Cattle Research Articles

Sero-epidemiological study of brucellosis in cattle under pastoral/agro-pastoral and mixed crop-livestock systems in South Omo, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundIn the pastoral/agro-pastoral communities in Ethiopia, like in South Omo, brucellosis constitutes a serious health threat for livestock and the public. The public health risk is especially high in these communities, as their way of life is highly linked with their herds. ObjectiveThe study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and identify potential risk factors of cattle brucellosis in South Omo zone in southern Ethiopia. MethodsA total of 614 traditionally managed local zebu female cattle, above six months old, were bled and data on hypothesized risk factors were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The preliminary screening of the sera for Brucella antibodies was done using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive sera were further subjected to complement fixation test (CFT). ResultsThe overall animal level seroprevalence of brucellosis was 2.8 % (95 % CI: 1.72–4.41) while herd level prevalence was 11.3 % (95 % CI: 6.5–19.0). Among the risk factors considered, seroprevalence was associated with herd size, new animal introduction, district, history of occurrence of abortion, and retained fetal membranes (RFM), at both individual- and herd-level (p < 0.05). Higher seroprevalence of brucellosis was observed in cows than heifers and in animals older than 4 years (p < 0.05). Brucella seroprevalence was higher in herds in lowland areas than those in mid-altitude and highlands (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe individual and herd level prevalence observed in our study indicates endemicity of brucellosis and the potential public health threat it poses in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of southern Ethiopia. The results of the study also suggest that the disease might be responsible for significant losses in cattle productivity due to impaired reproductive performance.

Performance and Export Competitiveness of Meat Exports from India

The study analyses the export performance of meat products between 2000-2021. Revealed symmetric comparative advantage (RSCA) and Revealed Competitiveness (RC) were used for analysis. India consistently had RSCA for meat exports between 2010 and 2021. For frozen bovine meat, India had RSCA during the entire duration. RSCA was witnessed for eight and six years for sheep-goat meat and edible offal, respectively. For chilled/fresh meat of bovine animals, India had RSCA only for one year. In the remaining categories, there was rarely any RSCA. India had strong Revealed Competitiveness in exporting meat products. The study recommended stringent quality measures to be followed for buffalo meat exports. Society should be educated regarding the difference between beef and carabeef. The exportable surplus of goat meat should be increased.

Efficient small fragment sequencing of human, cow, and bison miRNA, small RNA or csRNA-seq libraries using AVITI.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) catalyzed breakthroughs across various scientific domains. Illumina's sequencing by synthesis method has long been essential for NGS but emerging technologies like Element Biosciences' sequencing by avidity (AVITI) represent a novel approach. It has been reported that AVITI offers improved signal-to-noise ratios and cost reductions. However, the method relies on rolling circle amplification which can be impacted by polymer size, raising questions about its efficacy sequencing small RNAs (sRNA) molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and others that are crucial regulators of gene expression and involved in various biological processes. In addition, capturing capped small RNAs (csRNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful method to map active or "nascent" RNA polymerase II transcription initiation in tissues and clinical samples. Here, we report a new protocol for seamlessly sequencing short DNA fragments on the AVITI and demonstrate that AVITI and Illumina sequencing technologies equivalently capture human, cattle (Bos taurus) and the bison (Bison bison) sRNA or csRNA sequencing libraries, augmenting the confidence in both approaches. Additionally, analysis of generated nascent transcription start sites (TSSs) data for cattle and bison revealed inaccuracies in their current genome annotations and highlighted the possibility and need to translate small RNA sequencing methodologies to livestock. Our accelerated and optimized protocol therefore bridges the advantages of AVITI sequencing and critical methods that rely on sequencing short DNA fragments.

A Comparative Full-Length Transcriptome Analysis Using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) in Four Tissues of Bovine Origin.

The transcriptome complexity and splicing patterns in male and female cattle are ambiguous, presenting a substantial obstacle to genomic selection programs that seek to improve productivity, disease resistance, and reproduction in cattle. A comparative transcriptomic analysis using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) was conducted in bovine testes (TESTs), ovaries (OVAs), muscles (MUSCs), and livers (LIVs). An average of 5,144,769 full-length reads were obtained from each sample. The TESTs were found to have the greatest number of alternative polyadenylation (APA) events involved in processes such as sperm flagellum development and fertilization in male reproduction. In total, 438 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) were identified in the LIVs in a comparison of females vs. males, and 214 DETs were identified in the MUSCs between females and males. Additionally, 14,735, 36,347, and 33,885 DETs were detected in MUSC vs. LIV, MUSC vs. TEST, and OVA vs. TEST comparisons, respectively, revealing the complexity of the TEST. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed that these DETs were mainly involved in the "spermatogenesis", "flagellated sperm motility", "spermatid development", "reproduction", "reproductive process", and "microtubule-based movement" KEGG pathways. Additional studies are necessary to further characterize the transcriptome in different cell types, developmental stages, and physiological conditions in bovines and ascertain the functions of the novel transcripts.

Supplementation of Sakura Block Plus in Beef Cattle Fed with Palm Fronds and Its Effect on Nutrient Digestibility

Sakura Block Plus is a modification of Sakura Block, incorporating 6% earthworms and palm kernel cake as substitutes for corn. The objective of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of Sakura Block Plus in palm frond feed on the nutrient digestibility of beef cattle. The research design employed a Latin Square Design (LSD) with treatments P0 (10% Sakura Block Plus), P1 (8% Sakura Block Plus), P2 (10% Sakura Block Plus), and P3 (12% Sakura Block Plus). Four male beef cattle, 18 months old, weighing approximately ± 110 kg, were utilized throughout four treatment periods, each lasting 15 days. The results of the study indicated a significant improvement in the 12% Sakura Block Plus treatment concerning the digestibility of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), and hemicellulose. In conclusion, the supplementation of Sakura Block Plus at the 12% level in palm frond feed resulted in the most optimal nutrient digestibility.

Genomic Diversity of the Retinta Breed Derived from Two Ancestral Bovine Lineages.

The Retinta breed, an autochthonous type of Spanish beef cattle, is highly adapted to breeding in its natural environment, which is characterized by a Mediterranean climate. The origins of this breed can be traced to two ancestral bovine stocks, which gave rise to distinct morphotypes differentiated primarily by coat color, alongside other significant traits such as growth, morphological conformation and temperament. Specifically, one morphotype comprises blond animals (Rubia Andaluza), genetically resembling the ancestral Bos taurus Aquitanicus, while the other encompasses brown- and red-colored animals (Retinta Extremeña) originating from Bos taurus Turdenatus stock. Over decades, these populations have undergone hybridization, leading to a unified population, albeit with the original subpopulations largely maintaining their genetic integrity. The objective of this study was to undertake genealogical and genomic characterization of these genetic lines, including a particular subpopulation within the blond animals (Tamarona cow). To achieve this, the genealogical records of 22,004 active animals were analyzed, and over 63,000 SNPs from a total of 1030 animals were examined for genomic characterization. Genealogical analysis revealed pedigree completeness and a high level of effective population size (Ne) across the entire population, yet relatively low Ne values within each pure line (ranging from 28.38 to 34.47). These findings underscore the ongoing efforts of the National Association of Retinta Breeders (ACRE) over the past decades to mitigate the loss of variability in this breed. The genomic characterization highlights the persistent differences within the original population and the predominant influence of the Retinto line within the current breed, as evidenced by principal component analysis (PCA) and admixture analysis. Furthermore, the identification of the Tamarona subpopulation within the blond lineage underlines its unique genetic composition, warranting its recognition as an official genetic line within the current Retinta breed. Given the small population size of these lines, particularly the Tamarona subpopulation, protective measures are imperative to preserve this distinct gene pool. Such measures would enhance the genetic diversity of the Retinta breed, which is essential for sustainable breeding practices in its natural habitats.

Phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) species and their blood meal sources in a new leishmaniasis focus in Los Montes de María, Bolívar, in northern Colombia

Introduction. El Alférez, a village in Los Montes de María (Bolívar, Colombia) and a macro-focus of leishmaniasis, recorded its first case in 2018, evidencing changes in the distribution and eco-epidemiology of the disease, although interactions between vectors and local fauna remain unknown. Objective. To evaluate the diversity of sandflies and their blood meal sources in the community of El Alférez in the municipality of El Carmen de Bolívar (Bolívar, Colombia). Materials and methods. In 2018, sandflies were collected using LED-based light traps in domestic, peridomestic, and sylvatic ecotopes and identified at the species level. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome B gene was used to analyze blood from the digestive tract. Results. Lutzomyia evansi was the most abundant species (71.85%; n = 485/675), followed by Lu. panamensis, Lu. gomezi, Lu. trinidadensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. abonnenci, and Lu.aclydifera. Twenty-five percent of the species had blood meals from Canis familiaris (36.00%; n = 9/25), Ovis aries (36.00%; n=9:/25), Bos taurus (24.00%; n = 6/25), Sus scrofa (20.00%; n = 5/25), and Homo sapiens (8.00%; n = 2/25). Lutzomyia evansi registered the highest feeding frequency (68.00%; n = 17/25), predominantly on a single (44.00%; n = 11/25) or multiple species (24.00%; n = 6/25). Conclusion. Results indicate a eclectic feeding behavior in Lu. evansi, implying potential reservoir hosts for Leishmania spp. and increasing transmission risk. This study is a first step towards understanding the diversity of mammalian blood sources used by sandflies, that may be crucial for vector identification and formulation of effective control measures.

Complete Mitogenome of "Pumpo" (Bos taurus), a Top Bull from a Peruvian Genetic Nucleus, and Its Phylogenetic Analysis.

The mitochondrial genome of Pumpo (Bos taurus), a prominent breed contributing to livestock farming, was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Assembly and annotation of the mitochondrial genome were achieved through a multifaceted approach employing bioinformatics tools such as Trim Galore, SPAdes, and Geseq, followed by meticulous manual inspection. Additionally, analyses covering tRNA secondary structure and codon usage bias were conducted for comprehensive characterization. The 16,341 base pair mitochondrial genome comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis places Pumpo within a clade predominantly composed of European cattle, reflecting its prevalence in Europe. This comprehensive study underscores the importance of mitochondrial genome analysis in understanding cattle evolution and highlights the potential of genetic improvement programs in livestock farming, thus contributing to enhanced livestock practices.

Health Impact of Co-Infestation with Gastrointestinal Helminthes Parasites in Cattle in Bangangté Subdivision, West Cameroon

There is growing interest in the scientific community about co-infestations and the determinism of their synergistic action against their hosts, in a prospect of improving animal survival rates and production. A big number of parasitic associations have been tested, most of which include parasites belonging to radically different systematic groups. This study measures the impact of gastro-intestinal parasitic associations in bovines on two health parameters: the PCV and the body condition score. To this end, we conducted a survey in the district of Bangangte from May to July 2022. Six (06) cattle farms (Bos taurus) were selected for a total of 300 animals. Blood, Fecal matter collection and careful visual observation for Body score condition recording took place on each animal part of the study. Lab analysis of fecal matters revealed eggs of 11 parasitic helminths species and their respective prevalences was calculated. The species whose eggs were discovered are: Haemonchus contortus (from 44,67 % of animals), Fasciola gigantica (38,33%), Trichostrongylus axei (13,33%), Nematodirus battus (8,33%), Ostertagia ostertagi (7,67 %), Cooperia spp. (6,00%), Strongyloïdes papillosus (4,00%), Paramphistomum cervi (3,67%), Moniezia benedeni (1,33%), Toxocara vitulorum (0,67 %) and Trichuris spp (0,33%). We found that 70,6% of animals was infested with at least one parasite, while 42% presented at least two parasites. The combinations of parasites having the most negative effect on the hematocrit level were composed of: O. ostertagi, Cooperia spp and Strongyloides papillosus. The one reducing the body condition score the most was the association of Ostertagia ostertagi and Strongyloides papillosus. More studies in a controlled environment, with artificial infestations, are required to confirm the adverse effects of parasitic associations delighted in this study.

Prevalence of bovine herpes virus-1 among reproductive disorders in cattle and buffaloes in Punjab region of India.

Bovine Herpes Virus (BHV-1) is a virus prevalent among cattle and buffaloes which accounts for considerable reproductive failures. This study was undertaken with the objective of studying the prevalence of BHV-1 in reproductive tract infections of cattle and buffaloes in Punjab region in India. A total of 70 reproductive tract samples (like vaginal mucous, cervical mucous, uterine discharges, uterine pus and aborted materials like placenta, caruncles, foetal stomach contents, amniotic fluid and placental fluid) were taken from cattle and buffaloes from various areas of Punjab which were suffering from different reproductive disorders. The samples were screened for the presence of genome of BHV-1using PCR targeting gE gene. Out of 70 samples screened, only one sample was positive for the presence of BHV-1 genome which had an amplicon size of 468bp, specific to the targeted gene. The study concluded that BHV-1 has very low prevalence among reproductive disorders in cattle and buffaloes in Punjab region, but has increased over last few years, particularly in female cattle and buffaloes.

Utilizing Cow Manure Waste (Bos Taurus) as Organic Fertilizer in Labuan Lelea Village, Labuan District, Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi

This community service activity has been conducted in Labuan Lelea Village, Labuan District, Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, in collaboration with the local farming community. They face challenges regarding how to utilize cattle manure waste as environmentally friendly organic fertilizer. The objective of this community service is: 1) To provide knowledge to the farming community in Labuan Lelea Village on how to utilize cattle manure waste as organic fertilizer, as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers, which are known for their chemical content, scarcity, and fluctuating prices annually; 2) To promote organic fertilizers as an environmentally friendly alternative to inorganic fertilizers in agricultural lands; 3) To enhance the knowledge of farming communities regarding the effective utilization of cattle manure waste as organic fertilizer for both food crops and horticultural plants. The method employed in this activity is a participatory approach, wherein a team including Community and Student Service Learning Program (KKN) participants and local community members actively collaborate in fostering good cooperation between extension workers and farmers. The primary target audience of this training is farming communities engaged in plantation, food crops, and horticultural cultivation. The outcomes of this community service activity include increased awareness of how to utilize cattle manure waste (Bos Taurus). This process requires minimal investment as cattle waste, sawdust, and rice husks are all freely available materials, thus serving as a substitute for inorganic fertilizers which contain chemical substances and are environmentally unfriendly.

Biochemical indicators of the infertile cows of the small farming

Diagnostics of disorders of reproductive function has certain complications and difficulties, especially in case of hidden course and subclinical manifestation, which requires laboratory tests. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to determine the biochemical parameters of the blood of infertile cows of a small farm and to interpret the obtained data regarding the effect on reproductive function.The research was carried out in the conditions of the «Horns and Hoofs firm» of the Novomoskovsk district of the Dnipropetrovsk region on cows of the black and spotted breed during the winter-stall period and the scientific research center of biosafety and ecologicalcontrol of agricultural resources "Biosafety center" in the city of Dnipro. The object of research was cows with impaired reproductive function, the subject was biochemical indicators of their blood. According to the results of the research, changes in biochemical indicators were found in the blood of infertile cows, which consisted in the deficiency of globulins (27.9 g/l), urea nitrogen (5.65 mg%), glucose (2.19 mmol/l), calcium (2.02 mmol/l), inorganic phosphorus (1.21 mmol/l), carotene (274.5 μg%) and selenium (22.14 μg/l); decrease to the limit content of urea (2.94 mmol/l), vitamins A (28.31 μg/100 ml) and E (3.84 μg/ml), copper (52.98 μg%) and cobalt (2.21 μg%); exceeding the normal content of AST (81.3 Units/l), manganese (39.44 µg%), protein coefficient (1.19 units), Ca/P (1.76 units) and total lipoproteins (1057.4 mg%). The specified changes can affect the manifestation of the reproductive capacity of animals and lead to delayed puberty and sexual maturity (deficiency of phosphorus, copper, cobalt), deterioration of the motor function of the muscles of the genital tract (deficiency of glucose, urea, vitamin E, selenium), violation of the sexual cycle anaphrodisia / anestrus (subestrus) / infertility (deficiency of urea, carotene / vitamins A and E, selenium, copper, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, violation of the Ca:P ratio), increased insemination/fertilization index (deficiency of globulins, urea, carotene/vitamin A and E, selenium, copper, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, violation of the Ca:P ratio), reduction of fertilization of eggs in vitro (glucose deficiency), violation of embryogenesis (deficiency of copper, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins E and selenium) and processes fetal maturation (deficiency of globulins, copper), antenatal pathologies (deficiency of carotene/vitamin A), abortions (deficiency of urea, calcium, phosphorus, cobalt, copper), increased frequency of dystocia (deficiency of urea, carotene/vitamin A and E, selenium, copper) a violation of the Ca:P ratio), the birth of dead, weak or non-viable calves (deficiency of globulins, vitamins A and E, selenium, cobalt, copper, phosphorus), an increase in the number of postpartum diseases (deficiency of carotene/vitamin A and E, selenium, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, violation of the Ca:P ratio), lengthening of the intercalary period (deficiency of glucose and phosphorus, violation of the Ca:P ratio). Key words: female cattle, disorders of reproductive function, nutrients, vitamins, macro- and microelements.

Thermal Comfort of Nelore Cattle (Bos indicus) Managed in Silvopastoral and Traditional Systems Associated with Rumination in a Humid Tropical Environment in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal comfort of Nelore cattle (Bos indicus) managed in silvopastoral and traditional systems associated with rumination behavior in a humid tropical environment in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The study was carried out on a rural property in Mojuí dos Campos, Pará, Brazil, during the transition period of the year, from June to July 2023. Over these two months, six consecutive data collection days were held. We selected 20 clinically healthy non-castrated male Nelore cattle, aged between 18 and 20 months, with an average weight of 250 kg and body condition score of 3.5 (1-5). These animals were randomly divided into two groups: traditional system (TS) and silvopastoral system (SS). The physiological variables evaluated included RR, RT and BST. The variables were analyzed using the linear mixed model. For agrometeorological variables, higher values were observed between 10:00 a.m. (33 °C) and 6:00 p.m. (30 °C), with the highest temperature observed at 4:00 p.m. (40 °C). The RR showed interactions (p = 0.0214) between systems and times; in general, higher RR were obtained in the Traditional. The animals' RT showed no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the production systems, but there was a statistically significant difference in relation to the time of collection (p < 0.0001). In the BGHI, it was possible to observe that there was mild stress in the period from 22:00 at night to 6:00 in the morning and moderate stress in the period of greatest increase in temperature, from 10:00 in the morning to 18:00 at night. BST showed no statistical difference between the regions studied or between the SP (35.6 °C) and TS (36.25 °C) systems. RT in the TS showed a positive correlation with AT (r = 0.31507; p = 0.0477). RT in the SP showed a positive correlation with THI (r = 35583; p = 0.0242). On the other hand, RT in the SP (r = 0.42873; p = 0.0058) and ST (r = 0.51015; p = 0.0008) showed a positive correlation with BGHI. RR in the TS showed a positive correlation with BGHI (r = 0.44908; p = 0.0037). The greatest amounts of rumination were carried out by animals in the SP system, generally ruminating lying down (p < 0.05). With regard to rumination behavior in the morning and afternoon, there were higher numbers of WS and LD in the TS (p > 0.05). Most of the time, the cattle were LD during the morning and afternoon shifts, and at night and dawn they were WS in the TS. Therefore, the SP offers more thermal comfort advantages compared to the TS system.

Genome-wide association study identifies genomic regions associated with key reproductive traits in Korean Hanwoo cows.

Conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for reproductive traits in Hanwoo cattle, including age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), gestation length (GL), and number of artificial inseminations per conception (NAIPC), is of paramount significance. These analyses provided a thorough exploration of the genetic basis of these traits, facilitating the identification of key markers for targeted trait improvement. Breeders can optimize their selection strategies, leading to more efficient and sustainable breeding programs, by incorporating genetic insights. This impact extends beyond individual traits and contributes to the overall productivity and profitability of the Hanwoo beef cattle industry. Ultimately, GWAS is essential in ensuring the long-term genetic resilience and adaptability of Hanwoo cattle populations. The primary goal of this study was to identify significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the studied reproductive traits and subsequently map the underlying genes that hold promise for trait improvement. A genome-wide association study of reproductive traits identified 68 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across 29 Bos taurus autosomes (BTA). Among them, BTA14 exhibited the highest number of identified SNPs (25), whereas BTA6, BTA7, BTA8, BTA10, BTA13, BTA17, and BTA20 exhibited 8, 5, 5, 3, 8, 2, and 12 significant SNPs, respectively. Annotation of candidate genes within a 500kb region surrounding the significant SNPs led to the identification of ten candidate genes relevant to age at first calving. These genes were: FANCG, UNC13B, TESK1, TLN1, and CREB3 on BTA8; FAM110B, UBXN2B, SDCBP, and TOX on BTA14; and MAP3K1 on BTA20. Additionally, APBA3, TCF12, and ZFR2, located on BTA7 and BTA10, were associated with the calving interval; PAX1, SGCD, and HAND1, located on BTA7 and BTA13, were linked to gestation length; and RBM47, UBE2K, and GPX8, located on BTA6 and BTA20, were linked to the number of artificial inseminations per conception in Hanwoo cows. The findings of this study enhance our knowledge of the genetic factors that influence reproductive traits in Hanwoo cattle populations and provide a foundation for future breeding strategies focused on improving desirable traits in beef cattle. This research offers new evidence and insights into the genetic variants and genome regions associated with reproductive traits and contributes valuable information to guide future efforts in cattle breeding.

Mapping the follicle-specific regulation of extracellular vesicle-mediated microRNA transport in the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)†.

Efforts to implement effective assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for the conservation of the northern white rhinoceros (NWR; Ceratotherium simum cottoni) to prevent its forthcoming extinction, could be supported by research conducted on the closely related southern white rhinoceros (SWR; Ceratotherium simum simum). Within the follicle, extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a fundamental role in the bidirectional communication facilitating the crucial transport of regulatory molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs) that control follicular growth and oocyte development. This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of EV-miRNAs in stage-dependent follicular fluid (FF) during SWR ovarian antral follicle development. Three distinct follicular stages were identified based on diameter: Growing (G; 11-17mm), Dominant (D; 18-29mm), and Pre-ovulatory (P; 30-34mm). Isolated EVs from the aspirated FF of segmented follicle stages were used to identify EV-miRNAs previously known via subsequent annotation to all equine (Equus caballus; eca), bovine (Bos taurus; bta), and human (Homo sapiens; hsa) miRNAs. A total of 417 miRNAs were detected, with 231 being mutually expressed across all three stages, including eca-miR-148a and bta-miR-451 as the top highly expressed miRNAs. Distinct expression dynamics in miRNA abundance were observed across the three follicular stages, including 31 differentially expressed miRNAs that target various pathways related to follicular growth and development, with 13 miRNAs commonly appearing amidst two different comparisons. In conclusion, this pioneering study provides a comprehensive understanding of the stage-specific expression dynamics of FF EV-miRNAs in the SWR. These findings provide insights that may lead to novel approaches in enhancing ARTs to catalyze rhinoceros conservation efforts.

Do cows with stereotypic tongue-rolling behaviour cope better with their environment?

Stereotypic behaviours, especially oral stereotypic behaviours, are frequently expressed in farm animals. Tongue-rolling is the most common oral stereotypic behaviour in dairy cows (Bos taurus). If animals frequently display stereotypic behaviours, this is an indication of poor welfare. It has been suggested that animals express stereotypic behaviours as a way of coping with stress. As a result, animals with stereotypic behaviours may have lower levels of stress hormones than animals without stereotypic behaviours. In this study, 916 Holstein cows in the first lactation were subjected to scan sampling behavioural observations 200 times for 10 days. All cows were assigned to either a stereotypic behaviours group (SB) or a control group (CON). The SB group was further subdivided into a tongue-rolling group (TR) and an other-stereotypic behaviours group (OS). The TR group was also split into an only tongue-rolling group (OTR) and a mixed tongue-rolling and other stereotypic behaviours group (TROS). Some cows in the TR group belonged to an extreme tongue-rolling group (ETR). Hair and saliva samples were collected from 601 cows to test cortisol concentrations and dairy herd improvement (DHI) data were collected from a total of 762 cows. There were no differences in hair or saliva cortisol concentrations between the groups (p>0.05), and the frequencies of tongue-rolling were not associated with cortisol concentrations (p>0.05). For DHI in cows, the milk protein percentage (p = 0.028), milk true protein percentage (p = 0.021) and milk crude protein percentage (p = 0.023) of cows in the ETR group were significantly lower than those in the CON group. For cows in ETR group, as the frequencies of tongue-rolling increased, the milk protein percentage (p = 0.034, r = 0.365), milk true protein percentage (p = 0.022, r = 0.393) and milk crude protein percentage (p = 0.035, r = 0.363) increased. We investigated the relationship between stereotypic behaviours and stress by using a non-invasive sampling method to minimise harm to the cows. We suggest that tongue-rolling may not be a way for cows to cope with stress, at least in terms of cortisol concentrations.

Effect of transportation distance and lairage time on selected behaviors and carcass parameters in zebu cattle-a study using the animal focal sampling method.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the transport distance and lairage time on behavioral indicators of zebu beef cattle in the resting pen of a slaughterhouse using the focal animal technique. Eight lots of male zebu cattle, Nelore, aged approximately 4 years old, weighing on average 500 ± 28.5 kg-1, from different municipalities, transported by land, were evaluated. The lots were grouped into two categories: short distance (> 500 km) and long distance (> 500 km). Five focal animals per evaluated lot were used in each cycle of behavior observation, randomly chosen, and visually identified. The animal focal sampling method was used, with instantaneous recording, every 5 min per animal/h. A video camera was used and placed at a fixed point in the corral. After slaughtering, bruises and carcass pH were evaluated. The respiratory rate (RR) was measured in two moments, 30 min after unloading (RR_I) and 1 h before slaughtering (RR_F); behavioral data were divided into four lairage periods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) equally and evaluated as repeated measures over time. The lairage time lowered the behaviors of headbutting (NCHBs), pushing (PsH), mounting (MT), and chasing away (CA), (p = 0.0001), and these behaviors were more evident in animals transported for short distances in the initial resting times, decreasing as they remained in the resting pen. There was effect of distance on the initial and final pH of the carcass, being greater in the short distance (p = 0.047). There was no effect of distance or lairage time on initial or final RR (p > 0.05). In addition, animals transported over long distances showed less carcass injuries, which were observed during post mortem inspection. It is concluded that animals transported over short distances present a greater number of agonistic behaviors, such as NCHBs, MT, PsH, and CA, predisposing to higher rates of bruising during lairage and more accentuated changes in the final pH of the meat.

Tissue distribution of Coxiella burnetii and antibody responses in macropods co-grazing with livestock in Queensland, Australia.

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a zoonotic bacteria of global public health significance. The organism has a complex, diverse, and relatively poorly understood animal reservoir but there is increasing evidence that macropods play some part in the epidemiology of Q fever in Australia. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to estimate the animal- and tissue-level prevalence of coxiellosis amongst eastern grey (Macropus giganteus) and red (Osphranter rufus) kangaroos co-grazing with domestic cattle in a Q fever endemic area in Queensland. Serum, faeces and tissue samples from a range of organs were collected from 50 kangaroos. A total of 537 tissue samples were tested by real-time PCR, of which 99 specimens from 42 kangaroos (84% of animals, 95% confidence interval [CI], 71% to 93%) were positive for the C. burnetii IS1111 gene when tested in duplicate. Twenty of these specimens from 16 kangaroos (32%, 95% CI 20% to 47%) were also positive for the com1 or htpAB genes. Serum antibodies were present in 24 (57%, 95% CI 41% to 72%) of the PCR positive animals. There was no statistically significant difference in PCR positivity between organs and no single sample type consistently identified C. burnetii positive kangaroos. The results from this study identify a high apparent prevalence of C. burnetii amongst macropods in the study area, albeit seemingly with an inconsistent distribution within tissues and in relatively small quantities, often verging on the limits of detection. We recommend Q fever surveillance in macropods should involve a combination of serosurveys and molecular testing to increase chances of detection in a population, noting that a range of tissues would likely need to be sampled to confirm the diagnosis in a suspect positive animal.

Assessment of cattle tick infestation: Molecular insights into Rhipicephalus annulatus and the efficacy of garlic oil and nanoemulsion as acaricidal agents

Ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus annulatus, pose significant threats to livestock, causing economic losses and transmitting various infectious diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the potential acaricidal properties of garlic oil and its nanoemulsion against ticks infesting cattle, Rhipicephalus annulatus through the evaluation of mortality rate and morphological changes of the treated ticks. The study also included prevalence, risk factors, and molecular confirmation of tick species. Genetic characterization confirmed the identity of R. annulatus. Our results revealed a high prevalence of R. annulatus (46.9%) with a higher risk in male cattle (50%) than females (44.9%) and a nonsignificant high infection (49.1%) in animals ≤ 1 year old. The acaricidal efficiency of garlic oil and its nanoemulsion was concentration and time-dependent. The high concentration of garlic oil (20 mg/L) induced complete mortality within 48 hours. The nanoemulsion formulation enhanced efficacy, particularly at 5 mg/L, which exhibited rapid and substantial acaricidal activity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological alterations induced by garlic oil and its nanoemulsion, including changes to the anterior capitulum, dorsal, and ventral cuticles. The study contributes to the exploration of effective, safe, and eco-friendly alternatives for tick control. Further research is warranted to validate their efficacy under diverse conditions and assess practical strategies.

Machine Learning Methods and Visual Observations to Categorize Behavior of Grazing Cattle Using Accelerometer Signals.

Accelerometers worn by animals produce distinct behavioral signatures, which can be classified accurately using machine learning methods such as random forest decision trees. The objective of this study was to identify accelerometer signal separation among parsimonious behaviors. We achieved this objective by (1) describing functional differences in accelerometer signals among discrete behaviors, (2) identifying the optimal window size for signal pre-processing, and (3) demonstrating the number of observations required to achieve the desired level of model accuracy,. Crossbred steers (Bos taurus indicus; n = 10) were fitted with GPS collars containing a video camera and tri-axial accelerometers (read-rate = 40 Hz). Distinct behaviors from accelerometer signals, particularly for grazing, were apparent because of the head-down posture. Increasing the smoothing window size to 10 s improved classification accuracy (p < 0.05), but reducing the number of observations below 50% resulted in a decrease in accuracy for all behaviors (p < 0.05). In-pasture observation increased accuracy and precision (0.05 and 0.08 percent, respectively) compared with animal-borne collar video observations.