Veterinary and Animal Science最新文献

{"title":"Quercetin as a bioactive feed additive: nutritional, antioxidant, and gut health implications in poultry and rabbits","authors":"Ayman Abd El-Aziz ,&nbsp;Mahmoud Abo Ghanima ,&nbsp;Mahmoud Kamal ,&nbsp;Ahmed K. Aldhalmi ,&nbsp;Mohammad M.H. Khan ,&nbsp;Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100487","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid widely distributed in vegetables, grains, and fruits, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Recently, it has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable and functional additive in animal nutrition. This review explores the existing understanding of the use of quercetin in poultry and rabbit diets, focusing on its impact on growth efficiency, intestinal health, antioxidant, immune function, and the quality of animal-derived foods. In rabbits, dietary supplementation with quercetin (25–100 mg/kg diet) has been associated with enhanced feed efficacy, meat composition, and gut microbial balance. In poultry, including broilers and laying hens, quercetin (up to 200 mg/kg) enhances growth under normal and heat stress conditions, improves meat and egg quality, and modulates oxidative stress markers and gut microbiota. These effects are connected to how quercetin helps control the activity of genes that deal with inflammation, antioxidant enzymes, and the immune system in the gut. Importantly, the review emphasizes the potential of quercetin to improve the nutritional and functional quality of meat and eggs, making it highly relevant for human health and food sustainability. Further studies are encouraged to define optimal dosages and explore synergistic effects with other natural additives. This review offers critical insights into how dietary quercetin can be utilized to support animal health, efficiency, and food product quality, aligning with the global shift toward natural, residue-free feed strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100487"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144678775","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":"Quail development in in ovo and ex ovo conditions: Preincubation influences stress proteins and antioxidants","authors":"Bronislava Pokorna ,&nbsp;Slavomira Stefancova ,&nbsp;Veronika Tauberova ,&nbsp;Eva Petrovova ,&nbsp;Lenka Luptakova","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100486","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100486","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extreme temperatures, whether excessively high or low, are critical environmental stressors for organisms, profoundly impacting cellular metabolism and homeostasis. The presented study addresses the effects of varying incubation conditions on the expression of key stress-related genes (HSP70, HSP90, and SOD1) during quail development. Quail eggs were incubated using three distinct methods: standard incubation at 38.2°C and preincubation at either 22°C or 30°C in both <em>in ovo</em> and <em>ex ovo</em> conditions. Results revealed a distinctive contrast in survival rates: embryos cultured <em>ex ovo</em> showed significantly lower viability (26.41 %) compared to the <em>in ovo</em> method (87.66 %). Among <em>ex ovo</em> groups, preincubation at 30°C yielded the highest survival rate (43.48 %), highlighting the critical role of optimal preincubation temperature. The preincubation period resulted in a notable increase in the total weight of embryos in the <em>in ovo</em> group when compared to the <em>ex ovo</em> group. Additionally, preincubation at 30°C resulted in increased weight of the heart and liver in the <em>in ovo</em> group. Gene expression analysis showed clear differences between incubation methods. While <em>in ovo</em> incubation led to uniformly increased gene expression across all examined organs (liver, heart, and breast muscle) at both preincubation temperatures, the <em>ex ovo</em> conditions exhibited mixed results: decreased gene expression in the liver (SOD1) and muscle (HSP70, SOD1) but notable increased in the liver (HSP70) and heart (SOD1). Our findings suggest that preincubating quail eggs at 30°C for 12 h is associated with improved survival under <em>ex ovo</em> conditions, providing insights into optimizing <em>ex ovo</em> incubation practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100486"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144678774","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":"Bone development of broiler chickens supplemented with chondroitin sulfate and manganese","authors":"Julian Andres Muñoz ,&nbsp;Taiane da Silva Martins ,&nbsp;Pollyana Leite Matioli Garbossa ,&nbsp;Laura Barbosa Ferreira Pimentel ,&nbsp;Caio Bertasi Barbalho ,&nbsp;Monica Márcia da Silva ,&nbsp;André Felipe de Arruda ,&nbsp;Silvana Martinez Baraldi-Artoni ,&nbsp;Cristiane Soares da Silva Araújo ,&nbsp;Angélica Simone Cravo Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100485","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100485","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Musculoskeletal disorders in broiler chickens are often related to immature connective tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with chondroitin sulfate (CS) and manganese (Mn) on performance, bone quality, and the optimal CS:Mn ratio for skeletal development in broilers. A total of 1152 male Cobb chicks were reared for 47 days in a completely randomized 4 × 3 factorial design comprising four CS levels (0.00, 0.06, 0.12, and 0.18 % w/w) and three Mn levels (0, 40, and 80 mg/kg), resulting in 12 treatments with eight replicates of 12 birds each. Supplementation with CS and Mn did not affect (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.10) feed intake, body weight, weight gain, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, phosphorus and manganese levels, ash content, absolute bone weight, or diaphyseal perimeter of the tibiotarsus. A significant interaction between CS and Mn levels was observed for feed conversion (FC), which increased linearly with Mn inclusion in diets lacking CS (<em>P</em> = 0.003). In diets without Mn, CS levels exhibited a quadratic effect on FC (<em>P</em> <em>=</em> 0.003). Flock viability and productive efficiency index increased linearly with increasing CS inclusion. A significant CS × Mn interaction was also observed for maximum bone breaking strength, with a linear decrease with increasing Mn in diets containing 0.12 % CS (<em>P</em> <em>=</em> 0.019). CS had a quadratic effect on the Seedor index, bone area, and morphometric traits of the proximal and distal tibiotarsus, with 0.06–0.12 % CS yielding optimal outcomes. Mn supplementation showed quadratic effects on bone area (<em>P</em> <em>=</em> 0.09) and calcium content (<em>P</em> <em>=</em> 0.005), with peak values at 40 mg Mn/kg. The results suggest that supplementation with CS and the inclusion of 40 mg Mn/kg in broiler diets could be used as a nutritional strategy to improve tibiotarsal bone quality, particularly morphometric attributes, calcium content, and breaking strength. Furthermore, CS supplementation may contribute to reducing mortality and improving productivity metrics in broilers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100485"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144694489","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":"Feed disappearance, production, skin lesions and predicted environmental outcomes from different lactating sow feeding strategies","authors":"S.C. Gorr ,&nbsp;S.J. Hörtenhuber ,&nbsp;T.D. Parsons ,&nbsp;C. Winckler ,&nbsp;W. Zollitsch ,&nbsp;C. Leeb","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100478","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100478","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prolific sows require high feed intake to avoid weight loss and support piglet growth. We compared three lactational feeding strategies (<em>n</em> = 137 sows) on two farms on production measures, skin lesions and predicted environmental outcomes. All sows were fed from feed curves, based on the stage of lactation. Type of delivery varied across strategies, either restricted to the daily allotment at three fixed feeding times (RESTR); restricted to the same allotment at the same times but with a two-hour time window each (SLOTS); or sows had continual access to feed up to 200 % of their daily allotment (ADLIB) from day 6 on. SLOTS and ADLIB sows gained access to feed by triggering a sensor in the trough. Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Sows in the ADLIB strategy had the highest feed disappearance during the last 15 days of lactation (FD_L15D) (<em>p</em> = 0.01), as well as highest coverage of metabolized energy (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) and predicted environmental outcomes (N &amp; P excretions; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). No differences were seen for daily piglet mass gain, sow weight loss, piglet skin lesions and sow shoulder lesions. While the FD_L15D of ADLIB was highest, the increase in feed allowance could have occurred too late in lactation to see any effects on piglet body mass gain or sow weight loss. Allowing sows more choice during feeding promises to increase feed intake and may help to improve existing feeding strategies. However, additional research is needed regarding long-term impact of ad-libitum feeding and the significance of farm differences.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100478"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763994","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":"Evaluation of camelina seed pods as a novel feed ingredient for ruminants: nutritional value, fermentation characteristics and nutrient digestibility","authors":"Alireza Jolazadeh ,&nbsp;Ayoub Azizi ,&nbsp;Afrooz Sharifi ,&nbsp;Fatemeh Memarzadeh ,&nbsp;Nazanin Fallali ,&nbsp;Elham Imani-Rad","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100477","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100477","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to assess the chemical composition and nutritional value of camelina seed pods (CSP), as well as to investigate how different inclusion levels influence diet digestibility and <em>in vitro</em> rumen fermentation characteristics. Camelina seed pods were analyzed for their chemical composition and nutritional value, and the results were compared to those of wheat straw (WS) and alfalfa hay (AH). The study further investigated the impact of increasing CSP inclusion levels (0, 80, 160, and 240 g/kg DM) as a forage replacement in the diet on <em>in vitro</em> rumen fermentation parameters. Results revealed that CSP had the highest organic matter (OM) content and the lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Its crude protein and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content were intermediate between WS and AH. Furthermore, CSP outperformed both WS and AH in terms of ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrate content (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Compared to WS, significantly greater gas production (GP) was observed for CSP at 16, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h of incubation, along with increased total GP and greater GP potential (b). After 24 h of incubation, higher fermentation parameters including <em>in vitro</em> DM (IVDMD) and OM (IVOMD) disappearance, estimated metabolizable energy (ME), microbial protein production (MP), ammonia-N (NH₃-N) concentration, pH, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration were observed for CSP compared to WS, but lower than those for AH (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Nevertheless, all GP parameters for CSP remained lower than those observed in AH. Increasing CSP supplementation up to 16 % resulted in a linear improvement in IVOMD, estimated ME, and SCFA production compared to other supplementation levels (L, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The activity of fibrolytic enzymes, including CMCase, increased linearly (L, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) with higher levels of CSP in the diet. In summary, the results of this study demonstrate that CSP enhanced <em>in vitro</em> gas production, fermentation characteristics, and nutrient digestibility in comparison to WS. Moreover, several of these parameters were found to be comparable to those of AH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100477"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655166","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":"Identification and multidrug resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus from cloacal swabs of captive yearling gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal","authors":"Sujan Adhikari ,&nbsp;Himal Luitel ,&nbsp;Swagat Khanal ,&nbsp;Aakash Marasini","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100475","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100475","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study focuses on the identification and antibiogram profiles of <em>Escherichia coli, Salmonella</em> spp., and <em>Staphylococcus</em> spp. isolated from cloacal swabs of captive yearling gharials (<em>Gavialis gangeticus</em>) at the Gharial Breeding Center, Chitwan National Park, Nepal. A total of 28 samples were collected and processed, yielding 38 isolates comprising <em>E. coli</em> (46.43 %), <em>Staphylococcus</em> spp. (46.43 %), and <em>Salmonella</em> spp. (42.86 %). All three bacteria were isolated in 14.29 % of samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, demonstrated high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Multidrug resistance was prevalent, with 84.62 % of <em>E. coli</em> and 58.33 % of <em>Salmonella</em> spp. isolates classified as multidrug-resistant, while all <em>Staphylococcus</em> spp. isolates showed resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics underscoring critical AMR challenges. The study also revealed a significant interplay between the reptilian gut microbiota and environmental factors, suggesting shared reservoirs for bacterial transmission. The findings underscore the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship, improved environmental management, and regular health monitoring to mitigate the risks posed by antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic bacteria in critically endangered gharials. This research contributes valuable insights into the health challenges facing captive gharials and provides a basis for developing targeted conservation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100475"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604866","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":"Therapeutic efficacy of common anthelmintics used in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep in Bishoftu, Central Ethiopia","authors":"Yihenew Getahun Ambaw ,&nbsp;Ambachew Motbaynor Wubaye ,&nbsp;Melkamu Temesgen Mekonen ,&nbsp;Simachew Getaneh Endalamew ,&nbsp;Biruh Mebratu Belay ,&nbsp;Simegnew Adugna Kallu","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100476","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100476","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nematode parasites are a constraint on animal production and welfare. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) rigorously threatens the possible use of parasite control methods. Hence, this study aimed to assess the anthelmintic use practices of sheep farmers and evaluate the efficacy of common anthelmintics for gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in sheep in Bishoftu, Central Ethiopia. A survey was conducted with 100 randomly selected sheep farmers to gather information on anthelmintic use practices. Additionally, 90 nematode-infected sheep were selected for efficacy testing of the treatments. The sheep were chosen if the eggs per gram (EPG) was ≥ 150 in faeces and randomly assigned to three treatment groups (30 animals per group). Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were treated with ivermectin, albendazole, and tetramisole, respectively. Faecal samples were collected on days 0 (pretreatment) and 7 and 14 (after treatment). The modified McMaster method was used to count the eggs and fifty multiplication factor to estimate the EPG. The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was utilized to assess the efficacy of the anthelmintics on day 14. The survey revealed that ivermectin was the most regularly (54 %) utilized anthelmintic to treat sheep nematodes, followed by albendazole (28 %) and tetramisole (15 %). The respondents also reported that the choice of anthelmintics was related to the prescription of veterinarians (52 %), color (23 %), affordability of price (14 %), and availability (11 %). The FECRTs on the 14th day were 87.7, 75.7, and 77.0 % for ivermectin, tetramisole, and albendazole, respectively. Although nematodes have developed resistance to all the tested anthelmintics, there was a significant (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) reduction in the faecal egg count (RFEC) after treatment. During pretreatment, <em>Hemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Cooperia, Trichuris, Bunostomum, Strongyloides, Chabertia, Esophagostomum,</em> and <em>Nematodirus</em> and after treatnment <em>Hemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia,</em> and <em>Trichuris</em> were detected. The results revealed that gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in sheep have developed resistance to the tested anthelmintics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100476"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144623862","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":"Use of double PGF2a in a 7-day CIDRSynch timed artificial insemination in water buffloes during summer","authors":"Excel Rio S. Maylem,&nbsp;Noel F. Ablaza II,&nbsp;Joseph Oliver C. Lofranco,&nbsp;Carlito F. Dela Cruz,&nbsp;Roseline D. Tadeo,&nbsp;Eufrocina P. Atabay,&nbsp;Edwin C. Atabay","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100474","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100474","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water buffaloes often experience reduced fertility during the summer due to factors like temperature, photoperiod, and nutrition. This seasonal decline in reproduction affects calf and milk production, impacting farm economics. This research focuses on creating a breeding program tailored to the summer conditions in the Philippines to improve artificial insemination (AI) conception rates and boost production. During the summer months (March-June), water buffaloes may experience decreased luteal function or persistent corpus luteum, lowering fertility. To address this, a timed AI (TAI) protocol was developed, utilizing CIDR + GnRH on Day 0, followed by CIDR removal + PGF2a on Days 7–8, and hCG injection with AI on Day 10. The summer protocol included a double PGF2a injection on Days 7 and 8, compared to the control protocol with a single PGF2a injection on Day 7. Results from the PCC Genepool farm showed a 52.63 % conception rate in 2023 with the summer protocol (10/19), compared to 27.27 % with the control (3/11). In 2024, the summer protocol alone led to a 57.14 % conception rate (20/35). Additionally, milk production per cow per day ranged from 5.16 to 5.45 liters in 2024, compared to 2.62 to 3.0 liters in 2023. The summer protocol's effectiveness in increasing AI conception rates contributed to higher milk production, supporting sustainable livestock farming year-round.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100474"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144662736","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 Vitamin E and Selenium supplementation on blood biochemical parameters in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)","authors":"Sarmad S. Muhammad ,&nbsp;Mahmood H.M. Ameen ,&nbsp;Shahab A.Salih Gezh ,&nbsp;Mohammed A. Wahab ,&nbsp;Hassan M. Rostam","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100473","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100473","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of vitamin E and inorganic selenium (as sodium selenite) on blood plasma biochemical parameters in male and female Japanese quails (<em>coturnix japonica</em>). The experiment was conducted at the Animal Management Laboratory, Veterinary Techniques Department, Kalar Technical Institute, Garmian Polytechnic University. A total of 128 twelve-week-old quails were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups, each with eight replicates (one male and three females per replicate). The experimental diets included: T0 (basal diet, control), T1 (basal diet + 1.0 g/kg vitamin E–selenium powder), T2 (basal diet + 1.5 g/kg), and T3 (basal diet + 2.0 g/kg). From the total population, 78 birds (24 males and 54 females) were randomly selected for blood sampling and biochemical analysis. The results showed that supplementation significantly increased (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) total protein levels in females, as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, urea, and triglycerides. No significant effects were observed for cholesterol, creatinine, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), or glucose. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with combined vitamin E and selenium positively influenced specific blood plasma parameters, particularly in female quails, suggesting potential benefits for metabolic</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100473"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144572813","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":"Investigating cow-calf productive performance under early and conventional weaning practices in south african beef cattle","authors":"Brent Damian Jammer,&nbsp;Willem Abraham Lombard,&nbsp;Henry Jordaan","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100472","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100472","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Weaning age is a critical decision in beef cattle systems, ultimately influencing productivity and reproductive efficiency. This study investigated the productive performance of 152 Bonsmara cow-calf pairs under two distinct weaning practices: Early Weaning (EW) at 90 days and Conventional Weaning (CW) at 205 days. Data were obtained from the Arcadia Farmland cattle herd in the Vrede region of South Africa, comparing primiparous heifers with EW calves to a group of primiparous and second-time calving heifers with CW calves as a baseline comparison, reflecting limited research on EW in South Africa. EW calves received grower meal and natural grazing post-weaning, while CW calves depended on maternal milk and natural grazing. The farm's productive data indicated that CW achieved higher weaning weights per calf (+27 kg), highlighting productivity benefits. Conversely, EW reduced inter-calving periods (347 vs. 419 days), enhanced fertility, and improved herd reproductive efficiency, offering advantages in drought-prone settings. A General Linear Model (GLM) was applied to assess the influence of productive factors on 205-day calf weight. The model identified <strong>weaning practice</strong> and <strong>dam calving weight</strong> as significant predictors. Heavier dams produced heavier calves, likely due to better maternal conditions. These results highlight trade-offs between live weight gain (CW) and reproductive efficiency (EW), reinforcing the need for context-specific weaning strategies in South African beef systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100472"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518538","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}