Veterinary and Animal Science最新文献

{"title":"A holistic review of buffalo productivity, reproductive efficiency, genetic improvement, and disease management in Bangladesh","authors":"Eshtiak Ahamed Pehan ,&nbsp;Manik Miah ,&nbsp;Md Habibur Rahman ,&nbsp;Shahanaj Ferdousi Shejuty ,&nbsp;Md Nurul Haque ,&nbsp;Md Nazmul Huda ,&nbsp;Md Rezwanul Habib ,&nbsp;Md Younus Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100496","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Buffaloes play a vital role in Bangladesh's livestock sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s milk and meat production. However, their productivity remains below potential due to limited genetic capacity, poor reproductive performance, and inadequate health and management practices. This review critically synthesizes findings from scientific literature, field studies, and national reports to assess the status of buffalo production, reproductive efficiency, genetic improvement efforts, and disease management strategies in Bangladesh. Major challenges include low milk yield (average 2.50-4.00 liters/day), imbalanced nutrition, reliance on traditional feeding systems, and minimal mechanization. Reproductive inefficiencies are characterized by low conception rates (below 40%), prolonged calving intervals (local:19.36 ± 2.39 months; crossbred: 19.37 ± 2.63 months), delayed onset of puberty (30 to 36 months), and ineffective estrus detection. Although crossbreeding programs with high-yielding breeds such as Murrah and Nili-Ravi have been introduced, progress has been limited due to inadequate record-keeping, lack of performance monitoring, and continued dependence on conventional breeding methods. Disease prevention and control are further impeded by insufficient veterinary infrastructure, low vaccination coverage, and limited farmer awareness. Structural barriers such as the absence of integrated development frameworks, restricted access to artificial insemination (AI), and a shortage of superior germplasm also hinder sectoral advancement. To address these multifaceted issues, the review advocates for enhanced farmer education, expansion of AI services, development of region-specific disease control strategies, and the implementation of systematic genetic improvement programs incorporating molecular technologies. Strengthened collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and farming communities is essential to foster a resilient, productive, and sustainable buffalo industry in Bangladesh.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100496"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of resveratrol supplementation on performance and metabolic adaptations in heat-stressed Holstein cows during early lactation","authors":"M.R. Rezaei Ahvanooei ,&nbsp;M.A. Norouzian ,&nbsp;Ali Assadi-Alamouti ,&nbsp;P. Vahmani ,&nbsp;M.H. Ghaffari","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100492","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100492","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of resveratrol (RSV) supplementation on performance and metabolic responses of heat-stressed, early lactation cows. Eighteen cows (BW = 640.8 ± 29.4 kg, parity = 2.0, average daily milk yield = 44.4 ± 2.0 kg and days in milk (DIM) = 39.8 ± 6.5 d; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) control (<strong>CON</strong>; no RSV supplementation), (2) <strong>RSV-4</strong> (4 mg RSV/kg BW per d) or (3) <strong>RSV-8</strong> (8 mg RSV/kg BW per d). Results demonstrated that RSV supplementation, particularly at 8 mg/kg, significantly improved DMI and milk yield, with increases of 0.8 kg/d and 2.9 kg/d, respectively (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The RSV-8 treatment also significantly reduced rectal and vaginal temperatures compared to both the CON and RSV-4 groups (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), while the RSV-4 treatment resulted in a higher respiratory rate (RR) than both the CON and RSV-8 groups (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). In addition, serum metabolic parameters showed that RSV-8 and RSV-4 supplementation significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and NEFA levels, respectively, compared to the CON group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). RSV supplementation at both levels led to a significant increase in serum insulin levels. Antioxidant analysis showed that RSV supplementation increased serum malondialdehyde levels, especially in the RSV-4 group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In general, these results indicate that RSV supplementation can have a positive effect on feed intake and lactation performance in heat-stressed Holstein dairy cows in early lactation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100492"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144779407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metabolomic changes of uterine fluid of lactating cows with subclinical endometritis and treated with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).","authors":"Maria A Hidalgo, Alejandra I Hidalgo, Noemi Gutierrez, Rafael A Burgos, Marcelo Ratto","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100494","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postpartum uterine disease in dairy cows can cause important health problems in animals and economic losses to producers. An adequate management of animals around calving is crucial for maintaining animal health status and future lactation. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to have beneficial effects on the health of cows. In this pilot study, we analyzed the effect of intrauterine administration of DHA in cows with subclinical endometritis. Cows with subclinical endometritis at 26 ± 3 days in milk (DIM) were randomly assigned to receive an intrauterine infusion of: (i) DHA 0.16 % dissolved in saline solution (DHA group), or (ii) only the vehicle without DHA (control group). Uterine fluid was collected by non-surgical uterine flushing in all cows 24 h after treatment to analyze metabolomics using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and cytokine concentration by ELISA assay. Metabolites of the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle), linoleic acid metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism were reduced in the uterine fluid of the DHA group. Linoleic acid was reduced in the DHA group, which is relevant because of its role as a regulator of the innate immune function. In addition, a trend toward lower levels of IL-8 in the endometrial fluid was observed in cows in the DHA group. These findings suggest potential benefits of DHA on the uterine immune response <i>in vivo</i>, which could improve the health status of cows with subclinical endometritis.</p>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"100494"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12355496/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Body condition score at calving, subclinical ketosis, postpartum body condition score losses, diseases, and fertility in Holstein cows: modelling confounding associations.","authors":"Pedro Melendez, Julian Bartolome, Gerardo Gonzalez, Gustavo Lastra-Duran, Pablo Pinedo","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100493","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the association between energy metabolism-related variables and conception rate at first service (CRFS) in Holstein cows. It focused on identifying confounding relationships among key factors. Data came from a large dairy farm in Coahuila, Mexico. The dataset included 1056 lactations recorded in 2024. Of these, 419 were primiparous and 637 were multiparous cows. Only cows that completed a synchronization protocol and received timed artificial insemination (TAI) were included. A logistic regression model was used to predict CRFS. In the model, body condition score (BCS) at calving and postpartum diseases were not significant when subclinical ketosis (SCK) and BCS loss were included. This suggested confounding effects. Key associations were found: Cows with BCS ≥ 3.75 at calving were 5.55 times more likely to lose ≥ 0.75 BCS units by first breeding than cows with BCS ≤ 3.5. Cows with BCS ≤ 3.5 at calving were 0.45 times as likely to develop SCK compared to cows with BCS ≥ 3.75. Cows with postpartum diseases were 4.42 times more likely to develop SCK than healthy cows. Multicollinearity was observed between postpartum diseases and SCK and between BCS at calving and postpartum BCS loss. The best-fitting model for CRFS included: breeding season, milk yield at week 8 postpartum, parity, SCK, and postpartum BCS loss. SCK and BCS losses, as well as postpartum diseases, were key factors associated with CRFS and were also confounded by BCS at calving.</p>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"100493"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12355486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Productive performance and carcass quality of pigs from different sire lines under commercial production conditions.","authors":"Julia Dezen Gomes, Bruna Pereira Martins da Silva, Stefano Francisco Pereira Duarte, Soraia Viana Ferreira, Vivian Vezzoni Almeida, Laura Woigt Pian, Fernanda Nery Ciconello, Cristina Tschorny Moncau Gadbem, Aline Silva Mello Cesar","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100491","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100491","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Crossbreeding between Duroc and Pietrain breeds is widely applied in genetic improvement programs to enhance productivity and carcass quality, aligning with sustainability goals and consumer demands. Additionally, sex is a relevant factor influencing performance and carcass traits. This study evaluate performance, carcass characteristics, and primary cut weights in pigs from different genetic lines and sexes, as well as their interactions. A total of 600 pigs were evaluated across three sire lines: Line d- Duroc, Line H- Hybrid (Duroc and Pietrain), and Line P- Pietrain, including both females and immunocastrated males (ICM). At the end of the growing period, 120 animals with body weights closest to the pen average were selected for slaughter and carcass analysis. No significant interactions were observed between genetic line and sex (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.05). ICM showed superior average daily gain (ADG), final weight, feed conversion (FCR), and backfat thickness, while females had higher carcass yield and lean meat percentage. D and H lines outperformed P in carcass yield and weight, whereas P had greater backfat thickness but lower lean percentage and loin depth. For primary cuts, ICMs had heavier bellies, while females yielded more lean cuts. The results underscore the impact of genetic and sex-based selection on pork quality and sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"100491"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12355489/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic characterization and population structure of indigenous cavies from the Democratic Republic of Congo: Implications for breeding and conservation.","authors":"Rodrigue Ayagirwe, Martina Kyallo, Felix Meutchieye, Yacouba Manjeli, Valence Bwana Mutwedu, Yannick Mugumaarhahama, Patrick Baenyi, Shukuru Wasso, Patrick Bisimwa, Nasser Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100490","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100490","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Domesticated guinea pigs (cavies) are crucial in mixed crop-livestock farming systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), providing meat, income, and organic fertilizer. This research assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of guinea pig populations from South Kivu, North Kivu, Katanga, and Kinshasa. A total of 343 samples were screened using thirteen (13) polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The study identified 113 alleles across the four populations, with an average of 5.77 alleles per locus per population. South Kivu had the highest allele count (7.23), while Kinshasa had the lowest (4.69). The mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) were 0.34 and 0.58, respectively. Genetic analysis showed higher levels of inbreeding (FST=0.080, FIS=0.464) with observed heterozygosity (50.7%) lower than expected. Genetic diversity within populations was lower compared to between populations. South Kivu exhibited the lowest inbreeding rate among other African populations. The observed molecular variance suggests potential for selection within populations before crossbreeding, providing avenues for genetic enhancement. Phylogenetic analysis of the 343 individuals grouped them into three distinct clusters, indicating that DRC's cavy populations consist of three gene pools. This study on guinea pigs' molecular diversity offers valuable insights for breeding programs, facilitating the selection of genetically diverse parents to establish breeding populations aimed at improving and conserving guinea pigs.</p>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"100490"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12354967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Injection site abscesses associated with commensal and environmental bacteria following intramuscular vaccination in horses","authors":"S.H. Ryu ,&nbsp;E. Forbes ,&nbsp;B.S. Kim ,&nbsp;K.T. Park","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100484","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100484","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Five previously healthy horses in Korea, including a 19-year-old mixed-breed gelding, a 16-year-old mixed-breed mare, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, a 12-year-old Belgian warmblood mare, and a 12-year-old Andalusian mare, developed subcutaneous abscesses in the left neck after receiving intramuscular vaccination without prior skin disinfection. The vaccination used was Equivac® 2 in1, containing <em>Clostridium tetani</em> toxoid and <em>Streptococcus equi</em> cell-free extract.</div><div>Within one week, the horses developed localised swelling and/or abscessation at the injection site. One case involved a ruptured abscess, while the others presented with warm, mildly painful, and non-fluctuant swellings. No foreign bodies were palpable at the injection sites.</div><div>Both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were performed using 5 % defibrinated sheep blood agar, and the isolates were identified as <em>Bacillus cereus, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Aerococcus viridans, Acinetobacter pseudolwoffii, Arthrobacter koreensis,</em> and <em>Paenarthrobacter aurescens</em>, all of which were consistent with commensal or environmental flora. PCR testing was negative for <em>Streptococcus equi</em>.</div><div>In this cohort, post-injection abscesses occurred in 5 out of 70 horses (7.1 %) and were associated with commensal and environmental bacterial species, suggesting these cases likely resulted from procedural lapses rather than a direct vaccine-related reaction. Although the benefit of alcohol swabbing is debated in human medicine, this practice may offer important benefits under variable hygienic conditions in equine field settings. Accordingly, disinfecting the injection site with an alcohol- or disinfectant-soaked swab should be considered a routine precaution to minimise post-injection complications in horses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100484"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic interplay of Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa improves feed efficiency and ω-6 fatty acid content in the breast muscle of broiler chicken","authors":"Md. Emran Hossain ,&nbsp;Kona Adhikary ,&nbsp;Priunka Bhowmik ,&nbsp;Nasima Akter ,&nbsp;Shilpi Islam ,&nbsp;Md. Ahasanul Hoque","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100489","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100489","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study explores synergistic interplay of <em>Azadirachta indica</em> and <em>Curcuma longa</em> to address the current gap of suboptimal feed conversion ratio and inadequate enrichment of ω-6 fatty acids (FAs) in the breast muscle of the broiler chicken. Total 288 Ross-308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed in a complete block design at 2 × 3 (Two different phytochemicals, i.e., <em>A. indica</em>, and <em>C. longa</em> at three different levels, i.e., 0, 0.063, and 0.125 % of the basal diet) factorial arrangement. Final live weight (FLW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics, cardio-pulmonary morphometry, haemato-biochemical indices, gut morphology, ileal nutrient digestibility, tibia morphometry, meat quality and FA profile were measured. Results indicated that, supplementation of <em>A. indica</em> leaf meal (AILM) improved 6.0 % FCR (<em>P &lt; 0.001</em>), 35.9 % tibia calcium content (<em>P = 0.007</em>) and 9.6 % of the digestibility of CP (<em>P &lt; 0.001</em>) at the expense of 14.9 % FLW (<em>P &lt; 0.001</em>), 20.6 % ADFI (<em>P &lt; 0.001</em>), 15.1 % ADG (<em>P &lt; 0.001</em>), and 16.0 % right to total ventricular ratio (<em>P = 0.022</em>). Accordingly, <em>C. longa</em> powder (CLP) improved 2.1 % FCR (<em>P = 0.021</em>) at the expense of 5.9 % FLW (<em>P = 0.031</em>), 7.6 % ADFI (<em>P &lt; 0.001</em>) and 5.3 % ADG (<em>P = 0.017</em>). The AILM substantially increased 52.4 % UFA (<em>P &lt; 0.001</em>), 58.2 % MUFA (<em>P = 0.005</em>), 38.7 % ∑PUFA (<em>P = 0.046</em>), 41.7 % ∑ω-6 FAs (<em>P = 0.013</em>) and decreased 24.3 % ∑SFA (<em>P &lt; 0.001</em>). Similarly, the CLP increased 8.1 % ∑UFA (<em>P = 0.022</em>), 21.6 % ∑PUFA (<em>P = 0.015</em>), 22.4 % ∑ω-6 FAs (<em>P = 0.033</em>) and decreased 4.3 % ∑SFA (<em>P = 0.031</em>). The AILM and CLP interacted to increase 35.3 % ∑UFA (<em>P = 0.003</em>) and to decrease 21.2 % ∑SFA (<em>P = 0.008</em>). It was concluded that <em>A. indica and C. longa</em> concomitantly improved FCR and meat quality without affecting gut morphology and haemato-biochemical indices of the broiler chicken.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100489"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improved growth performance and meat tenderness in jersey steers weaned at 60 days and fed a high-energy forage-free diets","authors":"Geraldo Balieiro Neto ,&nbsp;Marcio Jorge ,&nbsp;Acyr Wanderley de Paula Freitas ,&nbsp;Gustavo Resende Siqueira ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Maciel Fernandes (Master fellowship) ,&nbsp;Saulo da Luz e Silva (Associate Professor)","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100483","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100483","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Jersey male calves in feedlots were evaluated to determine the optimal feeding program and weaning age for improved growth performance and meat quality. Jersey male calves were paired according to birth and weaned at either 30 or 60 days of age. They were then assigned to one of two feeding groups, both receiving high-energy, isonitrogenous total mixed rations (TMR): a high-grain diet containing 12% forage and 47 % neutral detergent fiber (NDF), or a forage-free diet with 0% forage and 17% NDF. Average Daily Gain (ADG) was evaluated for 265 days after TMR adaptation. All data were analyzed using a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, evaluating two main effects and their interaction. ADG was higher when steers were weaned later (0.923 vs. 0.829 kg/d, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Dry matter intake was higher in steers fed the high-grain diet compared to those fed the forage-free diet (3.21 vs. 2.71% BW, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Feed efficiency was higher in calves weaned at 30 days and fed the forage-free diet (0.27 vs. 0.21 kg/kg, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Tenderness of the <em>Longissimus dorsi</em> muscle, measured after 24 h at 2 °C using Warner–Bratzler shear force, tended to be improved in calves weaned at 60 days and fed the forage-free diet (3.91 vs. 4.27 kg, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.10), as well as a trend for increased backfat thickness in calves weaned at 30 days and fed the forage-free diet (4.2 vs. 3.5 mm, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.10). No significant effects of weaning age or diet were observed on dressing percentage, color parameters, marbling, cooking loss, or LMA (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.10). Rump steak weight was significantly reduced in steers weaned at 30 days and fed a forage-free diet (1.606 vs 1.768 kg, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), whereas no effect was observed in steers weaned at 60 days. In conclusion, male Jersey calves weaned at 60 days achieved average daily gains exceeding 0.900 kg, showed greater feed efficiency, and tended to produce more tender meat when fed a forage-free diet, which may result in improved overall meat quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100483"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144694488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mitigating heat stress in full-time grazing dairy cows in temperate climates: The impact of indoor housing during the hottest time of day","authors":"Alice Pontiggia ,&nbsp;Mirjam Holinger ,&nbsp;Andreas Münger ,&nbsp;Stefanie Ammer ,&nbsp;Frigga Dohme-Meier ,&nbsp;Nina Maria Keil","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100488","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100488","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We hypothesised that bringing full-time grazing dairy cows indoors during the hottest time of summer days could reduce heat stress if barns are cooler than outdoor. A 51-day pilot study on 19 pasture-based Swiss dairy farms revealed that, with daily mean ambient temperatures between 15 and 22 °C, barns were on average 2.5 °C cooler than pasture between 1000 and 1800 h. In an experiment over two summers, 38 Holstein dairy cows were investigated in 12 experimental periods of up to three consecutive days, with a mean daily comprehensive climate index between 23.6 and 28.5 °C. Cows experienced two treatments with a cross-over after each experimental period: half of the cows stayed on pasture full time except during milking, while the other half was brought inside the barn from 1130 h until afternoon milking and was supplemented with hay. During this time, barn conditions were cooler (mean and SD −2.9 ± 3.8 °C) than those on pasture. Between 0830 and 1100 h, when all cows were on pasture, no differences in physiological and behavioural indicators were detected in relation to treatment. Between 1200 and 1430 h, cows kept inside had lower vaginal temperature, reticular temperature, heart rate and respiration rate compared with those on pasture. Cows kept inside spent less time feeding and walking, but more time ruminating and lying down. These results suggest that bringing dairy cows inside during the hottest time of summer days reduces heat stress in grazing systems if barns are cooler than outdoors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100488"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144694576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}