Hasil untuk "Cattle"

João Paulo S. Alves, Pedro H.C. Rodrigues, Anisleidy P. Castillo et al.

Theileria orientalis is typically considered a benign protozoan parasite of cattle, although certain genotypes can cause significant economic losses in the livestock industry. Despite Brazil harboring the largest buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herd in the Western Hemisphere, information regarding T. orientalis infections in this species remains scarce. This study aimed to identify and characterize T. orientalis genotypes circulating in water buffaloes from the State of Pará, located in the Amazon region of Brazil. The major piroplasm surface protein (mpsp) gene of T. orientalis was detected by PCR in 39 out of 271 (14.4 %) buffaloes sampled from two farms in Marajó Island (n = 2) and one farm in the mainland (n = 37). Phylogenetic analysis of mpsp gene sequences revealed the presence of three genotypes: two previously described (Types N1 and N2) and one newly identified genotype (provisionally named Type N4). These findings provide the first evidence of T. orientalis genetic diversity in Brazilian buffaloes and highlight the need for further investigations into its epidemiology and potential tick vectors in South America.

F. Desidera, S.B. Skeie, T.G. Devold et al.

ABSTRACT: Somatic cell count is used as an indicator of milk quality and udder health in dairy goats, although its interpretation is complicated by noninfectious causes, including seasonality, farm-specific practices, and physiological factors. This study analyzed 868 milk samples from 9 Norwegian dairy goat farms to investigate the interplay between SCC, individual bacterial count (IBC), and milk composition. Samples were collected on 3 occasions during the lactation period (early, mid, and late lactation). The results showed that SCC peaked in the pasture period and then decreased but remained elevated in late lactation. Individual bacterial count showed a positive correlation with higher SCC levels, although this correlation varied significantly across different farms and time periods. The presence of intramammary infections only partially explained the varying correlation between SCC and bacterial counts. This indicates that the relationship between SCC and IBC is influenced not only by infections, but also by management practices, environmental conditions, and other farm-level factors. The study revealed a covariation between SCC and other milk components according to the lactation stage and season. Furthermore, the investigation of factors influencing the interplay between SCC and IBC provides a deeper understanding of SCC as a milk quality indicator in dairy goats.

Gérard Xavier Gbenou, Luc Hippolyte Dossa, Denis Bastianelli et al.

During the dry season in sub-Saharan Africa, ruminants are commonly fed low-quality forages, such as rangeland fodder and harvested grasses. This study evaluated the effects of four such forages - rangeland fodder (RF), Brachiaria ruziziensis (Bruzi), Andropogon gayanus (Agaya), and Panicum maximum (Pmaxi), all harvested at maturity (24 months) on feed intake, diet digestibility, and enteric methane (eCH₄) emissions. Ten Sudanese Fulani zebu steers (27.7 ± 4.6 months of age, 143.7 ± 15.7 kg of initial body weight - BW) were fed each forage at 2.3 % and 3.2 % of body weight (dry matter – DM basis) over three-week periods, two weeks of adaptation and one week of data collection. The forages differed significantly in chemical composition, affecting feed intake, diet digestibility, and eCH₄ emissions. The Pmaxi, with superior nutritional quality, was the most consumed and had the highest apparent digestibility (0.49; P < 0.001). At low-quality stage, all the forages had similar eCH4 yield potential (28.5 - 31.6 g/kg DM intake; P = 0.486). Methane conversion rate (Ym) ranged from 8.6 % in Pmaxi to 9.6 % of gross energy intake in Agaya; however, the variation was not statistically significant. Feeding ruminants over ad libitum low-quality forages did not affect their feed intake, diet apparent digestibility and eCH4 emissions. Measuring eCH4 emissions induced by these forages at different growth stages can help identify their optimal use for promoting both feed and environmental sustainability.

Hind Yahyaoui Azami, Claudia Perea, Tod Stuber et al.

Livestock production is a fundamental pillar of the Moroccan economy. Infectious diseases of cattle and other species represent a significant threat to the livestock industry, animal health, and food safety. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), mainly caused by Mycobacterium bovis, generates considerable direct and indirect economic losses, and an underestimated human health burden caused by zoonotic transmission. Previous studies have suggested likely M. bovis transmission links between Morocco and Southern Europe, however, limitations inherent with the methods used prevented definitive conclusions. In this study, we employed whole genome sequencing analysis to determine the genetic diversity of the first 55 M. bovis whole-genomes in Morocco and to better define the phylogenetic links between strains from Morocco and a large dataset from related and neighboring countries. With a total of 780 M. bovis sequences extracted from cattle, wildlife or humans and representing 36 countries, we discovered two new M bovis spoligotypes in Morocco and that the Moroccan clonal complexes are classified as belonging to Europe or Unknown, supporting previous studies that the Sahara Desert might be playing a key role in preventing M. bovis transmission between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, our analysis showed a close M. bovis genetic relationship between cattle from Morocco and cattle from Spain, France, Portugal and Germany, and from cattle in Morocco and humans in Italy, Germany, and the UK. These results suggest that animal trade and human migration between Morocco and these countries might be playing a role in disease transmission. Our study benefits from a large sample size and a rich dataset that includes sequences from cattle, wildlife and humans from Morocco and neighboring countries, enabling the delineation of M. bovis genetic links across countries and host-species. Our study calls for further investigation of animal and zoonotic TB spread in Morocco and in other countries, which is important to inform future TB control measures at the animal-human interface.

M. Guadagnini, P. Amodeo, F. Biscarini et al.

ABSTRACT: From an initial data set involving 84,189 lactations, this research evaluated the relationship between dry period length (DPL) and milk production, culling risk, and fertility. The data set included a total of 48,297 multiparous cow lactation records, with a calving event occurring in 2019 and 2020, belonging to 62 Italian herds with at least 150 cows. The DPL was classified into 5 categories (<40, 40–49, 50–60, 61–70, and >70 d) and these categories were used to establish the association between DPL and the outcome variables. All data obtained were assessed with simple and multiple linear regressions and Cox proportional hazard models. Cumulative milk production at 60 d in milk (DIM) was the highest in DPL categories of 61 to 70 d (2,480.29 kg/cow) and 50 to 60 d (2,474.39 kg/cow), and the lowest in <40 d (2,281.29 kg/cow). Similarly, DPL categories 61 to 70 d (10,830.94. kg/cow) and 50 to 60 d (10,817.48 kg/cow) had the highest 305-d milk production, whereas the <40 d (10,200.96 kg/cow) had the lowest one. The groups with a DPL of 40 to 49 d and >70 d had slightly, but significant, lower milk production both as cumulative 60 DIM and predicted 305-d milk production. Culling risk had a curvilinear behavior, with DPL <40 d and DPL >70 d showing significantly higher odds for culling during the first 60 DIM compared with DPL of 50 to 60 d [relative risk (RR): 1.53; RR: 1.46]. Within the same comparison, DPL of 61 to 70 d also had a slightly higher risk for culling (RR: 1.13). The DPL was associated also with fertility, with DPL of 40 to 49 d and 50 to 60 d having the greatest odds for pregnancy within the first 200 DIM. The DPL of <40, 61 to 70, and >70 d were negatively associated with fertility and showed pregnancy risks of 0.87, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively. This paper reinforces the importance of DPL as we demonstrated its association with milk production, culling, and fertility. Despite being attractive for high production dairy cows, very short dry periods are at the same time also associated with higher culling risk, lower milk production and fertility. Long DPL is detrimental, especially regarding culling and fertility. In summary, reducing variability in DPL and avoiding extremes by improving reproductive performance, maximizing late lactation milk production and making wise decisions on dry-off timing, may lead to better performances and lower early culling under Italian dairy conditions.

William Robinson Rumiguano-Quilligana, Edy Paul Castillo-Hidalgo, Juan Carlos Armas-Ariza

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la edad gestacional mediante la obtención de medidas fetales y observación de la organogénesis, utilizando el método ecográfico en hembras caninas que se encontraban en estado de gestación. El estudio se realizó a partir de 15 perras (Canis lupus familiaris) que presentaban un peso promedio de 10 kg, y que asistieron a consulta ginecológica al centro veterinario Cruz Verde, ubicado en la ciudad de Quito-Ecuador. A cada uno de los pacientes se les realizó la respectiva anamnesis, evaluación física, y para deducir un diagnóstico de la edad gestacional se realizó el estudio ecográfico. El método ecográfico permitió diagnosticar que, de 15 hembras revisadas, 14 mostraron signos de gestación y 1 de ellas, aparentemente vacía, pero que al final resultó ser un falso negativo, porque gestó una cría que se desarrolló de forma normal. La duración de la gestación fue de 64 ± 2 días y la correlación entre en el número de vesículas gestacionales y el número de cachorros nacidos fue de 0,89 (P<0,0001), y los latidos cardiacos fueron encontrados después del día 28 de gestación. Además, se logró recomendar la intervención obstétrica quirúrgica (cesárea) en 4 de las 14 (28,6 %) perras diagnosticadas gestantes, en virtud de que sus estados fisiológicos indicaban riesgos de vida, ya sea para la madre o para los cachorros.

Nizar Atallah Saleh

Objectives: The study aims to clarify the opinion of Al-Zamakhshari on revealing witticisms and rhetorical secrets in the Holy Qura’an. It also aims to present the words of the interpreters who worked with the eloquence of the verses of the Qur’an, and to weigh the different perspectives of these commentators. The study then concluded with the most plausible perspective. Methods: The study proceeded to study these issues according to their interpretation of Surat An-Nahl from Al-Kashshaf, where he followed inductive and analytical methods. Results: The study reached a number of results. The contexts in which the words appear are those that require the introduction of a word in one place and its delay in another. The prioritization of rest over demobilization in the Almighty’s saying “when you bring them in [for the evening] and when you send them out [to pasture]” was necessitated by the context of the conversation about the blessing of the beauty of these cattle. Furthermore, it is these contexts that help to understand the advent of the indefinite or definite words, towards the Almighty’s saying “with the result that someone's foot may slip after it was firmly planted”. Indefiniteness in this context denotes the meaning of glorification. Conclusions: The study recommends addressing the questions raised by Al-Zamakhshari in his interpretation because of their profound impact on the interpretation of the Qur’anic verses and the importance reflected in highlighting the rules and principles of language and interpretation.

Sajad Ghanbari, Samuel T. Turvey

Abstract The Caucasian grouse Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi, one of the most poorly known species of grouse, is experiencing population declines associated with multiple threats. Evaluating species' population status in relation to different local human activities is important to inform conservation and identify suitable management methods, but determining status and threats for poorly known taxa may require assessment of non‐standard sources of ecological information. We investigated what novel insights can be provided by local ecological knowledge (LEK) about population status and threats to the Caucasian grouse, in relation to the comparative status of other co‐occurring wildlife and to different local land‐use activities, and how data on local awareness and attitudes can guide conservation planning for this species. We conducted an interview survey in rural communities in the Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve (ABR), Iran, and collected LEK from 95 respondents within villages situated close to the locations of surviving and extirpated grouse populations. LEK is a useful tool for assessing the status of grouse populations: 41.1% of respondents recognized grouse and 30.5% had seen the species, and respondents within villages situated close to surviving grouse populations had greater awareness, sighting likelihood, and more recent sightings. More respondents considered that grouse and other galliforms had declined in comparison to other wildlife. Decline and disappearance of grouse populations is associated with alteration and disturbance of grouse habitat, with potential drivers including increased cattle grazing and local bans on harvesting fodder. These findings provide a new baseline to guide the development of suitable grassland management strategies (e.g. grazing regimes) for this species, and highlight the importance of further assessment of the effects of habitat disturbance on grouse survival, including understanding local histories of human–environmental interaction. Current landscape management methods are not supported by local people within the ABR, with most respondents disagreeing with the strict conservation measures currently in place, and we recommend that a new management system should be developed for Caucasian grouse conservation, including targeted conservation education and involving local community participation and co‐management. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Flávio Alves Damasceno, George B. Day, Joseph L. Taraba et al.

The thermal, chemical, and physical properties of compost bedding materials play an important role in every phase of compost production. Based on this, we aimed to assess the thermal, chemical and physical properties of bedding materials for compost-bedded pack (CBP) barns. The database for this study was registered from 42 CBP barns, distributed throughout the state of Kentucky (USA). The thermal conductivity showed a linear relationship with moisture content and bulk density, while thermal resistivity decreased with increasing particle size. The bedding moisture average was 46.8% (±11.5). The average finer index (<i>p</i> < 0.05) was the highest weight percentage (30.1%) in the samples studied. Water-holding capacity (WHC) increased with increasingly fine particle size. The higher bulk density value was 3.6 times that of the lowest bulk density value. The chemical characterization of the bedding material provided the following results: 42.7% (±3.8%) C, 1.6% (±0.4%) N, and 28.2 (±8.0) C:N ratio. However, thermal properties are strongly dependent on particle size. Producers can use the bedding material as fertilizer in their crops, due to the chemical characteristics of the materials. Beds with good physical and chemical properties improve their moisture content.

Mi Zhou, Eóin O’Hara, Shaoxun Tang et al.

The current study employed both amplicon and shotgun sequencing to examine and compare the rumen microbiome in Angus bulls fed with either a backgrounding diet (BCK) or finishing diet (HG), to assess if both methods produce comparable results. Rumen digesta samples from 16 bulls were subjected for microbial profiling. Distinctive microbial profiles were revealed by the two methods, indicating that choice of sequencing approach may be a critical facet in studies of the rumen microbiome. Shotgun-sequencing identified the presence of 303 bacterial genera and 171 archaeal species, several of which exhibited differential abundance. Amplicon-sequencing identified 48 bacterial genera, 4 archaeal species, and 9 protozoal species. Among them, 20 bacterial genera and 5 protozoal species were differentially abundant between the two diets. Overall, amplicon-sequencing showed a more drastic diet-derived effect on the ruminal microbial profile compared to shotgun-sequencing. While both methods detected dietary differences at various taxonomic levels, few consistent patterns were evident. Opposite results were seen for the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and the genus <i>Selenomonas</i>. This study showcases the importance of sequencing platform choice and suggests a need for integrative methods that allow robust comparisons of microbial data drawn from various omic approaches, allowing for comprehensive comparisons across studies.

Kenji Togashi, Kazunori Adachi, Kazuhito Kurogi et al.

Objective Models for genomic selection assume that the reference population is an unselected population. However, in practice, genotyped individuals, such as progeny-tested bulls, are highly selected, and the reference population is created after preselection. In dairy cattle, the intensity of selection is higher in males than in females, suggesting that cows can be added to the reference population with less bias and loss of accuracy. The objective is to develop formulas applied to any genomic prediction studies or practice with preselected animals as reference population. Methods We developed formulas for calculating the reliability and bias of genomically enhanced breeding values (GEBV) in the reference population where individuals are preselected on estimated breeding values. Based on the formulas presented, deterministic simulation was conducted by varying heritability, preselection percentage, and the reference population size. Results The number of bulls equal to a cow regarding the reliability of GEBV was expressed through a simple formula for the reference population consisting of preselected animals. The bull population was vastly superior to the cow population regarding the reliability of GEBV for low-heritability traits. However, the superiority of reliability from the bull reference population over the cow population decreased as heritability increased. Bias was greater for bulls than cows. Bias and reduction in reliability of GEBV due to preselection was alleviated by expanding reference population. Conclusion Cows are easier in expanding reference population size compared with bulls and alleviate bias and reduction in reliability of GEBV of bulls which are highly preselected than cows by expanding the cow reference population.

Mall Hiiemäe

The article gives an overview of calendrical rituals in Virumaa region, Estonia, mainly on the basis of customs descriptions preserved in the folklore archives of the Estonian Literary Museum since the last decades of the 19th century. Calendrical themes are complemented by proverbs, narratives about working prohibitions, etc. The influence of ancient Scandinavian agriculture that has persisted in northern Estonia for centuries, shows signs of weakening in the eastern part of Virumaa; in general, emphasis is laid on nature observations, as well as weather and crop-related omens in connection to calendrical holidays. The most important ritual foods are pork and mutton, barley and rye, as well as dairy products. The northern coast rituals reveal common features with Finnish calendrical traditions; there are also some common holidays unknown in the inland. Indoor jobs were prohibited in the period from All Saints’ Day (November 1) to Martinmas (November 10); in this period preferable activities were riddle-guessing and story-telling, not to inflict harm on cattle. St Stephen’s Day (December 26) was a public holiday related to horses; on this day men rode on horseback to other households to drink beer. In the south-eastern part of Virumaa County there is the historic indigenous Votic area, with additional Russian population. This area is influenced by Orthodox calendrical traditions. The celebration of St George’s Day (April 23) – the day when cattle were first let into the open – adopted features of an Eastern Slavic women’s feast. The souls of the deceased were treated at homes according to the Orthodox calendar – on Parents’ Saturday; in other regions of Estonia food was left for ancestors’ souls in the autumn, during a longer period.

Peregrine Lee Wolff, Cody eSchroeder, Caleb eMcAdoo et al.

Evidence for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection was detected in 2009-10 while investigating a pneumonia die-off in Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis), and sympatric mountain goats (Oreamnos americanum) in adjacent mountain ranges in Elko County, Nevada. Seroprevalence to BVDV-1 was 81% (N=32) in the bighorns and 100% (N=3) in the mountain goats. Serosurveillance from 2011 to 2015 of surviving bighorns and mountain goats as well as sympatric mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), indicated a prevalence of 72% (N=45), 45% (N=51), and 51% (N=342) respectively. All species had antibody titers to BVDV1 and BVDV2. BVDV1 was isolated in cell culture from three bighorn sheep and a mountain goat kid. BVDV2 was isolated from two mule deer. Six deer (N=96) sampled in 2013 were positive for BVDV by antigen-capture ELISA on ear notch. Wild ungulates and cattle concurrently graze public and private lands in these two mountain ranges, thus providing potential for interspecies viral transmission. Like cattle, mule deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep can be infected with BVDV and can develop clinical disease including immunosuppression. Winter migration patterns that increase densities and species interaction during the first and second trimester of gestation may contribute to the long term maintenance of the virus in these wild ungulates. More studies are needed to determine the population level impacts of BVDV infection on these three species.

Edílson Costa, Adriano R. Sassaqui, Anne K. da Silva et al.

ABSTRACT Seedling quality is crucial to obtain vigorous plants in the field. This study aims to evaluate the emergence and development of soursop seedlings in different substrates in protected environments. The experiment was conducted at the Mato Grosso do Sul State University and carried out using five protected environments: greenhouse, greenhouse with thermo-reflective screen, nursery with monofilament screen, nursery with thermo-reflective screen, and nursery with palm thatch. The substrates (S) consisted of cattle manure (M), humus (H), cassava branches (C), and vermiculite (V) as in the following ratios: S1 = H + V (1:3), S2 = H + V (1:1), S3 = H + V (3:1), S4 = H + C (1:3), S5 = H + C (1:1), S6 = H + C (3:1), S7 = M + V (1:3), S8 = M + V (1:1), S9 = M + V (3:1), S10 = M + C (1:3), S11 = M + C (1:1), S12 = M + C (3:1), S13 = H + M + V (1:1:1), S14 = H + M + C (1:1:1), and S15 = H + M + V + C (1:1:1:1). For the statistical analysis, each of those environments was considered as an experiment in which was used the completely randomized design; subsequently, it was performed a combined analysis of them. In summary, the greenhouse with thermo-reflective screen and combined substrates with “M + V” promote greater development of the seedlings. High concentrations of “V” or “C” cause no beneficial effect on soursop seedlings.

N. R. Budulov

The main goal of the research was to study preventive activity of Seroizatison complex preparation against certain viruses appearing in etiology of mixed respiratory diseases observed among calves at farms of the Republic of Dagestan. Efficacy tests of the preparation and dosage schemes development were carried out at cattle farms with unfavorable respiratory disease background. The study was focused on Seroizatison complex preparation consisting of immune serum and Izatison mixed in 85 ml to 15 ml ratio respectively. Convalescent blood serum from cattle or polyvalent hyperimmune serum against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IRT), parainfluenza-3 (PG-3), bovine viral diarrhea virus (VD-BS), and bovine adenovirus infection (ADVI) obtained from hyperimmuned stud bulls of 1.6 - 2 years old was used as immune serum in the tests. Testing Izatison for effective concentration showed that 15% concentration of Izatison in the complex preparation had the maximum preventive efficacy. Preventive efficacy of Seroizatison with 15% concentration of Izatison was by 14.8% higher in the test group of calves than in the control group. Tests carried out on calves deliberately infected with virulent viral strains showed that introduction of Seroizatison 24 hours before infecting the calves with IRT, PG-3, and bovine ADV prevented development of clinical signs of respiratory diseases in all animals. The best preventive efficacy was observed in the group of calves treated with Seroizatison preparation, 97.5%; treatment with Izatison preparation in combination with Aethonium, convalescent serum, and hyperimmune serum returned 82.5%, 82.5%, and 85.0% preventive efficacy respectively. Introduction of hyperimmune serum into the Seroizatison composition enhances preventive efficacy of the complex preparation against respiratory diseases in calves by 15% compared to Izatison.

Irenilson M. da Silva, Héliton Pandorfi, Ângelo J. S. de Vasconcelos et al.

Due to the importance of the environment on animal production and thus environmental control, the study aims to build a system for monitoring and control the meteorological variables, temperature and relative humidity, low cost, which can be associated with an evaporative cooling system (ECS). The system development included all the stages of assembly, test and laboratory calibration, and later the validation of the equipment carried in the field. The validation step showed results which allowed concluding that the system can be safely used in the monitoring of these variables. The controller was efficient in management of the microclimate in the waiting corral and allowed the maintenance of the air temperature within the comfort range for dairy cattle in pre-milking with averaged 25.09 ºC during the afternoon. The equipment showed the lower cost (R$ 325.76) when compared to other middle market (R$ 450.00).<br>Devido à importância do ambiente na produção animal e, portanto, do controle ambiental adequado, objetivou-se com este trabalho a construção de um sistema de monitoramento e controle das variáveis meteorológicas, temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, de baixo custo, associado a um sistema de resfriamento adiabático evaporativo (SRAE). O desenvolvimento do sistema controlador compreendeu as etapas de montagem, teste e aferição em laboratório e, posteriormente, a etapa de validação do equipamento realizada a campo. A etapa de validação apresentou resultados que permitiram concluir que o sistema pode ser utilizado com segurança no monitoramento e controle dessas variáveis por meio dos atuadores. O controlador mostrou-se eficiente no manejo do microclima no curral de espera e permitiu a manutenção da temperatura do ar dentro da faixa de conforto para bovinos leiteiros na pré-ordenha, apresentando média de 25,09 ºC durante o turno da tarde. O equipamento apresentou custo inferior (R$ 325,76) quando comparado à média de outros no mercado (R$ 450,00).

W. Brown, P. Christofferson, M. Massler et al.

J. Carlson, M. Yokoyama, E. O. Dickinson

T. Grandin

D. Kemp, R. Agbede, L. Johnston et al.