Animal最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of models of enteric methane emissions in finishing steers","authors":"J. Vargas,&nbsp;M. Swenson,&nbsp;A.K. Schilling-Hazlett,&nbsp;I.A. Reis,&nbsp;C. Velasquez,&nbsp;E.C. Martins,&nbsp;L. Sitorski,&nbsp;L.M. Campos,&nbsp;P.H.V. Carvalho,&nbsp;K.R. Stackhouse-Lawson,&nbsp;S.E. Place","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101536","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101536","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate estimation of enteric CH₄ emissions (i.e., MJ or g of CH₄/ day) in the ruminant sector is necessary for properly determining greenhouse gas emissions and developing measuring, reporting, and verification programs. However, measuring enteric CH₄ emissions under commercial conditions presents challenges due to technical and economic constraints. Thus, using prediction models allows for estimating individual enteric CH₄ emissions according to animal and dietary characteristics. When evaluated in independent datasets, there is limited information regarding the accuracy and precision of the reported equations to predict enteric CH₄ emissions in steers fed a finishing diet. This study evaluated the predictive performance of various reported equations for estimating enteric CH₄ production in finishing steers. Data used to assess the prediction equations came from 446 steers from five experiments during the finishing phase. Gas flux, nutrient consumption, and animal growth performance were evaluated in each experiment. Seventy-two equations were compared based on the mean square prediction error (<strong>MSPE</strong>), the decomposition of the root MSPE (<strong>RMSPE</strong>), and the concordance correlation coefficient (<strong>CCC</strong>). Prediction equations for estimating enteric CH₄ emissions showed lower sensitivity with RMSPE (as a percentage of the observed mean) ranging from 17.79 to 99.21 and CCC ranging from −0.07 to 0.21. The decomposition of the RMSPE showed mean bias (as a percentage of the RMSPE) ranging from 0.14 to 94.87 and slope bias (as a percentage of the RMSPE) ranging from 0 to 25.24. In addition, 49 equations underpredicted (ranging from 0.6 to 50.1%) and 23 overpredicted (ranging from 3.7 to 96.1%) enteric CH₄ emissions. The prediction of enteric CH₄ production showed greater CCC and lower MSPE when the intake of DM and ether extract were included as predictors. These results suggest a limited ability to predict enteric CH₄ by steers during the finishing phase. Further efforts are required to generate sensitive models to accurately predict enteric CH₄ emissions in finishing steers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 6","pages":"Article 101536"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144124013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identifying barriers to the sustainable control of gastro-intestinal nematodes in sheep: a social science perspective","authors":"A.K. Howell ,&nbsp;E.S. Beechener ,&nbsp;L. Benson ,&nbsp;P. Crawford ,&nbsp;D.A. Ewing ,&nbsp;N. Fox ,&nbsp;F. Kenyon ,&nbsp;I. Kyriazakis ,&nbsp;M. Pearce ,&nbsp;S. Strain ,&nbsp;D.J.L. Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101506","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101506","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Many farmers rely on anthelmintics to control gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. In response to concerns about rising levels of anthelmintic resistance reported in countries around the world, current advice is to adopt more sustainable practices. A small−scale survey of farmers was used to inform group discussions with farmers, veterinarians and anthelmintic prescribers, to better understand barriers to the adoption of sustainable gastro-intestinal nematode control in sheep flocks across the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis of the discussions identified four barriers to change: not seeing the need for change; lack of specific information and support in implementing changes on farm; lack of confidence in the new approaches; and practical obstacles such as time and cost. Nevertheless, there were examples of sustainable parasite control with some farmers making changes to their habitual practices, typically with the support of their veterinarian or Suitably qualified person. We reflect on the findings through the lens of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation as drivers of Behaviour model. This draws attention to the need for a process of knowledge exchange that allows advice to be tailored to individual farms and makes use of farmer skills and experiences, rather than expecting farmers to follow generic advice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 5","pages":"Article 101506"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143890800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review: Multiobject tracking in livestock − from farm animal management to state-of-the-art methods","authors":"M.H. Nidhi ,&nbsp;K. Liu ,&nbsp;K.J. Flay","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101503","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101503","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Multi-object tracking (<strong>MOT</strong>) methods have the potential to significantly improve precision livestock farming (<strong>PLF</strong>) by enabling simultaneous tracking of multiple animals in complex environments. However, research on MOT applications in livestock monitoring is limited, with state-of-the-art (<strong>SOTA</strong>) models primarily tested on benchmark datasets of pedestrians or vehicles. This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. We identified 111 recent papers published from January 2019 to January 2025 using a keyword search for MOT and livestock from three scientific databases. The use-cases, datasets, and algorithms of MOT applied to livestock were thoroughly examined. This review addresses the limitations in existing systems to consistently preserve individual animal identities in long sequences. Key challenges that need to be addressed include frequent occlusions and complex, non-linear motion patterns that are characteristic of livestock behaviour. We identified 21 recent open-source SOTA models currently used in other disciplines (beyond livestock) that offer solutions to these challenges. Our analysis revealed research gaps and opportunities for developing tailored MOT techniques to overcome the challenges of real-world livestock monitoring. For MOT to provide valuable data for PLF purposes, it must perform long−term video analysis and address obstacles such as frequent and long-term occlusion, similar appearances between livestock as well as their non-linear motion. Investigating SOTA models showed that while tracking-by-detection is still the most widely used paradigm, tracking-by-attention, transformer−based end-to-end tracking architecture, provides a novel approach. Improvements in detection association strategies and motion models, as well as innovations in multi-camera tracking, can lead to improved animal health, productivity, and welfare in the livestock industry. This review highlights the importance of adapting and refining MOT methods for livestock monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 5","pages":"Article 101503"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143900014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary sodium butyrate supplementation during mid-to-late gestation enhances reproductive performance and antioxidant capability in sows","authors":"C.L. Lu ,&nbsp;Z.F. Fang ,&nbsp;L.Q. Che ,&nbsp;Y. Lin ,&nbsp;S.Y. Xu ,&nbsp;Y. Zhuo ,&nbsp;L. Hua ,&nbsp;J. Li ,&nbsp;X.M. Jiang ,&nbsp;M.M. Sun ,&nbsp;Y.Z. Huang ,&nbsp;D. Wu ,&nbsp;B. Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sodium butyrate (<strong>NaB</strong>) has been used as a feed additive in livestock production due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of dietary NaB supplementation during mid− to late gestation on the reproductive performance of sows remains unclear. Thirty-two pregnant sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) at two or three parities were divided into two groups based on similar BW and backfat thickness on day 30 of pregnancy. The control group received a normal gestational diet, while the NaB group was fed a NaB-supplemented diet, of which 2 g/kg corn was replaced with an equal weight of NaB. Sows were fed an experimental diet from day 30 to day 114 of gestation and the same diet during lactation. The reproductive performance, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities of sows were analysed. Gestational supplementation of NaB tended to increase the total litter size (<em>P</em> = 0.069) and the number of piglets born alive (<em>P</em> = 0.052), significantly improve placental efficiency (<em>P</em> = 0.049), and increase feed intake during lactation (<em>P</em> = 0.004). Additionally, the stillbirth rate (<em>P</em> = 0.051) tended to be decreased by gestational NaB supplementation. NaB supplementation enhanced the antioxidant capacity of sows, as evidenced by increasing serum T-SOD activity on day 60 of gestation (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) and CAT activity on the day of farrowing (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), along with reduced serum malondialdehyde concentration on day 90 of gestation (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), as compared to control group. Additionally, NaB supplementation tended to decrease serum 8-OHDG concentration on day 60 of gestation (<em>P</em> = 0.064), and increased serum concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Taken together, gestational sodium butyrate supplementation might enhance reproductive performance and antioxidant capability in sows. Thus, NaB is a potential additive for improving reproductive performance in sows.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 5","pages":"Article 101516"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143908242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Accuracy and precision in DM intake prediction models for lactating dairy cows","authors":"N. Mehaba ,&nbsp;S. Schrade ,&nbsp;L. Eggerschwiler ,&nbsp;F. Dohme-Meier ,&nbsp;P. Schlegel","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Predicting the daily DM intake (<strong>DMI</strong>) of lactating dairy cows is an essential criterion for formulating diets according to requirements, which limits the application of safety margins in economically and environmentally sensitive nutrients, such as energy, protein, and phosphorus. An accurate estimation of nutrient excretion, which is necessary for good practice in crop fertilisation, is also highly dependent on DMI predictions. The study aimed to assess the accuracy and precision of the Swiss model developed in 1994 by Agroscope (2021), the North American model by National Research Council (NRC, 2001) and its update from National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM, 2021), the French model by Institut national de recherche agronomiques (INRA, 2018), the German model by Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie (GfE, 2023), and the Australian model by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO, 2007). The evaluation was based on routine Agroscope dairy herd data recorded between November 2015 and March 2021. The sample consisted of 138 primiparous (12.4 ± 9.7 weeks of lactation (<strong>WOL</strong>), 28.4 ± 5.5 kg/d milk yield (<strong>MY</strong>), 614 ± 57 kg BW) and 135 multiparous (16.3 ± 11.2 WOL, 32.8 ± 7.6 kg/d MY, 701 ± 63 kg BW) lactating Holstein cows, resulting in 413 partial lactations. Milk and diet composition were available on a monthly basis, and DMI, MY, and BW were collected on a daily basis. The models were assessed for RMSE of prediction, including its decomposition into error of central tendency (<strong>ECT</strong>), error of regression, and error due to disturbance. Moreover, the models were evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient (<strong>CCC</strong>) analysis. Globally, DMI was overestimated by NRC and NASEM and underestimated by INRA and GfE. The accuracy of DMI prediction using the RMSE of prediction metric ranged from 2.50 to 4.37 kg/d in primiparous and from 3.02 to 4.98 kg/d in multiparous cows. In both cow groups, the highest precision values were obtained, with the Agroscope (ECT = 0.001 and 0.01%, respectively) model. The highest CCC was exhibited by the Agroscope model in primiparous cows (0.53) and by the INRA model in multiparous cows (0.70). Finally, the 30-year old Agroscope model emerged as the most accurate and precise in predicting DMI in lactating dairy cows fed a diet consisting of 90–95% of a mixed basal diet (dry and ensiled herbage and corn silage) and of 5–10% concentrates (DM basis).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 7","pages":"Article 101535"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144230285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Short communication: Substantial heritability of larval size in the black soldier fly reveals potential for selective breeding","authors":"R.M. Zaalberg ,&nbsp;L.B. Andersen ,&nbsp;L.S. Hansen ,&nbsp;G. Gebreyesus ,&nbsp;M. Henryon ,&nbsp;K. Jensen ,&nbsp;H.M. Nielsen","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An underutilised tool to optimise the production of black soldier fly larvae (<em>Hermetia illucens</em> L.; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is selective breeding. We validated that larval size is moderately heritable and should, therefore, respond to selection. We tested this premise by estimating additive genetic variation for larval size assessed as individual larval surface area (<strong>ISA</strong>), group surface area (<strong>GSA</strong>), and group weight (<strong>GW</strong>). A full-/half-sib design was used, where one virgin male fly was offered the opportunity to mate four virgin females. Each male had between one and three females that produced larvae, with a mean of 1.85 females per male. For each female that produced larvae, two cups with feed were prepared and fifty larvae were transferred to each cup. On day twelve after egg hatching, thirty larvae (full sibs) from each cup were randomly selected, and ISA was recorded (9 486 larvae from 92 sires and 169 dams). The GW of the thirty larvae was then recorded, and the GSA was calculated from the ISA of the thirty larvae in the group (317 full-sib groups). The data were analysed using sire-dam models including population average and batch as fixed effects and sire, dam and cup as random effects. The results showed moderate heritability for ISA (0.40), with a moderate effect of the common environment (0.21). For GSA and GW, moderate heritabilities were observed (0.39 and 0.30). These results show that there is great potential for black soldier fly breeders to implement selection for bigger larval size in their breeding programmes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 6","pages":"Article 101534"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144139548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spontaneous steatosis stimulation in geese induces liver fattening but impacts sexual maturation and muscle growth in a sex-dependent manner","authors":"C. Knudsen ,&nbsp;S. Combes ,&nbsp;L. Cauquil ,&nbsp;M. Despeyroux ,&nbsp;M-D. Bernadet ,&nbsp;J-B. Laverze ,&nbsp;X. Fernandez ,&nbsp;S. Davail ,&nbsp;C.M.D. Bonnefont ,&nbsp;J. Arroyo ,&nbsp;K. Ricaud","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Experimental mimicry of premigratory environmental conditions results in a transient corn hyperphagia associated with a spontaneous liver steatosis in male Greylag geese. Our study aimed to i/ determine the feasibility of the induction of a spontaneous steatosis in female geese and ii/ evaluate its reversibility. Six-week-old Greylag Landaise geese (<em>Anser anser</em>) were randomly assigned to a control group (40 males and 41 females) or a spontaneous fattening group (<strong>SF</strong>; 118 males and 122 females) separating the sexes. Controls were fed a grower diet and exposed to a 10 h daylight cycle throughout the experiment. SF birds were exposed to a progressive reduction in day length from 10 to 7 h/day and submitted to a quantitative feed restriction with a grower diet between 8 and 19 weeks of age, followed by an <em>ad libitum</em> corn feeding period until 31 weeks of age, after which the grower diet was provided again until 33 weeks of age to study the reversibility of steatosis. Ten Control and 30 SF birds per sex were slaughtered at 31 and 33 weeks of age to evaluate liver fattening. Female SF geese had a lower feed intake during the second part of the corn feeding period (25–31 weeks of age, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), but had equivalent aptitudes to develop a spontaneous steatosis (liver weight and lipid content, <em>P</em> &gt; 0.05), than male SF geese. However, breast muscle growth was penalised in females (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Compared to controls, sexual maturation was strongly hindered in both SF males and females (gonad weight, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Regarding reversibility, in males, SF birds had equivalent liver weights to controls at 33 weeks of age while liver lipid content remained higher (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). As control females initiated a steatosis, conclusions on reversibility in that sex were difficult to make. Finally, mortality occurred at the end of the corn feeding period in both sexes in SF birds. Our study enabled us to demonstrate that male and female geese had equivalent aptitudes to develop a spontaneous steatosis, associated with a lower feed intake in females. However, coupled with the protein−deficient composition of the corn-based diet, this lower feed intake could lead to exacerbated protein deficiencies in females, evidenced by a penalised muscle growth in these animals. Reversibility of spontaneous steatosis and mechanisms underlying its onset should be further explored in order to preserve the bird’s health and welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 6","pages":"Article 101533"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic-based animal management in the early- and late-finishing system of Hanwoo cattle","authors":"J.W. Shin ,&nbsp;Y. Chung ,&nbsp;S.Y. Maeng ,&nbsp;S.H. Lee ,&nbsp;Y. Choi ,&nbsp;E. Hong ,&nbsp;J. Lee ,&nbsp;E. Cho ,&nbsp;K.Y. Chung ,&nbsp;D. Yoon ,&nbsp;S.H. Lee ,&nbsp;J.H. Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the Korean cattle feedlot industry, profitability is largely dependent on the carcass value at slaughter, which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including finishing time and feeding strategies. This study evaluated the predictive potential of genomic information for four economic traits—carcass weight (<strong>CWT</strong>), eye muscle area (<strong>EMA</strong>), backfat thickness (<strong>BFT</strong>), and marbling score (<strong>MS</strong>)—and the final meat grades in 975 Hanwoo cattle. Animals were grouped according to slaughter timing (Early and Late Finishing), and the genomic estimated breeding values for each trait were calculated. The analysis confirmed that all traits, except for CWT, were unaffected by finishing time. However, CWT was found to be influenced by both environmental factors and paternal effects. Trends in the phenotypic values for CWT, EMA, and MS increased with higher selection indices, while BFT exhibited mixed patterns, which suggests environmental influences. A-grade proportions increased with higher indices, thereby demonstrating the potential of genomic data for the early selection of high-grade animals. These findings underscore the value of genomic information in Hanwoo cattle breeding strategies, although sample size expansion may improve prediction accuracy for certain grades.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 6","pages":"Article 101526"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144124011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feeding broccoli and cauliflower to dairy sheep: influence on feed intake, metabolic health status and milk production and composition","authors":"A. Martín ,&nbsp;F.J. Giráldez ,&nbsp;I. Mateos ,&nbsp;C. Saro ,&nbsp;J. Mateo ,&nbsp;S. Andrés ,&nbsp;I. Caro ,&nbsp;M.J. Ranilla","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The production of broccoli and cauliflower generates large amounts of vegetable by-products that often accumulate in the environment; however, these residues have nutritional value for ruminants. This study evaluated the effects of including industrial broccoli and cauliflower waste in the diet of dairy ewes on feed intake, metabolic health and milk production and composition. Thirty Assaf dairy ewes in mid-lactation were divided into three groups, with 10 animals per group. The control group (<strong>CON</strong>) received a total mixed ratio (<strong>TMR</strong>) <em>ad libitum</em>, the broccoli group (<strong>BRO</strong>) received the same TMR plus 1.5 kg FM/d of fresh chopped broccoli, and the cauliflower (<strong>CAU</strong>) group received the TMR plus 1.5 kg/d of fresh chopped cauliflower. The trial lasted 42 d, divided into 21 d for adaptation and 21 d of measurements, where feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk samples were taken once a week. At the end of the experiment, fresh cheese was prepared, using the milk from each feeding group. A sensory analysis was carried out, to detect eventual differences in flavour among treatments. Blood samples were taken to analyse the biochemical profile and acid-base status. The animals of the BRO and the CAU groups ate all the vegetal offered without decreasing the daily intake of TMR or affecting milk production. No differences were observed between groups in the biochemical profile or the blood acid-base status, with the exception of the urea concentration, which was higher in the BRO group compared to the control (55.2, 61.8, 57.2 mg/dL for CON, BRO and CAU; <em>P</em> = 0.022). Regarding milk composition, the most relevant differences were observed in protein content, being higher in the BRO group (<em>P</em> = 0.006) than in the CON and CAU groups, and in the fatty acids profile, which showed an increase in the saturated fatty acid content (<em>P</em> = 0.012) and a decrease in the monounsaturated fatty acid content (<em>P</em> = 0.005) in the groups supplemented with broccoli and cauliflower. In conclusion, supplementation with 1.5 kg of broccoli or cauliflower in lactating sheep did not affect feed intake, milk production or health status of the animals and had little impact on the quality of milk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 6","pages":"Article 101530"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144134393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review: Emerging sensors and instrumentation systems for bovine health monitoring","authors":"C. Ferreira,&nbsp;M. Todorovic,&nbsp;P. Sugrue,&nbsp;S. Teixeira,&nbsp;P. Galvin","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This literature review examines the latest and emerging technologies used for monitoring bovine health. Global demand for animal products underscores the need to monitor livestock well-being for enhanced efficiency in the dairy industry and product quality. The study identifies the relevant parameters for monitoring and evaluating commercially available products and cutting-edge technologies. The study highlights key performance features of these technologies, such as communication protocol, size, and battery lifetime. The review also examines current and emerging sensor systems, such as smart boluses and wearable systems that can provide valuable information on bovine welfare, early disease detection, and animal tracking on the farm. By exploring the state-of-the-art technologies in this field, this literature review provides insights into the best technology solutions available for monitoring bovine health and elaborates potential future challenges and opportunities for creating an ideal bovine health monitoring system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 6","pages":"Article 101527"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144134395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}