Animal Science Research Articles

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is an emerging transboundary poxviral infection affecting cattle and buffaloes, caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the Capripoxvirus genus. Characterized by fever, nodular dermatitis, lymphadenopathy, and production loss, the disease has evolved from a regionally confined threat in Africa to a global epizootic. While mortality remains below 5%, morbidity can reach 100% in affected herds, leading to severe economic disruption in livestock-dependent economies. Between 2005 and 2020, over 41,000 outbreaks were reported globally, nearly 30,000 in Africa, 8,800 in Asia, and 2,400 in Europe. The 2022 outbreak in India alone affected 2.4million cattle and led to over 110,000 deaths, with estimated losses exceeding approximately $60million USD. This review consolidates the current understanding of LSD's molecular virology, transmission dynamics, and global distribution. Mechanisms of transmission through direct contact, iatrogenic practices, and vector-mediated spread via mechanical and biological arthropods are reviewed in detail. Special emphasis is placed on mechanical transmission via Aedes aegypti, Stomoxys calcitrans, and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, as well as the emergence of recombinant LSDV strains resulting from interactions between vaccine and wild strains. Molecular diagnostics (PCR, LAMP, NGS) and existing control measures, including live-attenuated and homologous vaccines, are critically evaluated. The review highlights gaps in vector surveillance, cold-chain infrastructure, and diagnostic reach, especially in developing nations. It underscores the urgent need for region-specific vaccine strategies and integrated vector control. Addressing this neglected livestock disease is crucial not only for animal health but also for rural livelihoods, food security, and economic resilience.

Enhancing scientific identity and persistence through a poultry-focused course-based undergraduate research experience.

Assessment of the Culture of Care (CoC) within an institution is essential in understanding the gaps in current CoC practices and highlighting what needs to be further improved. As the first responders in laboratory animal facilities, laboratory animal care staff (i.e. laboratory animal technicians and laboratory animal attendants) play a key role in establishing and sustaining a CoC. We employed the previously introduced Capability Maturity Model (CMM) to assess the CoC among Sri Lankan laboratory animal facility staff. A questionnaire-based survey was distributed, in order to assess the current state of a particular facility's CoC, based on the CMM. The survey also included questions to help identify the challenges faced by staff and evaluate the impact of Laboratory Animal Science education and training on improving the CoC. To identify further issues, a roundtable discussion involving a number of laboratory animal care staff was also conducted. This study revealed that most Sri Lankan laboratory animal facilities are currently at Level 1 of the CMM, with some showing early signs of transitioning to Level 2. Lack of management commitment and insufficiency of funds were identified as the key challenges. Lack of knowledge and training, and inadequate understanding and co-operation between co-workers and also with researchers, were stated as additional issues during the roundtable discussion. Thus, we urge training providers, such as the Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SLALAS), to conduct more targeted training programmes, focusing on good CoC practices, laboratory animal welfare standards and ethical decision-making.

Mycobacterial infections, including bovine tuberculosis (TB), have a profound impact on global health. This is exemplified by zoonotic TB in humans and animal TB, which is a life-threatening disease in livestock and wildlife. Mycobacteria cause the formation of granulomas, which significantly impact disease progression. Therefore, decoding granulomas is essential for an in-depth understanding of immune responses to mycobacteria. Conventional mouse models frequently fail to develop organized granulomas, and the procurement of samples from granulomatous lesions in cattle and humans is challenging, offering limited insights into the course of infection. Most in vitro TB research is confined to two-dimensional cell cultures, which neglect the spatial characteristics and cellular architecture of granulomas in vivo. To address this gap in knowledge, we have developed a novel multicellular in vitro model for TB. Our spheroid granuloma model, derived from bovine leukocytes using nanotechnologies, offers an adaptable platform for deciphering immune events within granulomas.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arbovirus from the Phenuiviridae family that can cause severe disease in humans and livestock, with outbreaks resulting in substantial economic losses. Despite the availability of attenuated vaccines for animals, there is no approved preventive or therapeutic agent for human RVFV infections. Moreover, the safety and efficacy of the current veterinary vaccines remain uncertain. The RVFV L protein, a 250 kDa polymerase, plays a key role in viral replication and transcription, containing endonuclease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and cap-binding domains. Structurally conserved across related viruses and functionally analogous to the influenza virus polymerase, the L protein is a compelling antiviral target. In our study, we screened a library of polymerase inhibitors and identified several compounds with inhibitory activity against the RVFV polymerase. We validated their effect using both live virus assays and a minigenome luciferase reporter system. Resistance mutants were generated, and key mutations conferring resistance to the inhibitors were identified and characterized. Some of these key mutations were structurally analyzed via cryo-electron microscopy, using a new structure of the apo form of wild-type RVFV L protein resolved at 3.5 Å. This structure provides critical insights into how the mutations can influence inhibitor binding and RVFV polymerase function. These findings provide insight into how these mutations may confer resistance by affecting inhibitor binding and polymerase activity.

Inconsistent characterization and reporting of laboratory animal genetics undermine research quality and reproducibility. We need to recognize the value of genetic characterization, improve training for researchers, and implement rigorous reporting standards.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the causative agent of the significant livestock disease Bluetongue (BT), which causes severe economic losses associated with its considerable impact on the health and trade of ruminants. Background/Objectives: BTV infection and vaccination against the virus typically result in the induction of antibodies with the capacity to neutralize viral infection. Classic neutralization approaches resemble the methodology applied for neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) quantification. To improve long-standing and new-generation methodologies for the quantification of NAbs or evaluation of antivirals, we offer here the development of a new luciferase-based microneutralization approach as a proof-of-concept. Methods: Central to this innovative approach is the recently generated set of replication-competent reporter-expressing recombinant BTV, where the NanoLuc luciferase protein expression serves as a quantifiable readout for viral replication. After evaluating a set of heat-inactivated serum samples with neutralizing activity (measured via SNTs), these were incubated with 100 PFU of NLuc-expressing rBTV of serotype 1, 4 or 8 and Vero cells were infected with the serum–virus mixture. Then, the luminescent signal was measured at 48 h post-infection. Results: Using the proposed NLuc-based assay and the luminescent signal in the supernatant, we could detect neutralizing activity as soon as 48 h post-infection. Importantly, we were able to observe a strong correlation between NAbs titers measured by classic microneutralization assay and by our bioluminescent approach (BTV-1 Spearman r = 0.932901; p-value < 0.0001; BTV-4 Spearman r = 0.8070192; p-value < 0.0001; BTV-8 Spearman r = 0.9983; p-value < 0.0001). In addition, the NLuc-based assay displayed a serotype-specific character potentially equivalent to classic SNT methods. Conclusions: In summary, our reporter-based microneutralization assay provides a rapid and suitable method to quantify BTV-neutralizing antibodies in serum samples of natural hosts after vaccination or infection, with a serotype-specificity equivalent to classic SNT methods.

CRISPR genome editing has rapidly evolved from a bacterial immune mechanism into a powerful, programmable platform for precise genetic modification across plant and animal systems. In agriculture and livestock production, CRISPR-based tools such as Cas9, Cas12, base editors, and prime editors are enabling sustainable innovations that directly support global food security. Applications range from improving crop yield, nutritional content, and climate resilience to enhancing livestock disease resistance, productivity, and animal welfare. These advances offer transformative solutions to challenges posed by population growth, environmental stress, and limited arable resources. This review aims to critically summarizes recent technological developments, delivery strategies, and representative applications of CRISPR in crops and farm animals, while highlighting biosafety, ethical, and regulatory considerations that influence translational adoption. By integrating scientific progress with policy and sustainability perspectives, this work underscores CRISPR’s pivotal role in shaping resilient, ethical, and equitable food systems for the future.

Recommendation of: The future of systems genetics in farm animal sciences, a route out of the data jungle. Round#2

Abstract Background: The cross-border areas of Ethiopia and Kenya are home to pastoralist communities that rely on livestock as a primary source of food and income, leading to frequent interaction between humans and animals and increasing the potential for exposure to health risks, including zoonotic diseases. Given limited access to healthcare in these areas, primary prevention efforts that raise individual and community awareness and promote sustained health behaviour change are paramount. Community conversations (CCs) are facilitated dialogues that engage community members in examining their perceptions and practices around a specific issue, while collaboratively identifying and developing solutions. Methods: CCs were piloted in three sites (one in Ethiopia and two in Kenya) to explore pastoralist communities’ awareness of zoonotic risks arising from daily human-animal interaction. Participants were women and men community members (n=69; 38% female) engaged with community platforms associated with the One Health for Humans, Environment, Animals and Livelihood (HEAL) project. Facilitators were trained on the CC methodology, documentation process and ethical community engagement practices. Guided after-event reflections with facilitators supported real-time analysis and validation of conversation outcomes, capturing valuable contextual insights in field reports and enabling thematic analysis. Results: Findings revealed that gender roles and cultural practices influence the health behaviours of pastoralist communities. Across sites, community awareness of health risks from daily human-animal interaction and associated preventive measures was limited and inconsistent. Hygiene and prevention practices were minimal, and communities often failed to connect animal and human health. Hand hygiene was primarily practiced to prevent animal infection rather than to protect human health. Despite some awareness of zoonotic diseases, such as anthrax and brucellosis, the consumption of raw meat and milk remained common in these communities. Conclusions: CCs have shown potential to effectively foster meaningful engagement among pastoralist communities, enabling collaborative analysis, shared learning, and coordinated action between communities and service providers. This study highlights that targeted social and behavioural change communication, combined with culturally appropriate community engagement approaches, is vital for improving health practices and mitigating zoonotic risks in pastoralist settings. Given the centrality of livestock to these communities, integrating hygiene promotion into animal health programs presents a strategic entry point for encouraging improved human hygiene practices, thereby reducing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. One Health impact statement The paper highlights the interconnected health risks faced by pastoralist communities due to close human-animal interaction. By raising community awareness of zoonotic diseases through CCs in cross-border areas of Ethiopia and Kenya, this work benefits both human and animal health by promoting safer practices, reducing disease transmission and improving community resilience. The One Health approach has been instrumental in amplifying impact by fostering collaboration across human, animal, environmental and social science sectors. This cooperation has enabled a holistic understanding of zoonotic risks, leading to integrated prevention strategies that would not have been as effective in isolation. Engaging women and men pastoralists as active participants is essential to exploring diverse perspectives, facilitating knowledge sharing within communities and co-developing culturally appropriate solutions.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of selection for post-weaning weight on reproductive traits in Nellore cattle by (i) estimating genetic parameters and trends for birth weight (BIW), body weight at selection (BW), days to calving (DC), and pregnancy rate (PR); and (ii) performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS), gene annotation, and functional enrichment analyses to uncover genomic regions, candidate genes, biological processes, and metabolic pathways underlying DC and PR. The dataset contained 12,865 Nellore animals from the experimental breeding program of the Institute of Animal Science (IZ, Sertãozinho, Brazil), including three selection lines: Nellore Control (NeC, stablishing selection for post-weaning weight), Nellore Selection (NeS, selected for higher post-weaning weight), and Nellore Traditional (NeT, selected for higher post-weaning weight and lower residual feed intake). Genomic data were available for 2,326 animals and 384,521 autosomal SNP markers after quality control. Genetic parameters were estimated using Bayesian inference under the ssGBLUP framework. Genetic trends from 1981 to 2021 were derived from linear regressions considering genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs). The weighted single-step GWAS (WssGWAS) was used to identify genomic regions that explained more than 1.0% of the additive genetic variance for DC and PR, which were further analyzed for gene annotation and functional enrichment. Heritability estimates were high for BIW (0.46 ± 0.02) and BW (0.41 ± 0.02), and low for DC and PR (0.10 ± 0.02 for both). Moderate genetic correlations were observed between BIW and DC, especially in lines selected for higher growth (NeS: 0.38 ± 0.12; NeT: 0.56 ± 0.09), in contrast, BW showed weak genetic correlations with reproductive traits, with estimates for DC of - 0.11 ± 0.18 (NeC), 0.15 ± 0.15 (NeS), and 0.36 ± 0.14 (NeT), and for PR of 0.25 ± 0.22 (NeC), - 0.12 ± 0.17 (NeS), and - 0.44 ± 0.16 (NeT). Genetic trends indicated consistent increases in BW and BIW in NeS and NeT, while NeC showed more favorable trends for DC and PR. The GWAS identified 13 and 9 genomic windows associated with DC and PR, respectively, with pleiotropic regions on chromosome 14 influencing both traits. Key candidate genes annotated included PLAG1, MOS, MAPK13, MAPK14, and FKBP5. Functional enrichment revealed biological processes related to hormone metabolism, immune modulation, and oocyte development. Selection for increased growth does not directly impair reproductive traits; however, it indirectly influences fertility due to correlated response in BIW, which is genetically associated with DC.

The purpose of the research was to analyze the technological process of wool preparation in farms, which makes it possible to isolate and preserve the most valuable woolen raw materials and prepare the wool yield of each flock for sale on the basis of instrumental assessment methods. Establishing, ensuring and maintaining the required level of product quality during its development, production and operation or consumption, carried out through systematic quality control and targeted impact on conditions and factors affecting product quality. Product quality management includes the development and implementation of necessary measures at all stages of product creation and consumption, as well as at all levels of production management. The developed methods and techniques for objective (instrumental) assessment of both quantitative and qualitative indicators were tested in leading breeding farms specializing in sheep breeding, such breeds as Stavropol, Manych Merino, Russian meat Merino, Dzhalginsky Merino and Soviet Merino. Every year, breeding rams of two years of age are tested according to a comprehensive evaluation of the fleece, the results of which are used when appointing rams in a random campaign. Every fi ve years the results of this work are formalized in the “Information bulletin of the main properties of the wool of breeding rams”, which traces the dynamics of changes in quantitative and qualitative indicators. The sale of sheared wool of sheep of these breeds is carried out on the basis of certification, which affects the pricing policy. Ultimately, the interaction of all elements of wool quality management, from animal science interests in determining the properties of wool based on objective assessment methods, to preparing wool for sale and processing will allow to one degree or another, to pay close attention to the needs of the light industry for raw materials, i.e. produce more wool of the best quality at the lowest cost.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific immunoglobulins that bind viral antigens with high affinity, making them valuable tools for diagnosis and targeted antiviral therapy in veterinary medicine. While mAbs are widely used in human healthcare, their application in veterinary medicine is limited. Only a few licensed products are available for animal health, and most candidates are in experimental or pre-clinical stages. This review provides a comprehensive overview of neutralizing mAbs targeting veterinary viral pathogens, including significant advances in production technologies and associated challenges. These innovations aim to reduce immunogenicity, improve efficacy, and expand the range of treatable diseases in companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. Despite these advances, high production costs, logistical constraints, and viral escape through mutation remain significant challenges to clinical implementation. If technological progress is integrated with strategies for overcoming these limitations, antiviral mAbs have the potential to become essential components of veterinary medicine. Their incorporation into a One Health framework could also enhance preparedness for emerging and zoonotic viral threats.

Abstract To better align educational outcomes with workforce demands in animal and equine genetics, this study surveyed 65 industry professionals on entry‐level competencies, hiring trends, and graduate preparedness of undergraduate students. The survey assessed employer ratings on the importance and perceived proficiency of seven core competencies: critical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, career/self‐development, and equity/inclusion, as well as technical knowledge and broader skills relevant to animal breeding and genetics. Results revealed oral communication, teamwork, and work ethic were rated as the most critical transferable skills, though notable proficiency gaps persist, particularly in leadership and professionalism. Foundational technical knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics was highly prioritized at hire. While candidate quality was generally rated positively, variability in hiring practices and the evolving nature of industry needs highlight the necessity for undergraduate curricula to integrate strong technical and scientific foundations with practical, work‐integrated learning and industry partnerships. Curricula should also include the development of transferable skills. These findings offer valuable guidance for updating animal and equine science genetics educational programs to better prepare graduates for a workforce increasingly driven by technological innovation, data science, and interdisciplinary problem‐solving, as well as communication and work ethic.

Many education disciplines have indicated that academic performance of student-centered online learning can be just as effective as face-to-face (F2F) learning. We hypothesized that some animal science (ANSC) courses could increase their enrollment by offering online lecture sections. However, the equitability of student outcomes between modalities and majors was questioned. Therefore,the objective was to evaluate the student academic performance of a core ANSC course offered both online and F2F across several terms. The Principles of Nutrition course in the Animal and Food Sciences Department was selected for analysis. Course content, exams, and instructor were not changed for 9 semesters. Academic performance was measured as the mean percentage of four formal exams for each term, with 609 data points across 5 online sections (n= 207) and 5 F2F sections (n = 402). Academic performancewas analyzed using nonparametric evaluation of means through Kruskal-Wallis test for the effect of modality (F2F or online) and major (ANSC or non-ANSC). Online students had greater academic performance than F2F students (P = 0.025). Major did not affect academic performance in this course (P = 0.205). In conclusion, there may be some flexibility in the modality of animal science course offerings.

A study was conducted to determine the nutritional profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of mixed silage of Kume grass and Moringa leaves in the feed chemistry laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Nusa Cendana. The materials used were Kume grass and Moringa leaves, with the addition of rice bran as a fermentation stimulant. The research used an experimental method with a completely randomised design consisting of four treatments and five replications. The treatments were the proportions of Kume grass and Moringa leaves, respectively: KK0 = 100% Kume grass + 0% Moringa leaves; KK25 = 75% Kume grass + 25% Moringa leaves; KK50 = 50% Kume grass + 50% Moringa leaves and KK75 = 25% Kume grass + 75% Moringa leaves. The parameters measured included organoleptic quality, silage nutrient content, in vitro digestibility, and rumen fermentation. The results showed that increasing the level of Moringa leaves resulted in good ensilage, indicated by the absence of mould and a sour aroma. Rising levels of moringa leaves had a statistically significant effect (P<0.01) on the nutrient content of silage, rumen fermentation, and in vitro digestibility of the silage. It can be concluded that ensiling technology using Moringa leaves offers a promising solution to address feed shortages.

Economic implications of livestock diseases extend far beyond direct treatment costs and affect productivity, trade, and public health. Despite the growing recognition of animal health economics, a comprehensive analysis of its research landscape has been lacking. Therefore, this study employs bibliometric techniques to systematically analyze research on the economics of animal health between 2000 and 2024 using data extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. A total of 1070 peer-reviewed publications were analyzed to map publication trends, influential authors, research themes, and international collaborations. The results showed that after 2014, the research output increased steadily to a peak in 2018, thus illustrating the increased global interest in economic evaluations of livestock diseases. The USA, UK, and the Netherlands emerged as key contributors, whereas low-income regions showed low research output, indicating an equity gap for animal health economics studies. The most frequently used keywords were "economics", "cost-benefit analysis", "economic impact", "foot-and-mouth disease", and "vaccination", with increasing focus on zoonotic diseases. Coauthorship network analysis demonstrated that the institutions are well connected in Europe and North America, but research from developing countries has remained mostly fragmented. However, notable research gaps were discovered: advanced modelling approaches were underutilized, and the translation of economic research into policy was limited. This work highlights the increasing interdisciplinary nature of animal health economics, while emphasizing the need for broader species coverage, stronger international collaboration, and deeper methodological innovation. These insights provide a foundation for guiding future research priorities and shaping evidence-based policies in animal health economics.

Infertility is one of the major farming constraints facing smallholder dairy cattle farming in Tanzania. Despite its impact, there is limited information on how farmers understand and manage it. The present study aimed to assess farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to dairy cattle infertility. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire involving 301 farmers across six major dairy-farming regions: Tanga, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Morogoro and Njombe. Overall, 95% of respondents reported encountering infertility on their farms. Farmers were asked to identify signs of infertility from the list of 10 (8 correct and 2 distractors); the median score for correct identification was 7 (range 2-10). The most recognised sign was return to oestrus after insemination (94%). Most farmers correctly identified low milk yield and mastitis as not being signs of infertility. The main reported causes included poor nutrition/housing (93%), livestock diseases (89%), poor record keeping (85%), and poor oestrus detection (83%). Nearly all (98%) viewed infertility as a serious issue, predominantly naming repeat breeding (95%) and failure to produce a calf/year (90%). Management strategies included seeking veterinary services (94%), slaughter (69%), sell to other farmers (23%) and self-treatment (16%). Our findings highlight widespread awareness of infertility while pointing out gaps in management, which reinforces the need for improved farmer education and support services.

The Y-chromosome, a hallmark of male-specific inheritance, holds immense importance in domestic animal genetics. It harbors the Sex-determining Region Y (SRY) gene, which initiates testis development and male differentiation. Due to its strict paternal inheritance and minimal recombination outside the pseudoautosomal regions (PARs), the Y-chromosome is a stable and reliable marker for studying male lineage, phylogeography, and patrilineal evolution in domestic species. Despite these constraints, advances in sequencing technologies and molecular tools (like Y-STRs and Y-SNPs) have enabled in-depth exploration of Y-chromosomal diversity. A comparative overview of the Y-chromosome architecture is presented for major domestic species, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, dogs, and poultry. The genes present on the Y-chromosome are of growing interest in breeding programs to enhance male reproductive performance and disease resistance. Understanding Y-chromosome diversity is also critical for conservation genetics, especially in preserving indigenous breeds and managing genetic bottlenecks. This review also highlights the importance of Y-chromosome analysis in breeding strategies, particularly when combined with advanced tools. Studying Y-chromosome diversity provides valuable insights into male-driven domestication events. With the ongoing development of high-resolution molecular techniques, the scope for Y-chromosome-based research in domestic animals is expanding rapidly, promising to improve both scientific understanding and practical outcomes in animal breeding and conservation.

Abstract This study explores the impact of climate change on gender dynamics within agro-pastoral communities in Meatu District, Tanzania. It assesses how shifting weather patterns have reshaped traditional gender roles, affecting agricultural practices, livelihood strategies, and household responsibilities. A qualitative cross-sectional research design was employed to capture in-depth perspectives from male and female farmers. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions with farmers and Key Informant Interviews with government officials and Non-Governmental Organization representatives. Field observations further supplemented the data collection. Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti 8.4 software to categorize findings into relevant themes. The results reveal that farmers recognize worsening climate patterns over decades, guided by intergenerational memory and long-term weather observation, with perceptions of intensifying extremes influencing adaptation decisions. Agro-pastoral households face crop yield decline, pest infestations, livestock disease, and food insecurity, prompting a shift to drought-tolerant crops. Women have adapted by taking on expanded agricultural responsibilities such as manual plowing, livestock care, pest control, and charcoal production, increasing their workload. Men, meanwhile, are engaging more in crop farming and domestic labor, while others migrate for alternative livelihoods such as artisanal mining. Climate change has exacerbated food insecurity, with women experiencing greater vulnerability due to their expanded dual responsibilities in both productive and reproductive spheres. This study highlights the need for gender-sensitive climate adaptation strategies to enhance resilience and food security in Tanzania’s semi-arid regions.