Insights into natural neocentromere evolution from a cattle T2T X chromosome
Paulene S. Pineda, Callum MacPhillamy, Yan Ren
et al.
Abstract The cattle genome is crucial for understanding ruminant biology, but it remains incomplete. Here we present a telomere-to-telomere haplotype-resolved X chromosome and four autosomes of cattle in a near-complete assembly that is 431 Mb (16%) longer than the current reference genome. Using this assembly (UOA_Wagyu_1) we identify 738 new protein-coding genes and support the characterization of centromeric repeats, identification of transposable elements, and enabled the detection of 2397 more structural variants from 20 Wagyu animals than using ARS-UCD2.0. We find that the cattle X centromere is a natural neocentromere with highly identical inverted repeats, no bovine satellite repeats, low CENP-A signal, low methylation, and low CpG content, in contrast to the autosomal centromeres that are comprised of typical bovine satellite repeats and epigenetic features. Our results suggest it likely formed from transposable element expansion and CpG deamination, suggesting dynamic evolution. We find eighteen X-pseudoautosomal region genes have conserved testes expression between cattle and apes. We also find all cattle X neocentromere protein-coding genes are expressed in testes, which suggests they potentially play a role in reproduction.
Metabolic capabilities of key rumen microbiota drive methane emissions in cattle
Wanxin Lai, Antton Alberdi, Andy Leu
et al.
ABSTRACT The rumen microbiome plays a critical role in determining feed conversion and methane emissions in cattle, with significant implications for both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. In this study, we applied a hierarchical joint species distribution model to predict directional associations between biotic factors and abundances of microbial populations determined via metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Our analysis revealed distinct microbial differences, including 191 MAGs significantly more abundant in animals with a higher methane yield (above 24 g/kg dry matter intake [DMI]; high-emission cattle), and 220 MAGs more abundant in low-emission cattle. Interestingly, the microbiome community of the low-methane-emission rumen exhibited higher metabolic capacity but with lower functional redundancy compared to that of high-methane-emission cattle. Our findings also suggest that microbiomes associated with low methane yields are prevalent in specific functionalities such as active fiber hydrolysis and succinate production, which may enhance their contributions to feed conversion in the host animal. This study provides an alternate genome-centric means to investigate the microbial ecology of the rumen and identify microbial and metabolic intervention targets that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in livestock production systems.IMPORTANCERuminant livestock are major contributors to global methane emissions, largely through microbial fermentation in the rumen. Understanding how microbial communities vary between high- and low-methane-emitting animals is critical for identifying mitigation strategies. This study leverages a genome-centric approach to link microbial metabolic traits to methane output in cattle. By reconstructing and functionally characterizing hundreds of microbial genomes, we observe that a low-methane-emission rumen harbors well-balanced, “streamlined” microbial communities characterized by high metabolic capacity and minimal metabolic overlap across populations (low functional redundancy). Our results demonstrate the utility of genome-level functional profiling in uncovering microbial community traits tied to climate-relevant phenotypes.
Molecular prevalence and genotype identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cattle and goats from Zhejiang Province, China
Xianming Xin, Lijie Sun, Wei Liu
et al.
IntroductionEnterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is a widespread intracellular fungi that poses a significant zoonotic threat due to its infectivity toward both humans and animals.MethodsTo evaluate the zoonotic transmission potential of this fungi, a molecular investigation was undertaken on E. bieneusi in cattle and goats reared across multiple cities in Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 651 fresh samples were collected, consisting of 265 cattle and 386 goats. The presence of E. bieneusi was determined by PCR amplification and sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene in all collected samples.ResultsThe results revealed that 17.1% (111/859) of the animals were afflicted with E. bieneusi, cattle having a prevalence of 14.0% (37/265) and goats displaying a higher rate of 19.2% (74/386). Seventeen E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, including 10 known, CHG5 (n = 30), CHG3 (n = 21), I (n = 14), J (n = 12), CHG2 (n = 11), COS-II (n = 8), D (n = 4), CHG19 (n = 2), ETMK5 (n = 1), and Henan III (n = 1), and seven novel, ZJG-I to ZJG-VI and ZJN-I (one each) genotypes.DiscussionThese findings indicate widespread infection of E. bieneusi among the surveyed animals, thereby raising concerns about zoonotic genotypes that could pose potential threats to public health. Furthermore, the identification of novel genotypes of E. bieneusi offers valuable insights into the genetic diversity of this pathogen.
Combining 2′-fucosyllactose and galacto-oligosaccharides exerts anti-inflammatory effects and promotes gut health
Sewon Park, Yoonhee Park, Yu-Jin Jeong
et al.
ABSTRACT: This study investigated the potential of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) combinations as a novel and cost-effective substitute for human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) in promoting gut health and reducing inflammation. In vitro studies using caco-2 cells showed that 2′-FL and GOS combinations (H1 = GOS:2′-FL ratio of 1.8:1; H2 = GOS:2′-FL ratio of 3.6:1) reduced LPS-induced inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory markers, whereas individual treatments had no significant effects. In a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, combined 2′-FL and GOS supplementation alleviated symptoms, improved gut permeability, and enhanced intestinal structure, with the GH1 group (H1 combo with DSS) being the most effective. 2′-Fucosyllactose and GOS combinations also enhanced short-chain fatty acid production in infant fecal batch fermentation and mouse fecal analysis, with GH1 showing the most promising results. The GH1 supplementation altered gut microbiota in mice with DSS-induced colitis, promoting microbial diversity and a more balanced Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio. Infant formula products (IFP) containing 2′-FL and GOS combinations (IFP2 = 174 mg of GOS and 95 mg of 2′-FL per 14 g serving, 1.8:1 ratio; IFP3 = 174 mg of GOS and 48 mg of 2′-FL per 14 g serving, 3.6:1 ratio) demonstrated gastrointestinal protective and anti-inflammatory properties in a co-culture model of caco-2 and THP-1 cells. These findings suggest that 2′-FL and GOS combinations have potential applications in advanced infant formulas and supplements to promote gut health and reduce inflammation.
Dairy processing. Dairy products, Dairying
Results of mycotoxicological monitoring of cattle feed harvested in the Vologda Region
A. V. Platonov, S. V. Eregina, I. V. Artamonov
There has been carried a mycotoxicological research of various feed for cattle to find the most contaminated types of feed and the most common mycotoxins. During the long-term monitoring of feed samples similar in species composition, harvesting and storage conditions to determine the dynamics of the number of mycotoxins over 260 plant samples from a number of the Vologda Region farms were studied, among them 61 samples were examined for the simultaneous content of 4 mycotoxins and 22 samples for the simultaneous content of 5 mycotoxins. The content of the main groups of mycotoxins in harvested feeds using the method of EIA analysis was investigated. A total of 509 analyses were conducted for the period of 2022–2024, including 155 analyses for aflatoxin sum, 132 for ochratoxin-A, 105 for zearalenone, 89 for dioxynivalenol (DON), and 28 for T-2 toxin. The research results revealed that 99 % of the studied samples were contaminated with mycotoxins to some extent: all analyzed samples were infected with aflatoxins and zearalenone, 97 % of the samples were damaged by ochratoxin–A and less than a third of the samples were infected with DON. Moreover, a significant part of the samples was contaminated with two or more mycotoxins. Samples of grain, green mass and haylage contained mycotoxins below the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) level, in hay samples the predominant contaminant was T-2 toxin, the content of which was 9 times higher than the MAC level. The results of analysis of silages of different composition proved that the most contaminated were legume and cereal mono-species silages, so the exceeding of MAC for the sum of aflatoxins on average is 4.1–4.2 times, for ochratoxin-A – 1.1–1.3 times. Monitoring of mycotoxin content showed that samples of cereal-bean silage had an increase in the content of a number of mycotoxins with increasing storage time. For instance, the sum of aflatoxins in three-four weeks after harvesting was 3.27 µg/kg, in 4 months – 5.74 µg/kg, in 10 months – 22.31 µg/kg, a similar trend was observed in the determination of zearalenone. On the contrary, the content of ochratoxin-A slightly decreased. Relatively uniform contamination of the studied samples allows predicting both the composition of contaminants and the degree of their contamination of prepared fodder, which should be taken into account by the relevant specialists of livestock enterprises in the region when developing measures and activities aimed at preventing mycotoxicosis.
Mitochondrial diversity and the origins of African and European cattle.
D. Bradley, D. MacHugh, P. Cunningham
et al.
586 sitasi
en
Biology, Medicine
Microsatellite DNA variation and the evolution, domestication and phylogeography of taurine and zebu cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus).
D. MacHugh, M. Shriver, R. Loftus
et al.
585 sitasi
en
Biology, Medicine
OOCYTE GROWTH, CAPACITATION AND FINAL MATURATION IN CATTLE
P. Hyttel, T. Fair, H. Callesen
et al.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever favouring factors virus transmission: Special focus on Iraq and neighbouring countries
Amer Nubgan, Mohammed Al-Saadi
Arthropod-borne infections, known as vector-borne diseases, are a significant threat to both humans and animals. These diseases are transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected arthropods. In the last half century, there have been a number of unexpected viral outbreaks in Middle Eastern countries. Recently, Iraq has witnessed an outbreak of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus with high morbidity and mortality rates in humans. However, very little is known about the prevalence and distribution of CCHFV in Iraq, and therefore, it is impossible to quantify the risk of infection. CCHFV is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. However, transmission can also occur through contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals during slaughter or through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Accidental crushing of infected ticks can also release the virus and lead to transmission. In addition, healthcare workers and family members caring for infected individuals are at risk of infection through exposure to contaminated body fluids and aerosols. There are still many unknowns about the role that vertebrates play in the upkeep and spread of CCHFV. Critical information for our comprehension of CCHFV ecology may be gleaned through experimental studies conducted on wild animals and cattle. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to draw attention to current studies and publications that shed light on the intricate dynamic between CCHFV, vector, and host and demonstrate how biosurveillance at each stage aids in our knowledge of disease transmission, risk, and future research prospects.
Clinical Epidemiology, Pathology, and Molecular Investigation of Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreaks in Bangladesh during 2020–2021 Indicate the Re-Emergence of an Old African Strain
Rokshana Parvin, Emdadul Haque Chowdhury, Md Taohidul Islam
et al.
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) emerged in Bangladesh in mid-2019, leading to great economic losses for cattle farmers. This study describes the recent occurrence of the LSDV in Bangladesh and examines the clinical manifestation of the disease in local cattle breeds, characteristic epidemiological features, and pathological findings in affected animals. In addition, a full-genome sequencing of two local LSDV isolates was carried out. A total of 565 animals from 88 households were investigated, and 165 samples (skin lesions, saliva, nasal discharge, feces, and milk) were collected for virus detection. Pathology and immunohistochemistry were performed on nodule biopsies. Fever, nodular skin lesions, and swelling of the joints were the most common clinical manifestations. Skin lesions had a higher concentration of viral DNA compared to other sample types and were therefore selected for virus isolation and characterization. Pathology of the LSD skin nodules comprised a granulomatous reaction in the dermis and hypodermis that extended to the surrounding tissues. Development of the skin lesions started with swelling of keratinocytes with cytoplasmic vacuolation, vasculitis, panniculitis, thrombosis, and infarction. Altogether, the LSDV produced transmural, hemorrhagic, necrotizing, proliferative and ulcerative dermatitis. The LSD viral antigen was detected occasionally in the macrophages, epithelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. The complete genome sequence analysis revealed that the two Bangladeshi field strains (BD-V392.1 and BD-V395.1) were distinct from the contemporary field strains and were closely related to the ancestral African Neethling strain. The findings of this study will improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and control of LSD in Bangladesh.
Subgenotype Analysis of Cryptosporidium Isolates from Humans, Cattle, and Zoo Ruminants in Portugal
M. Alves, Lihua Xiao, I. Sulaiman
et al.
523 sitasi
en
Biology, Medicine
Cattle Manure Amendments Can Increase the pH of Acid Soils
J. Whalen, Chi Chang, G. Clayton
et al.
A new heat load index for feedlot cattle.
J. Gaughan, T. Mader, S. Holt
et al.
427 sitasi
en
Biology, Medicine
Capripoxviruses: an emerging worldwide threat to sheep, goats and cattle.
S. Babiuk, T. Bowden, D. Boyle
et al.
Capripoxviruses are the cause of sheeppox, goatpox and lumpy skin disease (LSD) of cattle. These diseases are of great economic significance to farmers in regions in which they are endemic and are a major constraint to international trade in livestock and their products. Although the distribution of capripoxviruses is considerably reduced from what it was even 50 years ago, they are now expanding their territory, with recent outbreaks of sheeppox or goatpox in Vietnam, Mongolia and Greece, and outbreaks of LSD in Ethiopia, Egypt and Israel. Increased legal and illegal trade in live animals provides the potential for further spread, with, for instance, the possibility of LSD becoming firmly established in Asia. This review briefly summarizes what is known about capripoxviruses, including their impact on livestock production, their geographic range, host-specificity, clinical disease, transmission and genomics, and considers current developments in diagnostic tests and vaccines. Capripoxviruses have the potential to become emerging disease threats because of global climate change and changes in patterns of trade in animals and animal products. They also could be used as economic bioterrorism agents.
411 sitasi
en
Medicine, Geography
Identification of quality programs applied to some dairy industries in the west of Santa Catarina
Maria Regina Thomaz, Rosana da Silva, Nédio Luiz Verdi
et al.
Milk is considered one of the most complete foods and consumed by a large part of the population. In recent years the demands of legislation and the consumer market for improving quality in the dairy sector have been constant. Dairy products are increasingly investing in the adoption of standards and tools focused on food quality and safety management, guaranteeing their survival and competitiveness in the globalized market. The present work aimed to identify the situation of the implementation of quality management systems in dairy industries located in the West of Santa Catarina state and to analyze the initiatives to guarantee the quality of processed products. A case study was carried out, and the survey method was used to collect data through a questionnaire applied to four dairy products. The dairy products under study apply the basic tools of the quality management system required by current Brazilian legislation, such as Good Hygiene Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points and Internal Pest Monitoring, concern to maintain and adapt the quality system of its products, providing food safety, standardization and organization of processes, which ensures the competitiveness and safety of products.
Dairy processing. Dairy products
Ambition Meets Reality: Achieving GHG Emission Reduction Targets in the Livestock Sector of Latin America
Jacobo Arango, Alejandro Ruden, Deissy Martinez-Baron
et al.
Livestock production is a very relevant source of income and agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Mexico, and Peru. Several management and technological options with enteric methane mitigation potential have been evaluated and their scaling is anticipated to contribute toward achieving GHG emission reduction targets in the framework of the Paris Agreement. Yet, widespread adoption of promising mitigation options remains limited, raising questions as to whether envisaged emission reduction targets are achievable. Using findings from local studies, we explore the mitigation potentials of technologies and management practices currently proposed to mitigate enteric methane emissions from cattle production systems in the higher emitting countries of Latin America. We then discuss barriers for adopting innovations that significantly reduce cattle-based enteric methane emissions and the major shifts in policy and practice that are needed to raise national ambitions in the high emitting countries. Using the latest science and current thinking, we provide our perspective on an inclusive approach and re-imagine how the academic, research, business and public policy sectors can support and incentivize the changes needed to raise the level of ambition and achieve sustainable development goals (SDG), considering actions from the farm to the national scale.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Food processing and manufacture
The use of hormonal treatments to improve reproductive performance of anestrous beef cattle in tropical climates.
P. Baruselli, E. L. Reis, M. O. Marques
et al.
463 sitasi
en
Biology, Medicine
Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Feral Swine near Spinach Fields and Cattle, Central California Coast
M. Jay, M. Cooley, Diana K. Carychao
et al.
We investigated involvement of feral swine in contamination of agricultural fields and surface waterways with Escherichia coli O157:H7 after a nationwide outbreak traced to bagged spinach from California. Isolates from feral swine, cattle, surface water, sediment, and soil at 1 ranch were matched to the outbreak strain.
395 sitasi
en
Medicine, Biology
Positive and negative effects of widespread badger culling on tuberculosis in cattle
C. Donnelly, R. Woodroffe, D. Cox
et al.
427 sitasi
en
Biology, Medicine
Prevalence and pathogenicity of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in beef cattle and their products.
H. S. Hussein
391 sitasi
en
Biology, Medicine