Articles tagged with Livestock
A University of Michigan analysis shows that captive breeding colonies are too small to protect the critically endangered Asian vulture from extinction. Adding wild birds to the captive colonies is crucial but hampered by political and logistical barriers.
The world's great animal migrations are experiencing steep declines and disappearances due to human activities such as dam construction, overfishing, and habitat destruction. The loss of these migrations not only disrupts the natural balance but also has significant effects on the ecology of surrounding landscapes.
A WCS study in Chile's Karukinka reserve aims to understand guanaco movements and habitat impact. The research will help restore overland migrations of guanacos, critical for biodiversity in Latin America.
A new study highlights the critical need for veterinarians in New England, where the region's economy relies on veterinary medicine worth $3.3 billion. The study reveals a shortage of up to 658 veterinarians by 2014 and notes that food animal veterinians will retire at nearly twice the rate of their companion animal colleagues.
A randomized controlled trial found that spending time with farm animals improved patients' self-efficacy and coping ability, particularly those with schizophrenia and long-lasting psychiatric symptoms. The study suggests that farm animal-assisted therapy may be a beneficial treatment option for individuals with mental health conditions.
Prebiotic sugars have been shown to reduce Salmonella infection severity in animals, improving health and reducing economic losses. The study's findings suggest a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance and foodborne illnesses.
A recent study found a narrow corridor of habitat in Mongolia threatened by herders and increased traffic, posing a migration bottleneck for the endangered saiga antelope. The species, known for its distinctive nose, has seen its numbers plummet by 95% due to poaching and competition with livestock.
A new study maps emerging disease hotspots worldwide, revealing that human-wildlife conflict and drug-resistant pathogens are major contributors. The research, which analyzed 335 diseases from 1940 to 2004, shows that disease emergence has roughly quadrupled over the past 50 years.
DNA traceability technology requires access to DNA from cloned animals for verification and tracing. IdentiGEN founder Patrick Cunningham advocates for public DNA access to assure consumers about product origins.
A new study reveals that parasites play a pivotal role in the decline of species in fragmented forests. Red colobus monkeys were found to be infected with more human or livestock parasites than their black-and-white cousins, due to their varied diet and increased travel range.
Researchers observed and videotaped four captive caimans and three alligators at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, finding that five of the seven animals teared up as they ate. The cause of the tears is still unknown, but it may be related to air forced through the sinuses during feeding.
The UNC School of Pharmacy team has developed a new synthetic form of heparin called Recomparin, which is less complex and easier to produce than previous forms. This reduction in structural complexity is expected to lower the risk of uncontrolled bleeding while maintaining the drug's anticoagulant properties.
Food crops like corn, lettuce, and potato take up antibiotics from soils treated with manure containing the antibiotic Sulfamethazine. This raises concerns about the potential for contamination of the human food supply, particularly among vulnerable populations like young children who may experience allergic reactions.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that soil particles can increase the infectious nature of rogue proteins causing CWD. Binding to common soil minerals like montmorillonite significantly increases oral transmissibility, with a nearly 700-fold difference observed.
The University of Georgia is partnering with Mexican universities to develop innovative technologies for generating biofuels from agricultural waste. This initiative aims to support rural economic development and environmental sustainability by providing training, internships, and exchanges between UGA and Mexican academics and profess...
Researchers are working together to identify the cause of Devil Facial Tumour Disease and develop a test to detect infected animals. The integrated team will use various techniques to search for infectious agents and markers, with the goal of stopping the disease in its tracks.
Researchers found that de-stocking livestock and receiving cash helped families feed themselves, maintain core herds, and access vital services during droughts. This approach supported local economies and reduced the need for humanitarian assistance.
David R. Franz, Kansas State University's National Agricultural Biosecurity Center director, warned of the vulnerabilities and threats to the nation's livestock industry due to increased animal concentrations and international transportation. He emphasized the need for a different set of tools to protect against intentional disease int...
Nathan Ball, a 23-year-old MIT graduate student, has invented a device that enables rapid vertical mobility, reducing the time to reach the top of a building from six minutes to just 30 seconds. He also developed an improvement in needle-free injection technology with potential applications in animal husbandry and mass inoculation.
Researchers used radio tracking and computer simulation models to understand why wolves are not dispersing as fast as expected in Yellowstone. The team found that the reduced probability of finding mates at low densities slows the predicted rate of recolonization.
Researchers used emus to decipher dinosaur tracks at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite in Wyoming. The birds' behavior revealed that dinosaurs likely stopped and observed their environment while walking, resolving a mysterious 'crossing over' track pattern.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that galantamine, an Alzheimer's medication, can effectively counteract the toxic effects of nerve agents and certain insecticides. The treatment was shown to protect the brain from organophosphorus compounds, even when administered after exposure.
Researchers at Tufts University's Feinstein International Center aim to improve animal health, trade, and human livelihoods in Africa. They propose independent certification bodies to ensure safe export trade and fair standards for livestock commodities.
A study found that children living near Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Iowa are more likely to develop asthma, with a prevalence rate of 24.6% compared to 11.7% in areas far from the facilities. The results suggest that CAFOs release inflammatory substances that can affect the health of nearby communities.
A new DNA technique, known as plant-fingerprinting, can identify poisonous plants from animal remains by analyzing DNA sequences in the rumen. This method uses plant material extracted from animals within 24 hours of death to create a unique template for amplifying specific DNA sequences.
Scientists have created pigs that produce heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids by transferring a gene called fat-1 to pig cells. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of cardiovascular function in both pigs and humans, as well as potential benefits for human health and animal welfare.
Scientists are sounding the alarm on the dangers of animal movement in spreading diseases, citing examples such as avian 'flu and diseases of pets through international travel. They call for improved communication and regular screening of animals before movement to prevent disease spread.
A collaboration between Princeton University and the Saint Louis Zoo is bringing effective conservation of Grevy's zebras within reach for Samburu pastoral cooperatives, led by Dr. Daniel Rubenstein.
Climate change and human activities are pushing tiny pikas to higher elevations, leaving them with limited habitat options. The animals' distribution has diminished significantly over the past 40,000 years, with many populations now isolated on separated mountain ranges.
A £2.6m project will examine early life events affecting farm animal stress and quality of life. The research aims to create standards for risk periods and understand the interaction between genetics and environment to optimize animal health and welfare.
Researchers at UK developed a new approach to controlling mosquitoes, which can prevent various forms of encephalitis including West Nile and malaria. The study was conducted in collaboration with colleagues from Johns Hopkins University.
Daniel Gallie's research doubles protein content of corn grain, increasing its value for producers and providing a nutritious source for millions suffering from protein-energy malnutrition. The high-protein corn can be easily applied to sweet corn, offering a solution for those relying on plant-based sources.
According to Irvine, no animals had to be euthanized due to lack of space after Hurricane Charley. She studied how human attitudes and myths influence emergency workers' approach to free-roaming animals during disasters.
The region's livestock trade, migrant labor, and crop production are failing, leaving families without vital income. Humanitarian aid can address immediate needs but won't solve underlying conflicts, researchers warn.
Yun-Hwa Peggy Hsieh's patented immunoassay assays detect BSE and Scrape diseases in animal feeds, improving trade relations with China. Her Reveal Ruminant test kit has been widely adopted globally.
Millions of wild animals pass through markets each year, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The study highlights the need to regulate and eliminate the global wildlife trade to prevent the spread of diseases among humans, domestic animals, and ecosystems.
Researchers found that Eastern Bluebirds were 31% more likely to be found in connected patches, while seeds from wax myrtle plants were 37% more likely to be found in traps. The study showed a 'tight fit' between predictions and actual seed movement.
Researchers developed a simple method to neutralize phenols in manure using horseradish root and hydrogen peroxide, reducing odors by 50%. The mixture effectively deodorized over 50 gallons of hog manure in pilot-scale tests.
The PLMS system provides instant feedback on alternative grazing systems' impact on farm profit, milk production, and greenhouse gas emissions. A multidisciplinary team is developing the system to balance forage needs with livestock requirements.
The study reveals that light-to-moderate grazing has no ill effects on the ecosystem, and can even increase vegetative ground cover and plant diversity. In contrast, ungrazed lands show more cheatgrass and reduced plant variety, highlighting the benefits of managed livestock grazing.
The study found that larger herd sizes grant better social status, land, and income, but also lead to deforestation and water scarcity. Poor families with small herds rely on charcoal sales, affecting animal health and child nutrition.
Researchers found that bird abundance and reproductive success are often disconnected, with some species adapting to human disturbances and others facing declines. The study suggests that using bird counts alone may not accurately reflect habitat quality.
The research project aims to identify tick genes that spread serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease. By analyzing the genome data, scientists hope to develop vaccines to block transmission of microbes that cause tick-borne illnesses.
A team of researchers found that domesticated donkeys originated in northeastern Africa approximately 5,000 years ago. Genetic analysis revealed two distinct lineages, indicating two separate domestications, which occurred between 303,000 and 91,000 years ago.
Researchers at UC Riverside have successfully developed a low-carb corn variety with increased protein and oil content, thanks to the introduction of a cytokinin gene that promotes plant growth. This breakthrough could help address global food security challenges by improving the nutritional value of cereal grains.
Purdue University researchers found a new twist in a plant formation biochemical pathway, decreasing two acids in plant cell walls to enhance digestibility. This could lead to more nutritious livestock feed and improved crop yields.
Researchers at UCSD aim to improve care of laboratory animals with automated monitoring technology. The Smart Vivarium project combines cameras, sensors, and AI to enable 24/7 monitoring and analysis of animal behavior.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a strain of mice with the c. elegans gene fat-1, which converts omega-6 acids to omega-3s. The transgenic mice produce high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, opening up possibilities for farm animals that naturally produce omega-3 rich food products.
A recent survey found that attitudes towards wolves in Wisconsin are shaped more by cultural factors than individual experiences. Moderate support exists for wolf recovery statewide, with 73% of residents favoring maintaining or increasing wolf numbers. However, hunters and livestock producers exhibit greater intolerance towards wolves.
A University of Illinois study highlights the growing tension between farmers and newcomers to rural areas like Elburn, Kane County. Farmers see farmland as a means of livelihood and family heritage, while newcomers view it as public amenity. This clash is leading to erosion of community trust and decline in farming practices.
Researchers from Purdue's schools of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and IU School of Medicine will collaborate to study human diseases using animal models, improving understanding of muscle wasting, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The $4.5M program aims to develop new treatments for devastating childhood diseases.
Research found that geese prefer short-grass areas where protein ingestion is highest, helping to keep the grass short and maintaining its nutritional value. Grazing livestock, such as cows and horses, also prevent salt marsh vegetation from becoming too coarse, protecting the geese's food source.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania successfully transplanted testicular tissue from mice, goats, and pigs into mice, resulting in functional sperm production. This breakthrough has significant implications for preserving endangered species and developing new methods for livestock breeding.
The ACT EAB believes that this research represents an important milestone in demonstrating the feasibility of new therapies for tissue and organ repair. The board has established strict guidelines for human embryo research, including prohibiting culturing of human embryos in vitro for more than 14 days.
The study found that a gene called Tcr, which is transmitted at up to 95% from male carriers to their progeny, encodes a protein kinase likely to control sperm motility. This allows for the manipulation of transmission ratios and potentially exclusive fathering of female offspring in farm animals.
The University of Massachusetts has introduced an in-vessel composting unit at Tillson Farm, expected to process 10-20 tons of food waste into compost. The system, a self-contained commercial composter, uses a combination of heat, moisture, and air circulation to break down organic waste.