug-resistant bacteria associated with livestock, including Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria are resistant to multiple antibiotics and were more prevalent among workers exposed to industrial operations, which use antibiotics in animal feed and water.
Accelerating species loss threatens human well-being and survival, warns IPBES Chair Zakri Abdul Hamid. Genetic diversity among livestock and crops is declining, with 22% of domesticated breeds at risk of extinction.
A large-scale study of mosquitoes in Kenya found a diverse range of arboviruses, including West Nile, Ndumu, and Ngari viruses. Over 450,000 mosquitoes were screened, revealing previously unknown viruses with similarities to the Chaoyang virus in China.
This study explores the global nature of figs' association with humans, revealing their importance as a food source, animal fodder, and traditional medicine. Fig trees provide barkcloth, handicrafts, and other materials, emphasizing the consistent similarities in human values.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed equations to calculate phosphorus and calcium concentrations in meat and bone meal. The study found that ash content is a reliable indicator of Ca and P concentrations, allowing producers to estimate mineral levels without harming pig growth.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology successfully cloned mice multiple times using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique, overcoming previous limitations. The study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals no accumulation of genetic or epigenetic abnormalities after repeated cloning.
African lion populations face extinction due to human-lion conflicts. Fencing can protect people and wildlife; a global funding agency could fund large-scale fencing projects. The 'Marshall Plan' for African wildlife conservation is proposed by the leading lion researcher.
Contact with captive sea turtles poses a risk of exposure to toxic contaminants and zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The study highlights the importance of awareness among health-care professionals and the public to prevent and control the spreading of sea turtle-related disease.
The global goat population is under threat due to intensive animal husbandry systems that use a limited number of breeds. Poor handling of grazing has led to damaging environmental effects, including overloading ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.
USDA scientists identify urban runoff as a significant source of E. coli bacteria in California's middle Santa Ana River Watershed. The study found that pathogens are more often carried into waterways via urban runoff than animal production facilities, highlighting the need for improved water quality management.
Researchers at PLOS ONE found that caged mink consume fewer food treats when exposed to stimulating environments, such as water for wading. The study also showed that these animals sleep more soundly, contradicting the common notion of boredom leading to increased wakefulness.
A new study calls for a global system to monitor infectious diseases in companion dogs and cats, which can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends a coordinated global disease monitoring system for veterinarians working with small companion animals.
Archaeologists uncover unique sacred compound at Tel Beth-Shemesh, shedding light on early power struggles between Philistines and local populations. The site's desecration suggests a deliberate attempt to erase a sacred site by the invading Philistines.
A national research effort is underway to monitor antibiotic resistance in Australian livestock and companion animals. The study aims to provide a clearer picture of the state of Australian livestock and inform mitigation strategies.
Meat from wild animals like antelope and rodents is increasingly important in African diets due to scarcity of traditional livestock. Researchers highlight the nutritional value of bushmeat, providing protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
A UK-based research project is debating the future of Mongolia's rural areas and its impact on herders' livelihoods. Herders face multiple pressures due to climate change, mining and new policies on land, threatening their traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota developed a new genome editing technology called TALENS to genetically modify livestock animals. This technique allows researchers to study human diseases in animal models, potentially leading to cure development.
Sheep and goats can be trained to avoid eating olive leaves and grapevines through conditioned taste aversion, which simulates toxic components found in plants. This method reduces the need for pesticides and farming equipment while providing a nutrient-rich agricultural resource.
A reduced dietary pattern featuring less red and processed meat significantly reduces the risk of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer by 3-12%. It also leads to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 28 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
A study published in The Veterinary Journal found that horse branding is unreliable for identification due to poor legibility and tissue damage. Researchers examined brand marks on over 250 horses and found that only a small percentage could be clearly read.
Australian scientists have discovered a new bat virus, Cedar, which is closely related to deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. The virus does not cause illness in several animal species normally susceptible to Hendra and Nipah, providing a surprising key difference.
Researchers studying sloths on a shade-grown cacao farm in Costa Rica are gaining insights into their mating habits, behavior, and ecological parameters. The study reveals that sloths tend to disperse from home range and have multiple partners, and the cacao farm provides an ideal habitat for these animals.
Researchers at Newcastle University used biomechanical motion capture to analyze pigs' gait and identify those at risk of becoming lame. The study aims to develop a farmer-friendly system to predict leg problems and reduce lameness, improving health and welfare on UK farms.
Researchers found that estrogens convert from one form to another in anoxic conditions, stalling biodegradation and complicating detection. The study reveals a reverse transformation process, where estrone reverts to alpha- and beta-estradiols, inhibiting further degradation.
Off-label antibiotic use in farm animals poses a significant risk of promoting antibiotic resistance in humans. Canada should phase out antibiotics used for non-medical purposes in livestock and support producers who improve animal living conditions.
The UK has allocated £250M for five-year strategic investment programmes in bioscience research, including 26 strategic science programmes and 14 key national research capabilities. This funding will focus on addressing global challenges such as sustainable food production, energy security, and healthcare.
Lorne Babiuk, a renowned vaccine researcher, has been awarded the prestigious Canada Gairdner Wightman Award for his outstanding leadership in vaccine development and research. He is recognized for his work on developing six world-first livestock vaccines and creating a vaccine against rotavirus in calves that led to a human vaccine.
The European research project ReUseWaste aims to develop technologies and systems to make agriculture more resource-efficient by extracting bio-energy from waste, increasing nutrient recycling, and conserving soil quality. The project focuses on Denmark's significant animal manure production, aiming to increase sustainability and drive...
A new DNA-based method analyzed genetic material from 81 fecal samples, showing that most snow leopards ate wild animals (79%), with a relatively low proportion of domestic livestock (19.7%). The study aims to inform conservation strategies for the endangered species.
Christian Schlötterer is studying how fruit flies adapt to climate change through genetic analysis, aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms behind adaptation. His project may provide insights into natural variation and gene changes required for survival in new environments.
A severe climate event in Mongolia devastated the country's livestock and Przewalski's horse population, with losses averaging 60% for horses and minimal impact on wild asses. The study emphasizes the need for managing migratory species across large landscapes to ensure their survival.
A study by Heather Allen and colleagues reveals that antibiotics in swine feed stimulate gene transfer among gut bacteria, increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The researchers found that prophages, segments of DNA encoding antibiotic resistance genes, underwent significant increases in induction when exposed to antibiotics.
The study, 'Pedigree Chums: Science, Medicine and the Remaking of the Dog in the Twentieth Century', investigates the transformation of dogs through human selection and treatment, as well as their interactions with humans.
A University of Hull study found that weeds are vital to the existence of many farmland species, providing food for over 330 species of insects, birds, and animals. The research also showed that increasing farm management intensity can lead to a decline in seed biomass and energy, affecting farmland biodiversity.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a type of turfgrass that is safe for grazing animals but toxic to certain insects. The fungus, called Neotyphodium, produces compounds that kill insects while protecting the grass from animal harm. This breakthrough could lead to reduced pesticide use and promote sustainability in agriculture.
Researchers found hunter attitudes toward wolves inconsistent with stewardship, and existing game hunts are not suitable models for a potential wolf hunt. Support for regulated wolf hunting is conditional and varies among respondents.
A surprisingly healthy population of rare snow leopards has been discovered in northeastern Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor, according to a new study. WCS-trained community rangers used camera traps to document the presence of snow leopards at 16 different locations across the region.
Researchers sequenced the microbial communities inside a Tammar wallaby's gut, identifying a bacterium that could help reduce methane emissions in livestock. The study provides insights into the unique gut microbiome of macropods and may lead to strategies for modifying fermentation to produce less methane.
Researchers discovered a bacterial species in Australian Tammar wallaby gut that keeps methane emissions low, suggesting a potential new strategy to reduce livestock methane. The bacteria produce succinate as a main end product of fermentation, unlike methane-producing microbes.
The study analyzed 260 deer-vehicle collisions between 2003 and 2007 to identify high-risk areas along Edmonton's city limits. Creating a buffer zone by grooming natural vegetation alongside roads is suggested as a solution to mitigate fatal collisions.
The Roslin Institute has relocated to a new, purpose-built centre with partners from the SAC, focusing on improving livestock health and productivity. The institute aims to tackle complex problems such as diseases, animal welfare, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists have discovered naturally occurring thiouracil in plant-based animal feed and food. The discovery challenges the assumption that the substance is solely of synthetic origin, sparking debate over its natural occurrence.
Experts from the Middle East and 12 African countries meet in Dubai to develop a strategy for preventing Rift Valley fever outbreaks, which can disrupt livestock trade and threaten food security. The new approach aims to expedite the flow of livestock products while increasing safety in the region.
Researchers have found a link between methane production and levels of archaeol in the faeces of cows, sheep, and deer, offering a potential solution to quantify animal methane contributions. The discovery could enable more accurate assessments of global greenhouse gas emissions.
A research team has created a risk map to predict wolf attacks on Wisconsin livestock, identifying three variables that distinguish high-risk areas from low-risk ones. The study suggests that targeting prevention efforts on high-risk hotspots can help reduce conflicts between humans and wolves.
Researchers discovered a novel strain of Staphylococcus aureus, ST398, in an Iowa child care worker who reported no contact with livestock. The finding is an unexpected occurrence in a study examining the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in child day care facilities.
The Asiatic wild ass is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting. The species' range is limited to areas with low biomass production, forcing it into unproductive habitats. Conservation efforts could benefit not only the wild ass but also other rare mammals by opening up migration corridors.
A €3 million research project aims to deliver better ways to ensure the quality and safety of animal feeds in Europe. The QSAFFE project, led by Queen's Centre for Assured, Safe and Traceable Food (ASSET), involves 11 partners from six countries and will work on developing new technology to detect contamination quickly and at low cost.
Researchers have successfully sequenced 1% of the Iberian pig's genome, providing a new understanding of its genetics and meat quality. The study reveals surprising genetic diversity, with regions related to olfactory and immune systems showing higher variability.
The One Health concept aims to integrate surveillance activities across species to monitor and respond to emerging zoonotic diseases. ProMED-mail's global surveillance system has reported over 10,000 animal health issues, highlighting the need for improved interspecies collaboration.
The University of Illinois study found that swine diets can include up to 15% glycerin and achieve comparable performance to a conventional corn:soybean diet. However, the study revealed no effect of feeding glycerin on meat quality. The availability and cost of glycerin may impact its use as a feed ingredient.
Children who grew up on farms with their mothers during pregnancy showed a reduced risk of developing atopic dermatitis in their first two years. The study identified specific genes linked to innate immunity that are associated with lower likelihoods of allergic conditions, providing new insights into the disease.
A new study confirms medusahead has growth advantages over most other grass species, suggesting it will spread across the West, disrupt native ecosystems, and make millions of acres worthless. Researchers identify potential competing species to reduce its spread and preserve grazing lands.
Researchers are exploring the cowpea's high protein content, drought resistance, and ability to infuse soils with nitrogen, making it a promising crop for Africa's food security. The conference highlights innovative approaches to breeding resilient varieties and using biotechnology to combat pests and diseases.
A study by David Blouin found that people who think of animals as children tend to have a city background, while those in rural areas may view pets as just another animal. Having children often changes owners' thoughts on their pets.
A study by the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service found that rotational grazing and checking a lamb's eye color can minimize deworming. The researchers tested 71 lambs with the barber pole worm, finding that gel capsules filled with copper oxide wire particles eliminated the need for conventional dewormers in ...