Articles tagged with Ruminants
Researchers are working to breed Dorper and Rambouillet sheep with improved natural resistance to internal parasites. By collecting fecal egg counts and using estimated breeding values, the team aims to provide producers with genetic selection decisions to make parasite-resistant animals.
A new study quantifies the time spent in moderate to intense heat-related discomfort by South American beef cattle, finding they experience 280-2,800 hours of heat stress per year. Providing shade can reduce this impact by up to 85% and generate economic benefits.
A recent study at UC Davis has shown that feeding cows red seaweed can dramatically cut the amount of methane produced, with a 60% reduction in emissions. The research identified specific microbes in the cow's gut that help reduce methane production, opening the door to engineering these microbes for a long-term solution.
A new study reveals how US national parks influence wildlife behavior, with some species avoiding humans while others adapt to developement, affecting ecological dynamics and conservation efforts.
New nutrition strategies could slash methane emissions from dairy cows by a staggering 60%, according to a Journal of Dairy Science review. Diet reformulation, using feed additives like seaweed and 3-NOP, may be key to achieving this goal.
Researchers found that horns and antlers share fundamental aspects and likely originated from a single ancestral structure. The study supports the idea that headgear evolved as elaborations on this shared bony structure inherited from a common ancestor.
Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.
An international team of scientists is recruiting microbes to reduce methane production in cows, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project involves tracking hydrogen production and utilization during fermentation to redirect excess hydrogens towards more productive end-products.
A vaccination campaign in Cambodia has successfully protected endangered wild cattle from lumpy skin disease (LSD), a highly contagious viral disease. The campaign, launched in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society, has vaccinated over 20,000 domestic cattle and water buffalo to prevent the spread of LSD to wild ruminants.
Researchers found that biting midges responsible for transmitting the virus are active on warmest days throughout the winter, contrary to previous theories. The discovery suggests that bluetongue virus transmission is likely ongoing year-round, with potential economic impacts for cattle farming.
Achieving a high fertility cycle in dairy herds involves implementing reproductive management programs, maintaining optimal body condition scores (BCS), and ensuring timely pregnancies. By calving cows at lower BCS between 2.75 and 3.0, dairy farms can reduce health issues and increase fertility rates.
Researchers discovered a microbial culture from baby kangaroo feces that can inhibit methane production in cow stomach simulators, replacing it with beneficial acetic acid. This innovation has the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve cow health.
A study led by Washington University in St. Louis found that nonlethal parasitic infections reduce herbivory rates and trigger trophic cascades impacting plant communities. The research used a mathematical model and global meta-analysis to highlight the ecological consequences of common parasitic infections in wild animals.
A new analysis by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that substituting 20% of meat from cattle with microbial protein could halve deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Microbial protein can be produced in fermentation tanks, reducing pressure on land and methane emissions.
Brazilian researchers have discovered two novel enzyme families in the capybara's gut, which can accelerate the utilization of agroindustrial waste. The enzymes have biotechnological potential and can be used to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.
A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that Norwegian Red calf personality is related to feeding behavior and growth, with calves displaying different traits affecting their milk and concentrate intake. Calves weaned based on individual concentrate intake had higher average daily gains postweaning.
Young dairy calves are motivated to seek full social contact, even with partial interaction, according to a new study. The researchers found that calves pushed more weight to access pens with a social partner compared to empty pens, highlighting the importance of socialization for calf development.
A study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that dairy calves use brushes for grooming and oral manipulation, with 40% of brush use being oral manipulation. Providing access to brushes can reduce abnormal behaviors and improve cattle welfare.
Researchers have unraveled key enigmas in evolutionary biology, revealing how ruminants obtained a more efficient use of plant food and developed specialized teeth to exploit bacteria's digestive capabilities. The study also provides insights into the explosive growth of deer antlers and potential cancer-like cell growth mechanisms.
A new report by the University of Oxford evaluates claims about grass-fed beef and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The study finds that while grazing can sequester carbon, this effect is time-limited and outweighed by emissions at the global level.
The Global Farm Platform conference presents research findings on sustainable livestock systems, showing that traditional measures of dairy cow performance are oversimplified. Knowledge exchange between farmers and researchers reveals that robust cows can be more economically viable due to their good health, fertility, and ability to t...
A newly discovered extinct three-horned palaeomerycid ruminant in Spain may be a relative of giraffes. The species, Xenokeryx amidalae, has a unique 't-shaped' horn and is classified in the Giraffomorpha clade.
A dairy study funded by the American Jersey Cattle Club Research Foundation investigates how breed and conformation affect cow longevity. Dr. Pablo Pinedo aims to compare the productive life of Jerseys, Holsteins, and their crosses in multi-breed herds.
A University of Alberta nutrition expert recommends re-evaluating trans fat labelling due to evidence suggesting natural trans fats have positive health effects. Natural trans fats found in dairy and beef products are not detrimental to health and may even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A scientific review published in Advances in Nutrition reveals that natural trans fats produced by ruminant animals, such as dairy and beef cattle, have significant positive health effects. These findings contradict existing nutrition labels and suggest a change is needed to reflect the new science.
A study found Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) in various wildlife and domestic ruminants, suggesting transmission between species. The bacteria causes severe diarrhea in ruminants and has been linked to Crohn's disease in humans.
Research suggests that sloths expel larger particles more efficiently than expected, potentially due to unique digestive adaptations. This study challenges the conventional wisdom on sloth behavior and highlights the importance of considering the interplay between resting posture, digestive anatomy, and ingesta characteristics.
A recent study published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that wild game meat and grass-fed beef contain a balance of essential fats, including healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of unhealthy omega-6 fat. This ratio is associated with reduced cholesterol levels and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.