Tropical animal health and production最新文献

{"title":"Effect of the genotype and environment interaction on body weight traits in Nelore cattle (Bos indicus).","authors":"Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo-Júnior, Cláudio Vieira de Araújo, Caio de Souza Teixeira, Simone Inoe de Araújo, Raysildo Barbosa Lôbo, Lílian Roberta Matimoto Nakabashi, Letícia M Mendes de Castro, Flávio Luiz Menezes, André Guimarães Maciel E Silva, José Ribamar Felipe Marques, Welligton Conceição da Silva, Marco Aurélio Lopes Della Flora, Hipócrates de Menezes Chalkidis, Carlos Eduardo Lima Sousa, Éder Bruno Rebelo da Silva, Jamile Andréa Rodrigues da Silva, José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04516-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04516-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotype-environment interaction and its impact on the genetic evaluation of sires for body weight traits in Nellore cattle. Records of standardized weights at 120 (W120), 210 (W210), 365 (W365), and 450 (W450) days of age were used for 28,570 Nelore cattle, the progeny of 179 sires and 17,998 dams from herds in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Goiás. The months of birth of animals were grouped into seasons that corresponded to the months with the lowest and highest rainfall. The variance components and prediction of breeding values of the animals were estimated. As a result, the posterior means of additive genetic variance components for W120 and W210 were higher in Mato Grosso compared to Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás and which single-trait model. Posterior means of direct heritability's for W120 and W210 were higher in Mato Grosso. Regarding yearly (W365) and yearling (W450) weights, the posterior means of the additive genetic variance components for Goiás were higher than those for Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul and for the single-trait model. The state of Mato Grosso, in turn, was the one that presented the posterior mean of the higher residual variance component for W450. Posterior regression coefficients for W120 and W210 indicated that the breeding values of the sires were underestimated by the single-trait model in the state of Mato Grosso. Spearman's and additive genetic correlation coefficient values indicated changes between the ranking of sires for body weights, especially between Mato Grosso (MT) and Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). It is concluded that there is a presence of GxE on the selection criteria for the weight development of Nelore cattle in the Midwest Region of Brazil.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The immune response of Boschveld chickens to a Newcastle disease vaccination program designed for commercial layers.","authors":"Pride Hodzi, Blessed Masunda, Tonderai Mutibvu, Takudzwa Charambira, Takudzwa Mafigu, Rumbidzai Nhara","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04528-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04528-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated Boschveld chicken's antibody response to a standard Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccination program designed for the Hyline Brown chickens. Both breeds were challenged with the LaSota vaccine at days 1, 69, 111, and 195. The blood samples were aseptically collected from 10 randomly selected birds per breed on each vaccination day (1, 69, 111, and 195) and 10 days after each vaccination (10 dpi). The sera were tested for anti-ND virus (NDV) antibodies using the Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. The anti-NDV antibody titers were expressed in log ₂ as geometric mean ± standard deviation. Before any vaccination, 80% of Boschveld chicken sera tested negative for anti-ND virus antibodies, significantly higher than that of Hyline Brown chickens (40%). Hyline Brown day-old chicks had a higher antibody titer (4.95 ± 0.21) than Boschveld day-old chicks (3.21 ± 0.43) before vaccination. The Boschveld accumulated higher antibody titers (13.98) than the Hyline Brown breed (13.85), despite the Boschveld having lower antibody titers at day 1. The antibody titers of the Boschveld did not change significantly (p > 0.05) after the 4th vaccination dose. For effective immune control of ND, the vaccination program for commercial layer chickens can be optimized to suit the Boschveld chickens by reducing the frequency of booster vaccinations. The 4th ND vaccination must be delayed until antibody titers approach the minimum protective threshold. This intervention can also be adopted for Boschveld chicken's close relatives, such as village (native) chickens.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"269"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular detection of vector-borne agents in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and associated ectoparasites from Brazil.","authors":"Caroline Tostes Secato, Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves, Inalda Angélica de Souza Ramos, Ana Cláudia Calchi, Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel, Thiago Merighi da Silva, Rosangela Zacarias Machado, Marcos Rogério André","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04499-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04499-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brazil has the largest buffalo herd outside the Asian continent, with more than 1.5 million head. As buffalo farming has become an economically important activity, studies on the occurrence of pathogens shared between cattle and buffalo are necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular occurrence of piroplasmids and bacterial agents (Anaplasmataceae and Coxiellaceae) potentially transmitted by vectors in buffaloes in southeastern Brazil using molecular methods. DNA was extracted from blood samples of 81 buffaloes, 165 Rhipicephalus microplus ticks, and 92 Haematopinus tuberculatus lice collected from buffaloes in the municipality of Passos, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. These samples were subjected to conventional PCR (cPCR) assays based on three endogenous genes, namely gapdh from mammals, 16S rRNA from ticks, and cox-1 from lice. Positive samples from these PCR assays were then submitted to a real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting IS1111 of Coxiella burnetii, cPCR for Ehrlichia spp. (dsb gene), and nested-PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Piroplasmida, sbp-2 of Babesia bovis, and rap-1α of Babesia bigemina. All buffalo and ectoparasite DNA samples tested positive in the PCR assays for the endogenous genes. All samples were negative in the qPCR for C. burnetii and nested PCR for B. bigemina (rap-1α). For Ehrlichia spp., 6/257 (2.3%) ectoparasites (five ticks and one louse) tested positive, with BLASTn analysis showing 88.04% to 100% identity with Ehrlichia minasensis. In the nPCR for piroplasmids (18S rRNA), 8/81 (9.9%) buffaloes and one tick (0.7%) tested positive, with BLASTn analysis showing > 99.9% identity with B. bovis and B. bigemina. In the nPCR for B. bovis (sbp-2), 1/81 buffalo (1.2%) was positive. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the occurrence and co-infection of tick-borne hemoparasites in buffaloes and associated ectoparasites in southeastern Brazil. The lack of positivity for E. minasensis and low molecular occurrence for B. bovis and B. bigemina among buffaloes sampled may be associated with the higher resistance of this ruminant species to R. microplus ticks and vectored pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"267"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The assessment of the impact of feeding systems on meat quality: a comparison of conventional and organic beef production.","authors":"Anchalee Khongpradit, Paramapich Jaroensri, Wisut Maitreejet, Watcharaporn Boonsaen, Phoompong Boonsaen, Suriya Sawanon","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04521-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04521-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the growth performance, carcass attributes, and meat quality of steers raised under organic and conventional agricultural systems. In the conventional system, steers were divided into two feeding groups. The first group, comprising Kampaeng Saen steers (KPS-Rf) and crossbred dairy steers (CDS-Rf), received a restricted concentrate diet (8 kg/head/day) along with unlimited Napier grass silage. The second group, consisting of Kampaeng Saen steers (KPS-Ab) and crossbred Wagyu steers (WC-Ab), was fed ad libitum concentrate and Napier grass silage. The conventional system resulted in significantly higher weight gain, final weight, average daily gain, and a more favorable feed conversion ratio compared to the organic system (P < 0.05). Within the conventional system, no significant differences were found between the limited and ad libitum concentrate feeding groups for final weight, weight gain, or average daily gain (P > 0.05). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for hot and cold carcass weights, with the conventional system generally outperforming the organic system. Meat from the conventional system exhibited lower pH levels and lighter color (higher L* values) compared to the organic system (P < 0.05). Regarding nutritional composition, meat from the organic system contained higher crude protein and lower fat content compared to the conventional system (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant differences were observed in the fatty acid profiles, with organic meat showing higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids (P < 0.05). KPS-Rf exhibited better growth performance and feed conversion efficiency than the other breeds in both conventional and organic systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"268"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection and prevalence of parasites in creole cattle from a rural area in an Andean district of Peru.","authors":"Juan Rojas-Moncada, Teófilo Torrel, Luis Vargas-Rocha","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04522-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04522-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Animals raised in rural areas often lack sufficient healthcare and nutrition due to limited access to professional services or state programs. This situation is worsened by extensive grazing practices, which expose cattle to parasites. This study aimed to identify helminths and coccidia by examining fecal eggs and oocysts in creole cattle from small-scale producers raised under grazing conditions at altitudes above 3,000 m in the rural area of Chota district, Cajamarca, Peru. Fecal samples from 385 cattle were analyzed, with 357 (92.73 ± 2.59%) testing positive for parasite eggs and oocysts. At the farm level, all (37/37) were infected with parasites. Natural sedimentation identified eggs of Fasciola hepatica (19.48 ± 3.96%). Flotation concentration using a saturated sugar solution revealed eggs of strongylid-like nematodes (SLN) (81.56 ± 3.87%), Capillaria spp (1.82 ± 1.33%), Trichuris spp (2.86 ± 1.66%), Toxocara vitulorum (2.08 ± 1.42%), Moniezia spp (8.05 ± 2.72%), and oocysts of Eimeria spp (55.58 ± 4.96%). The parasitic load of SLN and Eimeria spp was associated with sex and showed a moderate negative correlation with age (p < 0.05). Females exhibited an odds ratio (OR) of 0.393 [95%CI 0.187 - 0.825] for SLN infection, OR = 0.298 [95%CI 0.177 - 0.503] for Eimeria spp, and OR = 2.206 95%CI 1.111 - 4.382] for F. hepatica compared to males (p < 0.05). Younger cattle had a higher probability of infection with SLN, Moniezia spp, and Eimeria spp while showing a lower likelihood of F. hepatica infection than those older than four years (p < 0.05). The initial study conducted in the rural area of the Chota district revealed a high frequency of infections by various internal parasites in creole cattle, but with low parasite loads. These findings suggest further research on whether parasite loads impact animal health or production.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"265"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144286599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of red seaweed phytochemicals-zeolite nanocomposite as a feed additive to reduce ruminal methane emissions in vitro.","authors":"Amira Othman, Taha Taha, Moamen Al-Shafii, Toka Deskoy, Mina Ratib, Mario Youssef, Eman Mohammed, Yosra Ahmed Soltan","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04501-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04501-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Natural alternative products to antimicrobials may offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly substitute for conventional ionophore antibiotics as dietary feed additives to reduce methane (CH₄) emissions from ruminants. This study is designed to prepare and assess the physicochemical properties and biological effects of red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) phytochemicals-zeolite nanocomposite (ZRN) in comparison to ionophore monensin and natural zeolite on ruminal fermentation. The wet impregnation technique was employed to combine the active components of red seaweed with zeolite to create ZRN. An in vitro gas production (GP) study was conducted to evaluate the biological impact of different levels of the developed ZRN on ruminal fermentation compared to monensin and natural zeolite. The experimental treatments included a control group (0 supplementations), monensin (40 mg/kg dry matter (DM) monensin), natural zeolite (20 g/kg DM natural zeolite), and ZRN were supplemented at 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 g/kg DM ZRN to the control basal substrate. The experimental ZRN contained 27 highly active phytochemicals, such as 1,2-Benzene dicarboxylic acid, quercetin, and patchouli alcohol. Particle size distribution analysis revealed that the particle size at D90 decreased from 334 nm in natural zeolite to 46 nm in ZRN. The innovative ZRN exhibited a larger specific surface area, higher cation exchange capacity, and distinct morphology observed through electron microscopy compared to natural zeolite. All experimental feed additives reduced CH₄ production compared to the control, with ZRN diets had the lowest (P = 0.02) CH₄ values among all diets. A linear reduction effect of the ZRN prototype on ruminal GP (P = 0.007) and linear and quadratic reductions in CH₄ production (P < 0.05) were observed, without adverse effects on organic matter degradability. ZRN supplementation increased (P < 0.05) ruminal pH and tended (P = 0.08) to decrease ammonia production compared to the control diet. Monensin showed a tendency towards reducing protozoal count (P = 0.08), while ZRN treatment resulted in linear and quadratic increases (P < 0.05). No differences were detected in total short-chain fatty acids among the experimental treatments. Significant increases (P = 0.018) were observed in the molar proportions of propionate due to monensin, whereas all treatments involving ZRN led to a significant increase (P = 0.001) in the molar proportions of acetate over propionate. These results indicate the successful preparation of the ZRN with enhanced physicochemical properties and biological effects for reducing CH₄ production while promoting microbial fermentation. Thus, it could be considered as a novel dietary feed additive for dairy ruminant diets.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"266"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12165991/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144286600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lactation performance and milk fatty acid profile of dairy buffaloes fed different dietary Mesquite fruit (Prosopis juliflora).","authors":"Alireza Jolazadeh, Mohammadreza Mashayekhi, Mahmoud Amiri Roudbar","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04512-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04512-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the effects of different levels Mesquite fruit (MF) (Prosopis juliflora) on lactation performance and milk fatty acid (FA) profile of dairy buffaloes. Eight buffalos (520 ± 35 kg body weight; 85 ± 30 days in milk) were fed iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets containing 0, 120, 180 or 240 g/kg dry matter (DM), MF in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin squares design. Milk production, composition, quality criteria of milk and the milk FA profile were measured. Results showed that DM intake, milk yield or its components, 4% fat corrected milk were unchanged (P > 0.05) by MF inclusion. Quality criteria of raw milk (density, pH, color and appearance and smell) were unchanged by feeding experimental diets (P > 0.05). Buffaloes fed MF produced milk with higher (P < 0.01) total unsaturated fatty acids and lower (P < 0.01) total saturated fatty acid concentration. In conclusion, the inclusion of MF (up to 240 g/kg DM) in the diets of dairy buffaloes demonstrated no adverse effects on production performance. However, MF inclusion may influence milk fatty acids (FA) concentrations. Therefore, MF can be considered a cost-effective and safe alternative feed ingredient for partially replacing barley and wheat bran in concentrate mixtures. It can be included at levels of up to 24% in the diets of lactating buffaloes, particularly in regions prone to feed scarcity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"264"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144276015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meat productivity of beef steers of different genotypes in Saryesik-Atyrau desert conditions.","authors":"Kuat Nurgazy, Mukhit Dyussegaliyev, Utepbergen Bissenov, Balnur Akhmetova, Diana Toleuova","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04509-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04509-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Significant climatic changes, driven by an increase in average annual temperature and a decrease in precipitation, have led to extreme conditions for animal husbandry, including beef cattle breeding. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the meat productivity of Aberdeen-Angus, Hereford, and Kazakh white-headed breeds raised in the climatic conditions of farms in the Saryesik-Atyrau desert region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Quantitative productivity characteristics were assessed through controlled slaughtering of nine animals (three from each breed), with an initial weight of 400 kg ± 10 kg. Qualitative indicators of meat raw material were determined using arbitration methods. Morphometric analysis of carcass weight indices revealed the influence of dimensional differences inherent to the different genotypes. The maximum carcass measurements and post-slaughter weight were observed in Hereford bulls, while Aberdeen bulls had the smallest measurements (P < 0.05). The Kazakh white-headed breed exhibited intermediate values compared to the specialized meat breeds. The quality indicators of meat raw material were more significantly influenced by breed characteristics. Thus, meat from Hereford and Kazakh white-headed breeds showed higher (P < 0.05) protein content (17.1-18.2%) compared to Aberdeen, in which fatty tissue predominated (17.9%), compared to 12-14% in the other breeds. This higher fat content in Aberdeen meat was associated with a greater energy value, by 1287-1789 kJ per kilogram of meat, while the protein content was higher in Hereford meat. In conclusion, the genetically determined qualitative and quantitative characteristics of meat productivity are preserved even under extreme desert conditions. Given the similar indicators of meat productivity across these breeds under temperature stress, it is possible to select livestock for fattening based on the target parameters of meat raw material.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"259"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reducing livestock emissions while maintaining productivity in ruminant production systems: challenges and opportunities in the Tropics and the Mediterranean.","authors":"Yosra A Soltan, Amr S Morsy, Hani M El-Zaiat, André M de Almeida","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04517-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04517-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"262"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lactation performance and fecal microbiome of sows supplemented with antioxidant-rich polyherbal extract.","authors":"Giovani Frederico, Monike Willemin Quirino, Ines Andretta, Eduardo Schmitt, Vanessa Peripolli, Rafael da Rosa Ulguim, Ivan Bianchi","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04510-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04510-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the lactation performance and fecal microbiome of sows supplemented with an herbal extract rich in antioxidants from day 110 of gestation until weaning. Ninety-five sows (parity 1 to 8) were assigned to either the control group (n = 48; 225.3 ± 4.1 kg), fed a non-supplemented lactation diet, or the herbal group (n = 47; 224.6 ± 4.2 kg), fed the same diet supplemented with an herbal extract (Herbal C Power^®, Nuproxa, Vaud, Switzerland). Environmental conditions in the farrowing facilities were within the critical temperature and humidity range. No differences were observed in sow rectal temperature, respiratory frequency, or number of weaned piglets (P = 0.15). However, piglets from the supplemented group showed lower pre-weaning mortality (0.72% vs. 1.23%), higher weight gain (213.8 g vs. 201.1 g), and greater weaning weight (6.1 kg vs. 5.8 kg; P ≤ 0.01). Supplemented sows produced more milk (11.0 kg/day vs. 9.9 kg/day; P < 0.01), though feed and water consumption remained similar (P ≥ 0.39). Antioxidant supplementation had no significant effect on sows' body weight, backfat thickness, or weaning-to-estrus interval, but supplemented sows had lower caliper units (12.1 vs. 13.0; P = 0.03). Serum levels of AST, ALT, C-reactive protein, and TNF-α were unaffected (P ≥ 0.17). Fecal analysis revealed a higher abundance of Enterobacteriales and Enterobacteriaceae in supplemented sows (P = 0.03). Antioxidant supplementation improved litter performance, reduced piglet mortality, increased milk production, and altered sow gut microbiota; however, further studies performed under more extreme conditions are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 5","pages":"258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}