Introduction Of Cattle Research Articles

A longitudinal study of the dynamics of Mycoplasma bovis antibody status in primiparous cows and bulk tank milk in Swedish dairy herds

Mycoplasma (M.) bovis is an important pathogen causing pneumonia, mastitis, and arthritis in cattle all over the world entailing reduced animal welfare and economic losses. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the presence of M. bovis antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM) and in milk from primiparous (PP) cows at 4 sampling occasions over 2 years. Herd characteristics associated with a positive antibody test result in PP cows were investigated. The participating dairy herds (n = 149) were situated in southern Sweden, samples were collected and analyzed with ID Screen antibody ELISA. Information on herd characteristics was retrieved from the national Dairy Herd Improvement database. To identify herd characteristics associated with the presence of antibodies in PP cows, mixed linear regression with herd and sample as random factors were used. The apparent herd-level prevalence of M. bovis infection based on antibodies in BTM was 17% but with the addition of PP cows the prevalence increased to 28%. The results showed that larger herds and introduction of cattle was associated with higher antibody levels in PP cows. In conclusion, this study showed a clear difference in the apparent prevalence of M. bovis infection based on antibodies in BTM or in PP cows, the no. of positive herds were almost doubled when including PP cows. This motivates repeated sampling of a few PP cows to find newly infected herds in an early stage. Finally, the results showed that introduction of cattle influences the level of M. bovis antibodies. This is important in the control and prevention of further spread of the infection. It is essential for free herds to know their M. bovis status and antibody testing is highly recommended if introducing cattle.

Risk factors for the introduction of Salmonella spp. serogroups B and D into Dutch dairy herds

Salmonella spp. infections in animals are a concern due to their zoonotic nature, welfare effects and economic impact on the livestock industry. To enable targeted surveillance, it is important to identify risk factors for the introduction of Salmonella spp. in a herd. Since 2009, Dutch dairy processors require herds delivering milk to their plants to participate in a Salmonella programme. In this programme, bulk milk is tested three times a year (i.e. test rounds) by ELISA on presence of antibodies against Salmonella spp. serogroups B and D. Based on these bulk milk results we identified newly infected herds, and aimed to identify associated risk factors. Effects of putative risk factors for becoming newly infected were studied using a multivariable population average logistic regression (PA-GEE) model with binomial distribution. Per test round in 2019–2021, 0.85–4.10 % of the Dutch dairy herds at risk became newly infected, with large regional differences. Several risk factors for becoming newly infected in the context of the low herd-level prevalence were identified. The most evident risk factors that were identified were having at least one infected or recently recovered dairy herd within 500 m (OR = 2.67), on-farm presence of pigs (OR = 1.63), introduction of more than 2 cattle from other herds in the previous 12 months (OR = 1.17), being in an area with a relative soil moisture of >0.54 % (OR = 1.31), being located in an area with a high water surface area (>2 %; OR = 1.14) and a larger herd size (OR = 1.65). These results indicate that, in addition to introduction of cattle, local transmission plays an important role in the between-herd transmission of Salmonella spp. Information on risk factors for becoming newly infected based on regularly collected data, can be used to improve surveillance and to implement targeted control measures against salmonellosis.

Bone-artefact production in late Neolithic central China: evidence from Pingliangtai

As an important component of prehistoric subsistence, an understanding of bone-working is essential for interpreting the evolution of early complex societies, yet worked bones are rarely systematically collected in China. Here, the authors apply multiple analytical methods to worked bones from the Longshan site of Pingliangtai, in central China, showing that Neolithic bone-working in this area, with cervid as the main raw material, was mature but localised, household-based and self-sufficient. The introduction of cattle in the Late Neolithic precipitated a shift in bone-working traditions but it was only later, in the Bronze Age, that cattle bones were utilised in a specialised fashion and dedicated bone-working industries emerged in urban centres.

Late-Holocene stability and recent changes in small mammal communities in north-central Andean forests of Patagonia

Past and current climatic and environmental changes have contributed to configure actual species distributions and abundances. Knowing their evolution over time allows discrimination between natural and anthropogenic causes in current composition of faunal communities. We evaluate the changes in small mammal assemblages from the north-central Patagonian Andean forests since the Late-Holocene to recent times and their relationship with the environmental modifications driven by human activities. A bone sequence from Población Anticura archaeological site (lower Manso river valley, Río Negro province, Argentina) was studied, which encompasses a time span from the early Late-Holocene (3350 ± 100–2270 ±80 years BP) to final Late-Holocene (1420 ± 70–530 ±50 years BP) and Historical times (480 ± 70–280 ±40 years BP). The species composition indicates that forest environment established in the area from at least the Late-Holocene (dominance of Loxodontomys micropus, with subordinate frequencies of Abrothrix olivacea, A. hirta, Geoxus valdivianus, Irenomys tarsalis, and Paynomys macronyx), with patches of (or near to) open environments (presence of Reithrodon auritus and cavids). It is remarkable the presence of cavids, which increased their abundance in the sequence towards Historical times but disappeared nowadays. The low frequencies (<10%) of the rodent Oligoryzomys longicaudatus along the entire sequence is also relevant, since this rodent is the reservoir of the Andes strain of the Hantavirus (ANDV), which causes pulmonary syndrome. This mouse dominates the small mammal assemblages from forests and ecotonal shrublands of northwestern Patagonia (abundances exceed 50% in owl pellets recently collected from the study area). Current configuration of forest and ecotonal assemblages, particularly the high abundance of O. longicaudatus, should be mainly linked to anthropogenic causes, including the introduction of cattle, land clearing, and the advance of introduced plant species such as the sweet briar ( Rosa eglanteria). Particularly, this exotic shrub offers shelter and additional food for O. longicaudatus, turning their shrublands into spaces of high epidemiological risk.

Effectiveness of the Leptospira Hardjo Control Programme and Detection of New Infections in Dairy Cattle in The Netherlands.

Since 2005, a mandatory L. Hardjo control programme (LHCP) has been in place for Dutch dairy herds. Almost 100 percent of dairy farms participate and have an L. Hardjo-free status. In 2020 and 2021, the number of outbreaks seemed to increase as compared to the previous years. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the national LHCP in the Netherlands during 2017-2021. Cases of new infections in herds with an L. Hardjo-free status in the LHCP were described, including the role of risk factors for the introduction. Both the percentage of dairy herds with an L. Hardjo-free status that purchased cattle from herds without a free status and the number of purchased cattle increased over the years. A between-herd cluster evaluation showed that between 2017 and 2021, a suspected infection was detected 144 times in 120 dairy herds. In 26 cases (26 herds, 0.2%) new infections were identified, including within-herd transmission. No infection clusters were identified, indicating that infections never led to local transmission between dairy herds. The introduction of cattle from non-free herds appeared to be the cause of all L. hardjo infections in herds participating in the LHCP. Therefore, the national LHCP seems to be highly effective in the control of infections in dairy herds.

Food safety, livestock health, and productivity of a farm fatting Japanese black cattle following implementation of a certificated Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.

This study examined the safety and productivity data analysis of a beef cattle farm with Japanese black cattle over a 4-year period following the implementation of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system in 2018. The critical control point was "the selection of shipping cows" and no deviations from critical limits were observed, indicating the beef were safe. In addition, cattle treated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) less than 6 months after the introduction of cattle decreased, while the average Beef Marbling Standard and quality of meat (i.e., grades A5, B5, A4, and B4) in beef carcass trade standard scores increased. These results suggest that the HACCP system had a positive effect on the health and meat quality of the cattle.

Assessment of habitat suitability for the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in temperate areas

The aim of this research was to analyze and model the aptitude of temperate areas to support permanent populations of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus, which is principally distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. This work integrated field-derived data of tick development with temperature and land-based models of tick spread in Argentina. The integrated analysis of the results suggest that approximately 31°S is the southern limit where R. microplus finds appropriate climatic conditions to be established permanently. The establishment of permanent populations of R. microplus south of this latitudinal threshold is currently restricted because the low temperatures in autumn and winter inhibit the development of its eggs, but the introduction of cattle infested with R. microplus from early spring to late summer in temperate areas could produce engorged females laying eggs that would originate viable larvae from late spring to winter. The comparison of the temperature-based maps of habitat suitability with those obtained considering the lands suitable for livestock grazing, clearly shows that the models based only on climatic variables overestimate the potential dispersal of the cattle tick. The outcomes of this study suggest that an increase of temperature in the months of autumn and winter around 2°-2.75 °C should be necessary for the establishment of permanent populations of R. micoplus in the region belonging to temperate areas. This would allow that a tick generation emerged in early spring due to the overwintering of eggs and larvae originated from females detached from cattle during autumn or early winter.

Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus antibodies and risk factors in dairy cattle from the central desert of Iran

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infects cattle worldwide and causes one of the most important economic diseases of the dairy industry. BVDV infection reduces reproductive efficiency, suppresses the immune system, and causes gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. A first cross-sectional study was conducted in the central desert of Iran (Yazd and South Khorasan provinces) to estimate the seroprevalence and identify BVDV-related risk factors in dairy cattle. A total of 800 cows were randomly selected of 76 herds, and their serum samples were tested by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for BVDV antibody detection. Data were analyzed using the logistic regression model. The serum prevalence of BVDV at animal and herd levels was 66.83% and 91.6%, respectively. Traditional housing system (OR = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.20-9.09) and cattle introduction to the herd (OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.21-3.70) were the important risk factors for BVDV seropositivity (p < 0.05). Increasing of age per year caused adding in 0.33 log (odds) of BVDV seropositivity (p < 0.05). It is necessary to implement control and eradication programs because of the high seroprevalence at the individual level and at the herd in the central desert of Iran.

Cattle grazing in CRP grasslands during the nesting season: effects on avian reproduction

AbstractBird populations in grasslands have experienced declines coinciding with loss and fragmentation of prairies. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)‐administered Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the most extensive grassland restoration program in North America and it has especially benefitted grassland birds. Grazing by domestic cattle has been restricted in CRP during avian nesting seasons despite the potential improvements in structuring habitat for a greater diversity of grassland bird species. Potential negative consequences of grazing in CRP grasslands include trampling of nests by cattle, reductions in nest concealment from predators, and attraction of brood‐parasitic brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). We designed an experiment to test for effects of cattle grazing in CRP fields during the nesting season on nest survival and brood parasitism of 5 bird species that commonly nest in CRP grasslands: mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), dickcissel (Spiza americana), and eastern (Sturnella magna) and western (S. neglecta) meadowlarks. Grazing was implemented during summers 2017 and 2018 on 17 of 36 fields followed by a year of rest on all fields in 2019. Of the 879 nests on grazed fields, only 4 were likely trampled by cattle (vs. 54% of all nests estimated as failing because of depredation). Experimental grazing (grazed vs. ungrazed fields) had variable effects on nest survival and cowbird parasitism among the bird species analyzed. Negative effects of grazing on daily nest survival of dickcissel and meadowlarks were apparent, at least in some years. We found no direct effects of grazing on nest survival of mourning dove or grasshopper sparrow. Probability and intensity (cowbird offspring/nest) of cowbird parasitism in dickcissel nests was higher on grazed versus ungrazed sites but only in conservation practice (CP) CP2 (vs. CP25 fields). Parasitism probability of grasshopper sparrow nests by cowbirds was higher on grazed fields in the 2 years after introduction of cattle in 2017. Greater vegetative concealment around nest sites was associated with reduced cowbird parasitism of meadowlark and grasshopper sparrow nests and higher nest survival for grasshopper sparrows. Reductions in vegetative height caused by longer‐term or high‐intensity grazing might therefore have negative consequences for some grassland birds by increasing nest site visibility and exposure to cowbird parasitism. Our results indicate that cattle grazing in CRP fields during the nesting season might have some negative effects on reproductive success of some grassland bird species, at least in the short term; however, the potential improvements of structuring habitat to accommodate more grassland bird species and increasing landowner participation in the CRP are considerable.

Under pressure: Rapid lavaka erosion and floodplain sedimentation in central Madagascar

Lavaka (gullies) are often considered as the prime indication of a currently ongoing human-induced environmental crisis in Madagascar's highlands. Yet, lavaka are known to have existed long before human arrival and account for the majority of the long-term sediment input into the highland rivers and floodplains. The role of anthropogenic disturbances in their formation therefore remains highly debated and it is unclear whether lavaka erosion has recently increased. Here, we address these questions by evaluating the dynamics of lavaka in the Lake Alaotra region (central Madagascar). An overall birth to stabilization ratio of 6.1 indicates a rapid lavaka population growth over the period 1949–2010s. Using data on lavaka development we calculated a mean lavaka population age of 410 ± 40 years and estimate that the disequilibrium started at 870 ± 430 cal. BP. Floodplain sedimentation starts to increase around 1000 cal. BP and peaks over the last 400 years, thereby independently confirming this time frame of increased lavaka activity. Lavaka population dynamics modelling shows that a strong increase in environmental pressure over the last centuries is needed to attain current disequilibrium levels. A general drying of the climate since 950 cal. BP in combination with the introduction of cattle and growing human presence around 1000 cal. BP will likely have triggered the increase in lavaka erosion. However, the recent acceleration cannot be explained by climatic changes alone and seems to be linked to increased anthropogenic pressure on the environment. As such, we offer a fresh and quantitatively supported perspective on lavaka dynamics and human impact in central Madagascar, where our methodology can be used in other locations where similar questions on geomorphic equilibrium need to be answered.

Teasing Apart Impacts of Human Activity and Regional Drought on Madagascar’s Large Vertebrate Fauna: Insights From New Excavations at Tsimanampesotse and Antsirafaly

Madagascar experienced a major faunal turnover near the end of the first millenium CE that particularly affected terrestrial, large-bodied vertebrate species. Teasing apart the relative impacts of people and climate on this event requires a focus on regional records with good chronological control. These records may document coeval changes in rainfall, faunal composition, and human activities. Here we present new paleontological and paleoclimatological data from southwestern Madagascar, the driest part of the island today. We collected over 1500 subfossil bones from deposits at a coastal site called Antsirafaly and from both flooded and dry cave deposits at Tsimanampesotse National Park. We built a chronology of Late Holocene changes in faunal assemblages based on 65 radiocarbon-dated specimens and subfossil associations. We collected stalagmites primarily within Tsimanampesotse but also at two additional locations in southern Madagascar. These provided information regarding hydroclimate variability over the past 120,000 years. Prior research has supported a primary role for drought (rather than humans) in triggering faunal turnover at Tsimanampesotse. This is based on evidence of: (1) a large freshwater ecosystem west of what is now the hypersaline Lake Tsimanampesotse, which supported freshwater mollusks and waterfowl (including animals that could not survive on resources offered by the hypersaline lake today); (2) abundant now-extinct terrestrial vertebrates; (3) regional decline or disappearance of certain tree species; and (4) scant local human presence. Our new data allow us to document the hydroclimate of the subarid southwest during the Holocene, as well as shifts in faunal composition (including local extirpations, large-vertebrate population collapse, and the appearance of introduced species). These records affirm that climate alone cannot have produced the observed vertebrate turnover in the southwest. Human activity, including the introduction of cattle, as well as associated changes in habitat exploitation, also played an important role.

Assessing potential routes of Streptococcus agalactiae transmission between dairy herds using national surveillance, animal movement data and molecular typing

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a pathogen of humans and animals. It is an important cause of mastitis in dairy cattle, causing decreased milk quality and quantity. Denmark is the only country to have implemented a national surveillance and control campaign for GBS in dairy cattle. After a significant decline in the 20th century, prevalence has increased in the 21st century. Using a unique combination of national surveillance, cattle movement data and molecular typing, we tested the hypothesis that transmission mechanisms differ between GBS strains that are almost exclusive to cattle and those that affect humans as well as cattle, which would have implications for control recommendations. Three types of S. agalactiae, sequence type (ST) 1, ST23 and ST103 were consistently the most frequent strains among isolates obtained through the national surveillance programme from 2009 to 2011. Herds infected with ST103, which is common in cattle but rarely found in people in Europe, were spatially clustered throughout the study period and across spatial scales. By contrast, strains that are also commonly found in humans, ST1 and ST23, showed no spatial clustering in most or any years of the study, respectively. Introduction of cattle from a positive herd was associated with increased risk of infection by S. agalactiae in the next year (risk ratio of 2.9 and 4.7 for 2009–2010 and 2010–2011, respectively). Moreover, mean exposure to infection was significantly higher for newly infected herds and significantly lower for persistently susceptible herds, as compared to random simulated networks with the same properties, which suggests strong association between the cattle movement network and new infections. At strain-level, new infections with ST1 between 2009 and 2010 were significantly associated with cattle movements, while other strains showed only some degree of association. Sharing of veterinary services, which may serve as proxy for local or regional contacts at a range of scales, was not significantly associated with increased risk of introduction of S. agalactiae or one of the three predominant strains on a farm. Our findings support the reinstatement of restrictions on cattle movements from S. agalactiae positive herds, which came into effect in 2018, but provide insufficient evidence to support strain-specific control recommendations.

Quantitative evaluation of the infection dynamics of bovine brucellosis in Tanzania

Brucellosis is endemic in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 17 cattle farms in agro-pastoral areas in Tanzania to identify risk factors associated with the within-farm prevalence of bovine brucellosis and to quantitatively assess the infection dynamics through disease modelling. Cattle blood sampling and interviews with farmers using a structured questionnaire were conducted. A total of 673 serum samples were screened using the Rose-Bengal plate test (RBPT), and sero-positivity of RBPT-positive samples was confirmed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Zero-inflated binomial regression was performed for univariable and multivariable risk factor analyses of within-farm prevalence. Several susceptible-infectious (SI) models were compared based on deviance information criteria, and age-dependent force of infection (FOI) was measured using age-specific prevalence data for the 10 infection-positive farms. Using the diagnoses of cows on the 17 farms, the basic reproduction number, R0, was also calculated. The farm-level prevalence and animal-level adjusted prevalence were 58.8 % (10/17, 95 % confidence interval: 33.5–80.6 %) and 7.0 % (28/673, 95 % credible interval: 5.7–8.4 %), respectively. The risk factor for high within-farm prevalence was introduction of cattle from other herds. A mathematical model with constant FOI showed the annual probability of infection as 1.4 % (95 % credible interval: 1.0 %–2.0 %). The R0 was 1.07. The constant FOI could have been due to the predominant mode of infection being transmission of Brucella from contaminated aborted materials during grazing. Direct purchase of infected cattle could facilitate efficient transmission between susceptible animals through abortion.

Genomic and temporal analyses of Mycobacterium bovis in southern Brazil.

Mycobacterium bovis is a causal agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), one of the most important diseases currently facing the cattle industry worldwide. Tracing the source of M. bovis infections of livestock is an important tool for understanding the epidemiology of bTB and defining control/eradication strategies. In this study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 74 M . bovis isolates sourced from naturally infected cattle in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil, was used to evaluate the population structure of M. bovis in the region, identify potential transmission events and date the introduction of clonal complex (CC) European 2 (Eu2). In silico spoligotyping identified 11 distinct patterns including four new profiles and two CCs, European 1 (Eu1) and Eu2. The analyses revealed a high level of genetic diversity in the majority of herds and identified putative transmission clusters that suggested that within- and between-herd transmission is occurring in RS. In addition, a comparison with other published M. bovis isolates from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay demonstrated some evidence for a possible cross-border transmission of CC Eu1 into RS from Uruguay or Argentina. An estimated date for the introduction of CC Eu2 into RS in the middle of the 19th century correlated with the historical introduction of cattle into RS to improve existing local breeds. These findings contribute to the understanding of the population structure of M. bovis in southern Brazil and highlight the potential of WGS in surveillance and helping to identify bTB transmission.

Insight into the introduction of domestic cattle and the process of Neolithization to the Spanish region Galicia by genetic evidence

Domestic cattle were brought to Spain by early settlers and agricultural societies. Due to missing Neolithic sites in the Spanish region of Galicia, very little is known about this process in this region. We sampled 18 cattle subfossils from different ages and different mountain caves in Galicia, of which 11 were subject to sequencing of the mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis, to provide insight into the introduction of cattle to this region. We detected high similarity between samples from different time periods and were able to compare the time frame of the first domesticated cattle in Galicia to data from the connecting region of Cantabria to show a plausible connection between the Neolithization of these two regions. Our data shows a close relationship of the early domesticated cattle of Galicia and modern cow breeds and gives a general insight into cattle phylogeny. We conclude that settlers migrated to this region of Spain from Europe and introduced common European breeds to Galicia.

Insights into past land-use and vegetation change in the Llanos de Moxos (Bolivia) using fungal non-pollen palynomorphs

Here we document a 1000-year fungal record from the raised-field region of the Llanos de Moxos, a seasonally inundated forest-savanna mosaic in the Bolivian Amazon. Fungi are extremely sensitive to changes in vegetation due to their close relationship with the local environment, providing a useful proxy for past local vegetation and land-use change. Here the remains of fungal non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) are identified from a sediment core taken from Laguna El Cerrito. A multivariate constrained ordination is used to extract relationships between the fungal NPP types and environmental gradients, specifically, tree cover, near-shore vegetation, crop cultivation, burning and local sediment input. NPP types such as Neurospora cf. cerealis are identified as indicative of pre-European agriculture and offer the ability to expand on the temporal range of cultivation in the raised-field region. Constrained cluster analysis indicates that the most significant changes in the NPP assemblage occurs c. 1500 and c. 1700 CE, corresponding to the arrival of Europeans to the Americas and Jesuit missionaries to the Llanos de Moxos respectively. The modern savanna landscape is one shaped by changes in land-use and the introduction of cattle following the European Encounter.

A Review of Dung Beetle Introductions in the Antipodes and North America: Status, Opportunities, and Challenges

Following the introduction of cattle, exotic dung beetles (Coleoptera: Aphodiidae, Geotrupidae, Scarabaeidae) were imported into the Antipodes (Australia and New Zealand) and North America (primarily the United States) to accelerate the degradation of cattle dung on pastures. The history of dung beetle introductions between the two regions is similar but has not previously been assessed: this is important as new introductions are continuing in the regions. Here, we review these introduction programs, report on their current status, and discuss methodological advances. In doing so, we examine the accidental introduction of exotic (i.e., adventive) species and the contribution of both deliberately introduced and adventive species to endemic dung beetle faunas. Further, we provide a list of pest and parasite species whose populations can be reduced by dung beetle activity. We also identify a combined total of 37 introduced and 47 adventive dung beetle species that have become established in the Antipodes and North America, with exotic species dominating dung beetle assemblages from pasture habitats. Climatic and edaphic matches, the size of founding populations, abiotic and biotic stressors, and the time of year when releases are made are all critical determinants that affect the success of dung beetle introduction programs. Finally, we discuss opportunities, plus the risks and challenges associated with dung beetle introductions. We hope that this review will aid in the success of future introduction programs, either to enhance ecosystem services in areas that they are needed, or potentially to reestablish native species in regions where they have been extirpated.

Interdisciplinary study on dietary complexity in Central China during the Longshan Period (4.5–3.8 kaBP): New isotopic evidence from Wadian and Haojiatai, Henan Province

Central China is one of the key regions of the world that sees the transition from early Neolithic urbanization into the social complexity of Bronze Age civilizations. Previous evidence had indicated that the diets of humans and the feeding strategies of livestock in Central China during the Longshan Period (4.5–3.8 kaBP) became more complex and diverse, including the widespread introduction of cattle and sheep, and the coexistence of different human dietary groups within several settlements. Within this paper new and pre-existing stable isotope analyses from human ( n = 31) and animal bones ( n = 76) recovered from Wadian and Haojiatai, two important Longshan sites in the southeast of Central China, are integrated with multiproxy data from archaeological, environmental, and cultural contexts to interpret the social conditions behind dietary complexity from an interdisciplinary perspective. We suggest that the feeding strategies of cattle and sheep from Western Asia were successfully adapted to the pre-existing local millet farming subsistence regimes, and that the different human dietary groups seen corresponded to continuing diversified subsistence strategies that included millet farming, rice farming, and hunter-gathering. This dietary complexity is considered as a reflection of different patterns within the cultural interactions in Central China during the Longshan Period that saw the mixing of populations with diversified cultural backgrounds. This is represented by the introduction of extraneous livestock and the coexistence of millet and rice farmers at Wadian, and the continued expansion of millet agriculture within Central China indicated by the coexistence of millet farmers and hunter-gatherers at Haojiatai.

Sahelian pastoralism from the perspective of variants associated with lactase persistence.

Archeological evidence shows that first nomadic pastoralists came to the African Sahel from northeastern Sahara, where milking is reported by ~7.5 ka. A second wave of pastoralists arrived with the expansion of Arabic tribes in 7th-14th century CE. All Sahelian pastoralists depend on milk production but genetic diversity underlying their lactase persistence (LP) is poorly understood. We investigated SNP variants associated with LP in 1,241 individuals from 29 mostly pastoralist populations in the Sahel. Then, we analyzed six SNPs in the neighboring fragment (419 kb) in the Fulani and Tuareg with the -13910*T mutation, reconstructed haplotypes, and calculated expansion age and growth rate of this variant. Our results reveal a geographic localization of two different LP variants in the Sahel: -13910*T west of Lake Chad (Fulani and Tuareg pastoralists) and -13915*G east of there (mostly Arabic-speaking pastoralists). We show that -13910*T has a more diversified haplotype background among the Fulani than among the Tuareg and that the age estimate for expansion of this variant among the Fulani (~8.5 ka) corresponds to introduction of cattle to the area. This is the first study showing that the "Eurasian" LP allele -13910*T is widespread both in northern Europe and in the Sahel; however, it is limited to pastoralists in the Sahel. Since the Fulani haplotype with -13910*T is shared with contemporary Eurasians, its origin could be in a region encompassing the Near East and northeastern Africa in a population ancestral to both Saharan pastoralists and European farmers.

Quantification of risk factors for bovine viral diarrhea virus in cattle herds: A systematic search and meta-analysis of observational studies

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is endemic in many parts of the world, and multiple countries have implemented surveillance activities for disease control or eradication. In such control programs, the disease-free status can be compromised by factors that pose risks for introduction or persistence of the virus. The aim of the present study was to gain a comprehensive overview of possible risk factors for BVDV infection in cattle herds in Europe and to assess their importance. Papers that considered risk factors for BVDV infection in cattle were identified through a systematic search. Further selection of papers eligible for quantitative analysis was performed using a predefined checklist, including (1) appropriate region (i.e., studies performed in Europe), (2) representativeness of the study population, (3) quality of statistical analysis, and (4) availability of sufficient quantitative data. In total, 18 observational studies were selected. Data were analyzed by a random-effects meta-analysis to obtain pooled estimates of the odds of BVDV infection. Meta-analyses were performed on 6 risk factors: herd type, herd size, participation in shows or markets, introduction of cattle, grazing, and contact with other cattle herds on pasture. Significant higher odds were found for dairy herds (odds ratio, OR = 1.63, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.06-2.50) compared with beef herds, for larger herds (OR = 1.04 for every 10 extra animals in the herd, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06), for herds that participate in shows or markets (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10-1.91), for herds that introduced cattle into the herd (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18-1.69), and for herds that share pasture or have direct contact with cattle of other herds at pasture (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07-1.63). These pooled values must be interpreted with care, as there was a high level of heterogeneity between studies. However, they do give an indication of the importance of the most frequently studied risk factors and can therefore assist in the development, evaluation, and optimization of BVDV control programs.