Cattle Production Research Articles

VARIASI PAKAN DALAM MENDUKUNG PRODUKTIVITAS SAPI ACEH DAN SAPI BALI DI INDONESIA

The survival of Acehnese and Balinese cattle is affected by feed that contains nutrients to support the growth and productivity of livestock. Feed quality, quantity and continuity are problems that affect the productivity of local cattle in Indonesia. The most commonly used forages in feeding Aceh and Bali cattle are elephant grass dan field grass, while the most commonly used concentrates are palm fronds and corn. A combination of 80% forage and 20% concentrate tends to be better for increasing daily weight gain of Aceh and Bali cattle.

Production strategies for controlling greenhouse gas emissions in grass-fed beef production systems

Looking at pasture-based beef cattle production systems, there needs to be more pasture management and low zootechnical indexes, which culminate in low productivity and environmental impact. In this sense, cattle farming has been labeled as harmful to the environment due to the emission of gases that can contribute to the excessive increase in the greenhouse effect. These gases are methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide, which come from ruminal fermentation, manure fermentation, and biomass management. The objective was to simulate eight scenarios: the first occurred in areas of degradation and desertification of pastures induced by livestock farming, the second occurred with the recovery of degraded pasture areas, the third occurred with the improvement of pasture management, the fourth occurred with the implementation of integrated production systems, the fifth occurred with the improvement in diet quality, the sixth occurred with the association of supplementation strategies for grazing cattle with fattening in confinement, the seventh occurred with the reduction in the feeding cycle production of beef cattle and the eighth occurred with the intensification of land use. It is concluded that the adoption of more intensive production systems proves to be more efficient, both productively and environmentally, by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and improving zootechnical indices, guaranteeing the supply of animal protein in the face of growing demand globally.

The LTAR Integrated Common Experiment at Southern Plains.

The Southern Plains (SP) is one of 18 Long-Term Agroecosystem Research network sites that combine strategic research projects with common measurements across multiple agroecosystems. Projects at the SP site focus on the use of indicator measurements to aid in assessment of land and nutrient management's impact on soil health, water quality, carbon and water balances, and forage biomass-quality in diversified, adaptive crop-livestock systems designed to overcome shifts in natural resources and climate. The prevailing treatment is tilled winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that is grazed, hayed, harvested for grain, or grazed and harvested for grain. The alternative treatment is year-round annual cover crop forage mixes for cattle (Bos taurus) production planted in fall and spring under conservation tillage management. The area is subject to variable weather and climatic shifts that reduce the potential to diversify forage crops and limit grazing in southern tall grass prairies and small grain systems. Incorporation of fertilized, rain-fed, annual cool and warm season mixtures of cover crops could fill forage gaps. The presence of year-round ground cover reduces sediment and nutrient loading to surface waters while enhancing soil health and water holding capacity. Tools to aid agricultural producers and land and water resource managers have been developed and implemented to determine how climate, topography, and varying conservation management practices alter hydrological structures, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and soil resources.

Overcoming Barriers: Describing Cattle Producers’ Motivations & Perceived Barriers Toward Adopting Sustainable Practices to Inform Communication Strategy

Overcoming Barriers: Describing Cattle Producers’ Motivations & Perceived Barriers Toward Adopting Sustainable Practices to Inform Communication Strategy

Perception of the Sustainable Cattle Ranching Concept Among Producers, Extension Specialists, and Chief Officers in Oaxaca, Mexico

The sustainability concept has acquired a variety of meanings according to different currents of thought and the context in which it is used. The aim of this research was to characterize the perception of cattle producers, extension specialists, and chief officers regarding sustainable cattle ranching (SCR) in an area where tropical cattle ranching is practiced. A survey was carried out among cattle producers using stratified random sampling and among extension specialists and chief officers chosen using the snowball technique. The perception of SCR was determined under two contexts: (1) the idea or interpretation and (2) the assessment (positive or negative). The idea that producers have about SCR is centered on healthy and adequate food, higher production, and better marketing of livestock. The perception of extension specialists and officials is based on greater business vision and environmental conservation. Producers oriented their perception towards the economic (48.4%) and environmental (21.3%) dimensions, similar to extension specialists (52.2% and 47.8%, respectively), while chief officers related it more exclusively to the environmental dimension (71.4%). It is concluded that the overall perception of SCR is positive, but its conceptualization is differentiated according to the role the individuals play in the activity, their academic training, and their expectations.

Genetic parameters and genome-wide association analyses for lifetime productivity in Chinese Holstein cattle

Genetic parameters and genome-wide association analyses for lifetime productivity in Chinese Holstein cattle

Improvement of Post-Thaw Quality and In Vivo Fertility of Simmental Bull Spermatozoa Using Ferulic Acid.

Artificial insemination and semen cryopreservation have significantly improved the quality and quantity of cattle production. Through cryopreserved semen and artificial insemination, top-breeding bull sperm can be used to inseminate thousands of cows worldwide. Our study aimed to determine the effect of adding ferulic acid (FA) to a Tris-based semen extender on frozen and thawed Simmental bull sperm. Semen samples were collected from three Simmental bulls. Pooled Simmental semen (n=34 ejaculations) were diluted with a Tris-base extender containing varying FA concentrations (0.1, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45mM). After the samples were frozen and thawed, the samples were tested for malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total motility, progressive motility, motility characteristics, and plasma membrane functionality. The control and the groups with the best FA concentrations, 0.25 and 0.35, were compared for in vivo fertility. Fifty-one cows were inseminated 24h after the onset of oestrus. A rectal examination was used to diagnose pregnancies at least 60 days after fertilization. Results showed that adding FA-0.45, FA-0.35, FA-0.25, and FA-0.15 to the semen of Simmental bulls improved total and progressive motility, motility characteristics, and plasma membrane functionality. It also increased GPx and TAC levels, reducing MDA and DNA damage after freezing. The addition of FA did not affect SOD values. The fertility rate in the FA-0.25 and FA-0.35 groups was higher than in the control group, 35.29%, with rates of 76.47% and 70.58%, respectively. In conclusion, adding FA (0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45mM) to Tris-based semen extenders can improve the quality parameters of cryopreserved Simmental bull semen and increase in vivo fertility using 0.25 and 0.35 concentrations of FA.

North American perspectives for cattle production and reproduction for the next 20 years

North American perspectives for cattle production and reproduction for the next 20 years

The Impact of Climate Variability on Cattle Heat Stress in Vanuatu

Heat stress is a climate extreme that impacts cattle health, fertility, feed intake, production, and well-being. In Vanuatu, the beef industry is crucial to local livelihoods and the nation’s economy, thus the objective of this study was to examine the impact of heat stress on cattle health and production. This study uses the Heat Load Index (HLI) and Accumulated Heat Load (AHL) as proxies to assess the impact of heat stress on cattle in Vanuatu over a 30-year period (1994–2023), using the fifth generation of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate (ERA5) data. The analysis examines historical patterns of heat stress in cattle across Vanuatu, identifying more instances of heat stress occurring during the wet season due to characteristically elevated temperatures, humidity, and low wind speeds. Findings also suggest that El Niño events may increase the intensity and duration of heat stress events. These insights inform the development of an Early Warning System for heat stress in cattle, establishing a crucial foundation for targeted adaptation strategies aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Vanuatu’s beef industry to climate variability and change.

Seasonal Factors and The Potential of Artificial Insemination (AI) in Dairy Cattle

Dairy cattle are dominant milk producer in Indonesia. Several programs have been carried out to increase the population of dairy cattle and milk production, one of which is Artificial Insemination (AI). Indonesia is a tropical country that has two seasons, namely the rainy season and the dry season. This study was conducted in the KPSBU Lembang working area, West Java, from November 2019 to January 2020. Rainfall data from the BMKG Dramaga Climatology Station and artificial insemination (AI) records of Frisian Holstein dairy cattle from 2017 to 2019 were collected. AI success was assessed using the Service per Conception (S/C) and Conception Rate (CR) parameters, obtained through pregnancy checks two months after insemination. Pregnancy checks were conducted using rectal palpation to confirm conception. Statistical analysis focused on seasonal differences in reproductive performance based on these metrics. Highest S/C value was 2.02 with CR Value 53.27% on rainy season with rainfall 253.67 mm month-1. The analysis showed a strong correlation (α = 0.005) between S/C and CR value (0.89*), very weak correlation between rainfall with S/C (r = -0.05) and CR (r = -0.08). The results of the research show that the rainy season and the dry season are not the main factors affecting the AI in dairy cattle, however they didn’t directly affect the season to increase the productivity of saplings.

Epigenetic insights into creep-feeding: methylation profiling of Longissimus thoracis muscle at weaning in crossbred cattle

IntroductionThis study investigated the impact of creep-feeding supplementation on the genome methylation of the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle in crossbred beef cattle (Bos taurus × Bos indicus).MethodsThe experiment involved 48 uncastrated F1 Angus-Nellore males (half-siblings), which were divided into two groups: NCF – no creep-feeding (n = 24) and CF – creep-feeding (n = 24). After weaning at 210 days, all animals were feedlot finished for 180 days under identical conditions. LT muscle biopsies were collected at weaning for genomic DNA methylation analysis by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS).Results and discussionThe groups differed significantly (CF > NCF: p < 0.05) to weaning weight (243.57±5.70 vs. 228.92±5.07kg), backfat thickness (12.96±0.86 vs. 10.61±0.42mm), LT muscle marbling score (366.11±12.39 vs. 321.50±13.65), and LT intramuscular fat content (5.80±0.23 vs. 4.95±0.20%). The weights at the beginning of the experiment and at slaughter (390 days) did not differ significantly. Mean methylation levels were higher in CF with 0.18% more CpG, 0.04% CHG, and 0.03% CHH. We identified 974 regions with differential methylation (DMRs: > 25% and q < 0.05), which overlapped with 241 differentially methylated genes (DMGs). Among these genes, 108 were hypermethylated and 133 were hypomethylated in CF group. Notably, 39 of these DMGs were previously identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs: log2 fold change [0.5]) in the same animal groups. Over-representation analysis highlighted epigenetic regulations related to muscle growth, PPAR signaling, adipogenesis, insulin response, and lipid metabolism. Key DMGs/DEGs included: ACAA1, SORBS1, SMAD3, TRIM63, PRKCA, DNMT3A, RUNX1, NRG3, and SLC2A8. These epigenetic changes improved the performance of supplemented animals up to weaning and enhanced meat quality traits, particularly higher intramuscular fat. The results provided insights into the intricate interplay between nutrition, epigenetics, gene expression and phenotypes in beef cattle production.

Use of the Micro-Agar Larval Development Test to Differentiate Resistant and Susceptible Cooperia spp. Isolates in Cattle Within the Context of Parasite Population Replacement

Gastrointestinal nematode infections are a global concern in grazing cattle production systems, even more so due to the widespread problem of anthelmintic resistance. In response, early anthelmintic resistance detection methods, such as the micro-agar larval development test (MALDT), and parasite management strategies, such as the replacement of resistant parasite populations with susceptible ones, have been developed. This study aimed to characterize ivermectin-susceptible and -resistant isolates of Cooperia spp. using MALDT in the context of a parasite population replacement strategy. Three Cooperia spp. field isolates were evaluated: a susceptible one (Coop-S), a resistant one (Coop-R), and a post-replacement one (Coop-PR). The MALDT was performed in 96-well plates with 12 known concentrations of eprinomectin (EPR) on an agar base. Each test was performed in quadruplicate. Data analysis included nonlinear regression to determine EC50, EC90, and EC99 values, resistance ratios (RRs), and R2. The results showed clear differentiation between the isolates, with RR values of 5.78 and 1.28 for Coop-R and Coop-PR, respectively, compared to Coop-S. The MALDT proved to be a reliable tool for differentiating ivermectin-susceptible from ivermectin-resistant isolates of Cooperia spp., and future evaluations of this test in mixed nematode populations are recommended for routine diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance.

Cattle Circulation, Beef Market Control Strategies, and African Agropastoralists in Southern Mozambique, 1900s–30s

Abstract Focusing on the first decades of the twentieth century but acknowledging longer-term patterns of circulation, this paper discusses how cattle, historically occupying important meanings and roles in the lives of African agropastoralists, was commodified and marketed in southern Mozambique just as Lourenço Marques became the new capital of Mozambique. Highlighting the relations that consolidated between the capital and surrounding cattle-rich areas in a period marked by cattle disease but also the First World War and the Great Depression, the paper looks at the role of different agents and bodies involved in the emerging beef market. Ultimately, the paper shows how African agropastoralists, the main cattle producers in the region, resisted these conditions and tried to engage with markets on their own terms, even in the face of their dwindling control over the different factors that influenced the size and quality of their herds.

Utilization of liquid multi-microbe probiotics supplemented urea red palm sugar block as a potential improving balance of microorganisms in digestive tract for cattle economical production

Probiotics are live microbial feed supplements, providing beneficial effects on the host animal by improving balance of microorganisms in digestive tract. This study aims to examine the benefits of liquid multi-microbe probiotic supplementation on nutrient digestibility and economical production of beef cattle. The treatments were including ration control using fresh forage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) + 350 g of URPS-Block without liquid probiotic supplement (T0), fresh forage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) + 350 g of URPS-Block + liquid probiotic supplement of 2.0 cc/liter fresh water (T1), fresh forage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) + 350 g of URPS-Block + liquid probiotic supplement of 4.0 cc/liter fresh water (T2) and fresh forage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) + 350 g of URPS-Block + liquid probiotic supplement of 6.0 cc/liter fresh water (T3). Experimental design applied the Randomized Block Design involving 24 male cattle, divided into six groups of animal ages and four liquid multi-microbe probiotic doses. Parameters were feed dried matter consumption (DMC), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion and income over feed costs (IOFC). The data were analyzed by variance analysis continued by Duncan test. Results showed that liquid multi-microbe probiotics supplementation of 2.0 to 6.0 cc/liter fresh water and URPS-Block of 350 g/day added into forages increased significantly (P<0.05) production of cattle indicated by significant higher ADG of 510 to 570 g (P<0.05) compared with those of control ration producing ADG of 380 g. The increase of animal production was supported linearly by the increasing drinking water consumption supplemented with liquid probiotic levels of 2.0 to 6.0 cc/liter fresh water of animals. Cattle supplemented with liquid probiotic of 2.0 to 6.0 cc/liter fresh water/animal/day also produced higher IOFC, equivalent with increases of 55.67 to 80.87 percents IOFC compared with the animals fed the control ration without liquid probiotics.

Effect of Herbal Liver-tonic Supplements on Production Performance in HF Dairy Cattle

A study was conducted to observe the influence of herbal liver-tonic supplementation on milk production, liver function and feed intake in HF crossbred dairy cattle at field level. This study was carried out in 24 HF cattle and these were randomly grouped into three groups viz. Group 1 served as control group, Group II served as Treatment -I (supplemented with polyherbal liver tonic @ 30ml/day) and Group III as Treatment-2 (supplemented with polyherbal liver tonic @ 45ml/day). Day 1 to 7 is considered as before treatment, Day 8 to 17 as treatment period and day 18 to 32 as after treatment. The blood collected during study period and stored at -20 °C until further analysis. The data were also regularly recorded for milk production, SNF Content of milk, feed intake. Statistical analysis of result revealed that herbal liver-tonic supplementation showed non-significant (P>0.05) difference on liver enzymes profile. Statistically no significant difference is also noted on milk production, milk fat and SNF Content in HF Cattle at field conditions.

Genome-wide association studies for milk production traits and persistency of first calving Holstein cattle in Türkiye.

The study presents a comprehensive investigation into the genetic determinants of 100-day milk yield (100DMY), 305-day milk yield (305DMY), total milk yield (TMY), and persistency using first lactation records of 374 Holstein heifers reared in a private farm at Çanakkale province of Türkiye, employing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach. The research underscores the substantial genetic component underlying these economically important traits through detailed descriptive statistics and heritability estimations. The estimated moderate to high heritabilities (0.32-0.54) for milk production traits suggest the feasibility of targeted genetic improvement strategies. By leveraging GWAS, the study identifies many significant and suggestively significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with studied traits. Noteworthy genes have identified in this analysis include BCAS3, MALRD1, CTNND2, DOCK1, TMEM132C, NRP1, CNTNAP2, GPRIN2, PLEKHA5, GLRA1, SCN7A, HHEX, KTM2C, RAB40C, RAB11FIP3, and FXYD6. These findings provide valuable understandings of the genetic background of milk production and persistency in Holstein cattle, shedding light on specific genomic regions and candidate genes playing pivotal roles in these traits. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field of dairy cattle genetics and informs future breeding efforts to improve milk production sustainability and efficiency in Holstein cattle populations.

Applying Systems Thinking to Sustainable Beef Production Management: Modeling-Based Evidence for Enhancing Ecosystem Services

We used systems thinking (ST) to identify the critical components of beef cattle production through the lens of ecosystem services (ES), offering a holistic approach to address its adverse externalities. We identified eight critical feedback loops in beef production systems: (i) grazing and soil health, (ii) manure management and soil fertility, (iii) feed efficiency and meat production, (iv) water use and soil moisture, (v) cultural services and community engagement, (vi) energy use, (vii) carbon sequestration and climate regulation, and (viii) environmental impact. Our analysis reveals how these interconnected loops influence each other, demonstrating the complex nature of beef production systems. The dynamic hypothesis identified through the loops indicated that improved grazing and manure management practices enhance soil health, leading to better vegetation growth and cattle nutrition, which, in turn, have a positive impact on economic returns to producers and society, all of which encourage the continuation of interlinked beef and ecosystem stewardship practices. The management of beef production ES using ST might help cattle systems across the globe to contribute to 9 of the 17 different United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including the “zero hunger” and “climate action” goals. We discussed the evaluation framework for agrifood systems developed by the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity to illustrate how ST in beef cattle systems could be harnessed to simultaneously achieve the intended environmental, economic, social, and health impacts of beef cattle systems. Our analysis of the literature for modeling and empirical case studies indicates that ST can reveal hidden feedback loops and interactions overlooked by traditional practices, leading to more sustainable beef cattle production outcomes. ST offers a robust framework for enhancing ES in beef cattle production by recognizing the interconnectedness of ecological and agricultural systems, enabling policymakers and managers to develop more effective and sustainable strategies that ensure the long-term health and resilience of humans and ES.

Addition of Tannin-Containing Legumes to Native Grasslands: Effects on Enteric Methane Emissions, Nitrogen Losses and Animal Performance of Beef Cattle

Extensive cattle production on native grasslands is vital to the sustainability of the South American Pampas, and the inclusion of tannin-containing legumes can increase farm profitability, improve nitrogen (N) use and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study quantified the effects of adding tannin-containing legumes to native grasslands on enteric methane (CH4) emissions, animal performance and N balance in cattle. A crossover design trial was conducted with 22 beef heifers under two treatments: native grassland (NG) and native grassland with the addition of Lotus uliginosus and L. angustissimus (NG+L). The results showed that forage mass disappearance was similar between treatments; however, 54% of the forage disappearance in the NG+L corresponded with legumes, indicating that the heifers in this treatment consumed a better-quality diet. While individual CH4 emissions were similar between treatments, heifers grazing the NG+L showed a higher average daily gain (ADG) and lower emissions intensity than heifers grazing NGs (0.25 vs. 0.58 g CH4/g ADG, p < 0.05). Additionally, they also ingested 20% more N and were more efficient in its utilization. Incorporating tannin-containing legumes into native grasslands can improve animal productivity and N use efficiency while reducing the intensity of enteric CH4 emissions.

Exploring longitudinal associations between farmer wellbeing and the welfare of their livestock. The HUNT Study, Norway

The One Welfare approach acknowledges the interrelationships between human wellbeing and animal welfare. Early research has suggested associations between stockperson wellbeing and livestock welfare, however these scenarios are complex and challenging to untangle.In this study, we utilised merged data from over 700 farms to explore associations between farmer wellbeing and livestock welfare. The farms were engaged in cattle, sheep, and/or swine production in Norway between 2017 and 2020. The farmers participated in a general population-based health survey, and livestock welfare was measured using routinely collected, animal-based abattoir observations of over 480,000 animals. We determined a farm’s overall livestock welfare relative to the other farms and calculated within-farm differences in this relative welfare level over time. A subset of enterprises (n=328) with sufficient and non-ambiguous farmer wellbeing information were then used to explore differences in these within-farm differences by farmer wellbeing status. We found that poor farmer wellbeing — whether it was defined by anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, symptoms of psychological distress, or life satisfaction — was associated with a deterioration in overall livestock welfare level (in terms of the mean of the farm’s abattoir observed welfare indicators). There was evidence that this association persisted for at least two years.Given societal concerns regarding sustainable food production, farmer wellbeing, and livestock welfare, further research is indicated to explore the complex farmer-livestock relationship within the One Welfare framework. This study suggests that using within-farm changes in relative livestock welfare derived from routinely collected information can be a useful approach.

Impact of Heat Stress on Milk Yield, Milk Fat-to-Protein Ratio, and Conception Rate in Thai-Holstein Dairy Cattle: A Phenotypic and Genetic Perspective.

Heat stress severely affects dairy cattle production and reproduction performances in tropical regions. Genetic selection to maintain adequate yield and reproductive performance while enhancing their ability to withstand heat is essential for improving the genetics of dairy cows. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to estimate genetic parameters affecting production and reproduction performances under heat stress conditions in dairy cattle and to investigate the threshold point of heat stress for milk yield (MY), milk fat-to-protein ratio (FPR), and conception rate (CR) in Thai-Holstein dairy cattle. The data included 168,124 records related to MY and milk FPR and 21,278 records of CR in Thai-Holstein dairy cattle, covering the period from 1990 to 2007. A multiple-trait threshold-linear random regression model based on a Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling was used to estimate variance components, genetic parameters (heritability values, and genetic correlations), and decline rates for each studied trait. The threshold point of heat stress was identified as a temperature and humidity index (THI) of 76. At THI76, a decline was observed in the MY, milk FPR, and CR of Thai dairy cattle. The heritability estimates for MY, milk FPR and CR were 0.347 ± 0.032, 0.293 ± 0.021, and 0.032 ± 0.001, respectively. The genetic correlation between MY and milk FPR and MY and CR were -0.24 and -0.53, respectively, whereas those between milk FPR and heat tolerance as well as between CR and heat tolerance were -0.48 and -0.49, respectively. In addition, the decline rates in MY, milk FPR, and CR were found to be associated with a high percentage of Holstein genetics. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study reveal that the simultaneous consideration of the MY, milk FPR, CR, and heat tolerance traits of Thai-Holstein dairy cattle is possible. In addition, developing a genetic model that incorporates THI is essential for sustainably addressing heat stress problems.