Cattle Research Articles

Concentrations of kisspeptin, progesterone and testosterone in the blood of bulls and heifers of the Holstein breed during puberty

There are many publications revealing the physiological role of kisspeptin in the neurohumoral aspect in various species of wild and domestic animals. However, kisspeptin levels during puberty in cattle are still unclear. The purpose of the research was to study the concentrations of kisspeptin, progesterone and testosterone in the blood serum of Holstein bulls and heifers during puberty. Kisspeptin concentrations remained the same in bulls and heifers until the age of 4 months. Further, starting from 5 months, the concentration of kisspeptin increases in heifers, as does the concentration of progesterone. At the age of 9 and 10 months, the concentration of kisspeptin was significantly higher than in bulls. In bulls, testosterone concentration increased with age. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the concentrations of kisspeptin and progesterone in heifers - a correlation coefficient of 0.797, P>0.01, and the concentrations of kisspeptin and testosterone in bulls - a correlation coefficient of 0.636, P>0.05. Kisspeptin most likely plays a role in puberty. Further research is needed on kisspeptin in relation to reproductive function in Bos Taurus.

An overview of fasciolosis in Nepal: epidemiology, diagnosis, and control strategies.

Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a globally prevalent vector-borne disease that affects livestock and humans, with significant economic and zoonotic implications. In Nepal where livestock contributes to 11.5% of the GDP, fasciolosis poses a significant threat to the agriculture sector. The country's diverse geographical and climatic conditions contribute to the widespread prevalence of the disease. Domestic ruminants, including buffalo, cattle, goats, and sheep are extensively affected, with a prevalence rate ranging from 10.25% in goats to 68% in buffalo. The disease also impacts high-altitude regions, affecting even yaks in the Himalayas. Human infections are also on the rise, highlighting the zoonotic nature of the disease. This review provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of fasciolosis in Nepal, emphasizing its pathogenesis, epidemiology, and diagnosis. The review also assesses the strategies for controlling fasciolosis in Nepal, including anthelmintic treatments, vector control, and farm management practices. The challenges and limitations of these methods are discussed, underscoring the need for alternative strategies to prevent drug resistance and enhance disease management. Additionally, this paper proposes future directions for the management of fasciolosis in Nepal to provide a comprehensive and effective approach for controlling and managing the disease in the country.

Quantification and spatial distribution of the bioenergetic potential from slaughterhouses effluents biogas generation across Brazil

This study describes the estimation of biogas energy use from the anaerobic treatment system of cattle, swine, and poultry slaughter units in Brazil. The simulation includes spatial distribution of the results and geographical comparison with other energy matrices and clean sources of electricity generation. The paper is divided into four sections: 1) the database formation, which included a survey and geocoding of cattle, swine and poultry slaughter units across the country; 2) a literature review covering the period from 2000 to 2020 to obtain the average Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) for each of the effluents; 3) a simulation of electricity generation in the slaughter units, according to their classes and origins; and, 4) the preparation of national distribution maps of slaughter units, national bioenergy potential, by state and by animal origin, comparison maps of Electric Slaughter Units (ESU) using hydroelectric, photovoltaic and wind power plants, as well as the comparison map between the biomass energy use (biogas, sugarcane bagasse and black liquor). The slaughter units bioenergetic potential presented on the maps that the density in the distribution of these units adopts the effluent treatment proposal. Moreover, biogas is considered a decentralized energy matrix, but the density of slaughter units within the work proposal opposes this concept. The results indicated the formation of a corridor with a high potential for electricity generation, coinciding with regions that experience electrical stress in Brazil. In numbers, the potential would be enough to supply a population of up to 900,000 inhabitants, emphasizing ESU as a potential alternative for electricity using biogas. This is because the Brazilian meat market is somewhat consolidated, important worldwide and continuously generates effluents, which can add up to 28% to electricity from biomass. The greatest bioenergy potential was obtained in the Midwest region (1792 MW), followed by the South (1486 MW), Southeast (1278 MW), North (923 MW) and Northeast (236 MW) regions of the country. In terms of clean energy, when comparing the distribution of slaughter units with photovoltaic, wind and hydroelectric plants, a large territorial gain is observed (more uniform distribution in the country) and in relation to the electrical use of biomass, biogas use from ESU would promote it as the second largest matrix representing about 31% of national energy.

Tracking melioidosis in Iran: Utilizing abattoir-based surveillance as a One Health approach.

Burkholderia pseudomallei, an environmental saprophyte bacterium, causes melioidosis in humans and animals. It was first discovered in Iran between 1967 and 1976 in small ruminants, equines, environments and humans. No subsequent studies have been conducted to determine the existence and prevalence of this pathogen in the country. The present study aims to monitor the presence of B. pseudomallei in the ruminant population of the Golestan province of Iran, which largely depends on pastures. The ruminants can serve as sentinels to indicate the presence of the bacteria in the environment and its potential impact on human health in the One Health triad. Liver and lung abscesses from domestic sheep, cattle and goats in three industrial and three conventional slaughterhouses were sampled and analysed using 23S ribosomal DNA polymerase chain reaction (rDNA PCR) with primers CVMP 23-1 and CVP-23-2 for B. pseudomallei, Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia vietnamiensis, as well as B. pseudomallei-specific TTS1 real-time PCR, along with microbiological and biochemical assays. Out of the 97 animals sampled, only 14 (15%) tested positive for 23S rDNA PCR. However, the follow-up evaluation using TTS1 real-time PCR and microbiological and biochemical assays did not confirm the presence of B. pseudomallei in the samples. Although B. pseudomallei was not detected in the current survey, conducting abattoir-based surveillance of ruminants is a cost-effective One Health approach to monitor pathogenic Burkholderia. Developing standards of clinical and laboratory good practices for Burkholderia infections is crucial for One Health surveillance.

ВЛИЯНИЕ КОРМОВОЙ ДОБАВКИ "ЦЕЛЛОБАКТЕРИН" НА РОСТ И РАЗВИТИЕ БЫЧКОВ

One of the promising areas for the development of livestock farming is the use of supplements for the enzymatic breakdown of feed, which promotes more efficient digestion. Research to study the growth and development of Simmental breed bulls with the addition of a feed additive in the form of the enzyme preparation «Cellobacterin» to their diets was carried out in the conditions of OJSC Sterlibashevsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan. In the diets of bull calves, in addition to the main feed, the enzyme preparation «Cellobacterin» was included in different quantities. Bulls of the first experimental group in the amount of 15 g/animal per day, 2nd experimental group - 20 g/animal per day and 3rd experimental group - 25 g/animal per day. The drug has a positive effect by accelerating and increasing the growth of animals. At 18 months age, the following indicators were established for the difference in live weight between the control group and the experimental ones in favor of the experimental ones: 11 kg (2.5 %) in the first experimental group, 18.7 kg (4.2 %; P 0.05) - in the second and 26.7 kg (6.0 %; P 0.01) in the third experimental group. Experimental bulls consuming the drug at a dose of 25 g/head per day in general during the experimental period had a significant superiority over their peers of both the base variant and other experimental groups in all growth indicators by 18 months of age. Metabolic disorders were not observed in the experimental animals, as evidenced by blood composition indicators.

Changes in the rumen development, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbiota community in weaned calves during steviol glycosides treatment.

Early weaning leads to weaning stress in calves, which hinders healthy growth and development. As an excellent sweetener applied in food, steviol glycosides (STE) has also been shown to exhibit positive biological activity in monogastric animals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of incorporating STE as a dietary supplement on rumen development, fermentation, and microbiota of rumen in weaned calves. This study selected 24 healthy Holstein bull calves and randomly allocated them into two groups (CON and STE). The results indicated that supplementation STE group improved rumen development in weaned calves, as demonstrated by a marked increase in the weight of the rumen, as well as the length and surface area of the rumen papilla. Compared with the CON group, the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), propionate, butyrate, and valerate were higher in the STE group. Moreover, STE treatment increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria at the phylum level. At the genus level, the STE group showed a significantly increased relative abundance of Succiniclasticum, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, and Olsenella, and a decreased relative abundance of Acinetobacter compared to the CON group. Pusillimonas, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, Olsenella, and Succiniclasticum were significantly enriched in rumen chyme after supplementation with STE, as demonstrated by LEfSe analysis. Overall, our findings revealed that rumen bacterial communities altered in response to the dietary supplementation with STE, and some bacterial taxa in these communities may have positive effects on rumen development during this period.

First report on seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in zoo animals in Algeria

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the world's most widespread polyxenic protozoan parasites that affect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. This survey aims to study, for the first time in Algeria, the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in zoo animals. The study included eight animal species of which 54 serum samples were collected from 30 Australian goats (Capra hircus), four bulls (Bos taurus), one dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), three cuffed sheep (Ammotragus lervia), seven donkeys (Equus asinus), one pony (Equus ferus), four bearded horses (Equus ferus caballus) and four rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The presence of antibodies to T. gondii was determined using the ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Indirect Multispecies ELISA kit (IDVet, Grabels, France). A total of 8/54 (14.8%) samples were seropositive, including 5/28 (17.9%) males and 3/26 (11.5%) females. The seroprevalence was 6.7%, 50%, 25% and 75% in Capra hircus, Bos Taurus, Equus ferus caballus, and Oryctolagus cuniculus, respectively. No cases were observed in Camelus dromedarius, Ammotragus lervia, Equus asinus, and Equus ferus. This study indicates, for the first time in Algeria, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in zoo animals.

Placentome size in Bos taurus x Bos indicus crosses in the mexican tropics differs from the source breeds

The objective of the present study is to verify the size of placentomes, through ultrasonography, at different gestational ages in Bos indicus x Bos taurus crosses located in the tropics.Placentome size in cows can vary in response to many factors, including crossbreeding. Placentome measurents were taken by averaging the length and width of the placentome.We measured placentome size at different gestational ages in Bos taurus x Bos indicus cows raised in the tropics. Uteruses were collected immediately after slaughter from 102 cows with gestations ≥ 30 days and processed in the abattoir. All cows were Swiss Brown x Zebu phenotypes. Fetus gestational age was estimated by measuring from the crown to the tail base. Five placentomes were randomly chosen from each uterus (n= 510), and diameter (cm) measured for each. Gestational age was classified into nine categories (days): a) ≤45, b) >45 ≤60, c) >60 ≤90, d) >90 ≤120, e) >120 ≤150, f) >150 ≤180, g) >180 ≤210, h) >210 ≤240 and i) >240. Placentome size data was grouped by these categories. Descriptive statistics were generated for diameter for each gestational age category. All statistical analyses were run with the SAS program (2013). In all nine categories, placentome size was larger than reported for Bos taurus cows and smaller than reported in Bos indicus cows. In conclusion, placentome size in the sampled Bos taurus x Bos indicus cows was intermediate between that of the two source breeds. This confirms that existing reference tables for Bos taurus and Bos indicus purebreds are not accurate for crossbreeds.

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) treatment in heifers: Double ovulation, twinning rate, and pregnancy losses in twin pregnancies

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; 200 and 300 IU) administered at the end of a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) treatment protocol on ovulation, pregnancy, and twin rates in Bos taurus beef heifers. In addition, pregnancy losses in heifers with singleton and twin pregnancies were determined. A total of 2382 Angus heifers treated with a 6-day estradiol/progesterone-based protocol for FTAI (J-Synch protocol) were randomly allocated to two experimental groups to receive 200 or 300 IU of eCG administered intramuscularly at the time of intravaginal progesterone device removal; FTAI was performed from 60 to 72 h after device removal. The pregnancy rate did not differ (P = 0.89) between the 200 and 300 IU eCG groups. The number of corpus luteum induced by both eCG doses was determined by ultrasonographic examination 14 days after insemination and those treated with 300 IU of eCG had a greater double ovulation rate (P < 0.05). In addition, 300 IU eCG treated heifers had a higher twinning rate on day 30 of gestation (P < 0.05) and parturition (P < 0.05). Pregnancy losses from 30 days of gestation to calving did not differ between heifers treated with 200 and 300 IU of eCG (P = 0.70). However, regardless of the experimental group, heifers bearing twins had greater pregnancy losses than heifers with singletons (P < 0.05). In conclusion, reducing the dose of eCG from 300 to 200 IU under FTAI treatment protocol decreases double ovulation and twinning rates, maintaining a similar pregnancy rate in heifers. Nulliparous cows carrying two fetuses suffer greater pregnancy losses than cows with singletons.

Genome-wide association study considering genotype-by-environment interaction for productive and reproductive traits using whole-genome sequencing in Nellore cattle

BackgroundThe genotype-by-environment interaction (GxE) in beef cattle can be investigated using reaction norm models to assess environmental sensitivity and, combined with genome-wide association studies (GWAS), to map genomic regions related to animal adaptation. Including genetic markers from whole-genome sequencing in reaction norm (RN) models allows us to identify high-resolution candidate genes across environmental gradients through GWAS. Hence, we performed a GWAS via the RN approach using whole-genome sequencing data, focusing on mapping candidate genes associated with the expression of reproductive and growth traits in Nellore cattle. For this purpose, we used phenotypic data for age at first calving (AFC), scrotal circumference (SC), post-weaning weight gain (PWG), and yearling weight (YW). A total of 20,000 males and 7,159 females genotyped with 770k were imputed to the whole sequence (29 M). After quality control and linkage disequilibrium (LD) pruning, there remained ∼ 2.41 M SNPs for SC, PWG, and YW and ∼ 5.06 M SNPs for AFC.ResultsSignificant SNPs were identified on Bos taurus autosomes (BTA) 10, 11, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25 and 27 for AFC and on BTA 4, 5 and 8 for SC. For growth traits, significant SNP markers were identified on BTA 3, 5 and 20 for YW and PWG. A total of 56 positional candidate genes were identified for AFC, 9 for SC, 3 for PWG, and 24 for YW. The significant SNPs detected for the reaction norm coefficients in Nellore cattle were found to be associated with growth, adaptative, and reproductive traits. These candidate genes are involved in biological mechanisms related to lipid metabolism, immune response, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and energy and phosphate metabolism.ConclusionsGWAS results highlighted differences in the physiological processes linked to lipid metabolism, immune response, MAPK signaling pathway, and energy and phosphate metabolism, providing insights into how different environmental conditions interact with specific genes affecting animal adaptation, productivity, and reproductive performance. The shared genomic regions between the intercept and slope are directly implicated in the regulation of growth and reproductive traits in Nellore cattle raised under different environmental conditions.

Holstein calves fed a milk replacer with a direct-fed microbial and a starter containing a botanical extract or a direct-fed microbial alone or in combination

Botanical extracts (BE; Apex, Adisseo, North America) have demonstrated enhanced DMI and improved gut health, while direct fed microbials (DFM), such as Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product (EX: Excell, Pacer Technology, Inc.), has demonstrated improved gut health and growth performance of growing Holstein calves. The hypothesis was this combination may be synergistic to neonatal calf growth performance and intestinal health. Eighty, 2-5-d old Holstein bull calves were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to one of 8 treatments arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial using a randomized complete block design. The main factors were milk replacer (MR) without (Control) and with EX added at 5 g/d fed and calf starter (CS). The CS containing no additives (Control); CS containing BE at 496 mg/kg; CS containing EX at 2.50 g/kg; and CS containing BE and EX at the same inclusion rates. The MR were fed 2x/d at 0630 and 1800 h along with free choice CS (amounts and orts weighed d) and water. Weaning occurred after d 42 for the 56-d experiment. No MR by CS main effects interactions were detected for BW, ADG, CS intake, total DMI, feed efficiency or body frame gain parameters. The BW gain (38.0 and 39.3 kg for control and EX, respectively) for MR main effect was similar for calves fed both MR, while CS main effects (38.7, 39.7, 39.2, and 37.2 kg for control, BE, EX, and BE&EX, respectively) was similar among all CS. Gains in body length (10.6 and 10.8 cm), hip width (4.5 and 4.5 cm), withers height, (10.5 and 10.6 cm) heart girth (18.6 and 19.9 cm) and body length (9.1 and 7.9 cm) were similar for calves fed both MR, while CS main effects for hip height (10.5, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.9 cm), hip width (4.7, 4.6, 4.4, and 4.3 cm) withers height (10.7, 10.9, 10.3 and 10.6 cm), heart girth (19.9, 18.9, 18.9, and 19.4 cm), and body length (11.7, 9.1, 8.3, and 8.4 cm) were similar. Total days of a fecal score = 0 was greater for calves fed Control MR and BE CS compared with calves fed Contol MR and the combination of BE&EX with calves fed the remaining treatments being intermediated and similar. This study demonstrated little calf growth performance and health benefits when feeding a BE or EX alone or in combination compared with calves fed control.

Growth and dry matter intake curve analysis of crossbred male calves in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The study was carried out at Holetta agricultural Research center dairy farm to estimate the growth and dry matter intake curves parameters of different genetic groups of crossbred male calves. A total of 48 weaned Friesian Boran (FB) crossbred calves consisting of 24 male calves having 50% Friesian blood level and another 24 growing calves having 75% Friesian blood level were used for this study. The calves were managed under individual feeding management for a fattening period of 626 days. Body weight and dry matter intake data were fitted into Gompertz nonlinear growth model. Mean values for growth parameters in 50% FB and 75% FB crosses were 727.0 and 730.2 kg; 2.85 and 2.78; 0.0019 and 0.0017 kg/day; 547.95 and 595.68 days; 257.46 and 268.63 kg; for mature weight, integration constant, maturity rate, age at inflection point and body weight at inflection point, respectively. This study revealed that 50% FB crossbred bull calves are fast maturing genotype and had significantly lower DMI at mature age than 75% FB crosses. Generally, 50% FB crossbred bull calves can be used for fattening purpose to meet increasing lean meat demand of consumers in Ethiopia with decreased feed cost under improved feeding system.

Clustering and Trend Analysis of Priority Commodities in the Archipelago Capital Region (IKN) using a Data Mining Approach

The policy of moving the capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan planned by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo has caused a lot of polemic among the public. There are quite a few positive and negative comments on social media regarding the policy of moving the capital. The process of moving the capital requires careful preparation. One thing that needs to be considered is food security in IKN. This research provides recommendations for the main food commodities in IKN by applying data mining. We collect food productivity data available on the official website for East Kalimantan province. These data are processed and grouped into two groups, namely horticulture and livestock products using the K-Means method. After grouping, we predict the increase in productivity of each group using the ARIMA method. This research produces output in the form of grouping commodities into horticulture and livestock products. Productivity results for each type of commodity are displayed from 2016 to 2020 based on data on the official East Kalimantan Province website. Based on this data, predictions are made using the ARIMA method to predict productivity results from 2021 to 2025. Commodities with total productivity are grouped into high-priority commodities. Grouping the amount of productivity is carried out using the clustering method by comparing the amount of productivity for each commodity and producing commodities that are low priority, middle priority, priority and top priority based on the highest to lowest productivity numbers. The cluster quality for grouping horticultural commodities is 99.1%, while the cluster quality for grouping livestock commodities is 87.5%. Hasil prediksi terbaik yaitu ketika memprediksi produksi salak dan slaughter cattle dengan model ARIMA (0, 1, 0) dan ARIMA (2, 2, 2).

Molecular Characterization and Gene Expression of MHC II DRB3 Gene Associated with Subclinical Mastitis in Goats

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes have a vital role in the immune response of vertebrates by encoding molecules involved in self/non-self-discrimination and antigen presentation. This study focused on the MHC II DRB3 gene in goats, specifically comparing its nucleotide and amino acid sequences with those of other ruminant species. Four different goat breeds (Native, Upgraded, Anglo-Nubian, and Saanen) were analyzed, and their MHC II DRB3 sequences were aligned with sequences from NCBI GenBank. The nucleotide sequences exhibited high similarity between the different goat breeds and other ruminant species, indicating a conserved structure across mammalian species. Results from sequence comparisons revealed varying degrees of similarity between goat MHC II DRB3 sequences and those of Capra hircus, Ovis aries, Bos taurus, Bos grunniens, and Bubalus bubalis. Phylogenetic analysis further supported the close relationship between goats and other ruminants. Functional domain analysis identified conserved regions in the MHC II DRB3 gene across different breeds of goats and other ruminants. Moreover, polymorphism analysis using the HaeIII restriction enzyme highlighted genetic variability within the MHC II DRB3 gene in goats. This study enhances our understanding of the MHC II DRB3 gene in goats, its similarities to other ruminant species, and its potential role in immune responsiveness.

Anthrax in the South of Russia

Objective: analysis of the current epizootological and epidemiological situation on anthrax and characteristic of stationary hazardous for this infection areas (SHAs) in the South of Russia.Materials and methods: we used data on SHAs and anthrax burials from the Rospotrebnadzor Directorates for the subjects of the Southern (SFD) and North Caucasus (NCFD) federal districts, regional Veterinary Directorates, official data from Rospotrebnadzor and Rosselkhoznadzor on morbidity in humans and livestock.Results: anthrax is almost ubiquitous in the regions of the SFD and NCFD. According to data updated in 2023, in the South of Russia, 3845 SHAs were taken into account, in which 9815 outbreaks were registered. In 1999-2023 92 SHAs showed activity, 23 of which are new. There are 350 anthrax burials located in the SHA’s territories. Over 25 years, there were 104 outbreaks affecting at least 269 livestock and 134 people, with 4 deaths. Human infection occurred mainly during the forced slaughter of sick cattle, unvaccinated against anthrax, through contact with contaminated meat.Conclusion: the epidemiological and epidemiological situation on anthrax in the South of Russia continues to remain unstable. The problem is due to the presence of a significant number of soil hotspots against the backdrop of incomplete implementation of preventive measures. Stabilization of the anthrax situation can only be achieved by implementing a full range of preventive and anti-epidemic measures in the format of interdepartmental interaction.

Current population size and risk status of the indigenous endangered Sheko cattle breed in south-west Ethiopia

This study assessed the current population size and risk status of the indigenous endangered Sheko cattle breed in four zones of South West Ethiopia. The Sheko cattle breed, known as the last remnants of Africa’s original Bos taurus cattle and the only trypanotolerant breed in Ethiopia, is facing a decline in their effective population size. The estimated population size of Sheko cattle is approximately 7252, with varying levels of genetic purity based on physical observations. The distribution of genetic purity levels of Sheko cattle indicates that there are approximately 4073, 2934, and 1145 individuals at the 1st (&gt;80% pure), 2nd (&gt;60% pure), and 3rd (&gt;40% pure) levels, respectively. The breed is at risk due to factors such as aggressive behavior, interbreeding with zebu breeds, lack of pure Sheko bulls, and lack of awareness creation. To conserve the Sheko cattle breed, measures such as backcrossing to purebreds, genetic monitoring and evaluation, molecular characterization, assessment of genetic admixture and inbreeding, and collaboration among stakeholders are essential. Overall, this research emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard the genetic diversity and population size of the Sheko cattle breed.

Probiotic, bacillus amyloliquefaciens from milk sample of a native cow ‘Kangeyam’ breed in forest fringe village of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and value addition thereof

Probiotics include good microorganisms that support the body's ability to operate and stay healthy. These good bacteria have several advantages, including as helping us feel better and warding off bad bacteria when there are too many of them in the stomach. Milk samples from the native indigenous Kangeyam breed cattle reared in the tribal hamlets on the forest fringes of Coimbatore were collected to isolate the beneficial microorganism. The sample is specifically collected from such region as it might have a higher efficiency in comparison with domesticated livestock. The milk samples collected were processed and analyzed for their nutritional value. Milk samples obtained from the native indigenous Kangeyam breed cattle reared in tribal hamlets of forest fringe villages was found to be more efficient in the nutritional aspects as like the difference in the milk from regular domesticated cattle. The quality of the milk was tested and then the probiotics were isolated. The pure culture was obtained in which the basic confirmatory tests such as Gram staining, Motility, IMViC, Catalase, Oxidase, Urease, Gas from glucose, Triple sugar iron test, etc., were done. Culture with more accurate results was made for molecular identification by 16srRNA method, in which the species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens has been confirmed and submitted to NCBI. The probiotic was found to be beneficial. The safety assessment was studied for accepted intake. Then the culture was made frozen, which was further lyophilized to be made into powder. The isolated probiotic with significant health benefits can be considered as a probiotic infused value-added product with commercialization potential.

Intensively Reared Nelore Steers with Levels of Concentrate and Protein Sources during the Dry Season.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional strategies on the intensification of beef cattle farming on pastures during the dry period of the year. Eighty male cattle (testers) were randomly allocated to 16 paddocks formed with Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus), totaling five animals (testers) per paddock. The strategies consisted of two LCs [10 and 16.7 g·kg-1 body weight (BW)] and two PSs with DDGS and SBM in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The chemical, structural, and productive characteristics of the forage were evaluated, as well as the performance, productivity, and serum parameters of the supplemented animals. The forage presented a greater L:C (p = 0.033) and CP content (p = 0.007) when the lowest LC was used. Animals that received the highest LC had the highest supplement intake (p < 0.001) and the lowest pasture intake (p < 0.001). The nutritional strategy with an LC of 16.7 g·kg-1 of body weight (BW) resulted in a greater increase in total BW, i.e., 200 kg·BW ha-1 more. Therefore, higher levels of concentrate ensure greater productivity for beef cattle grazing, and DDGS can replace SBM in supplements used in the intensive raising of beef cattle on pasture without compromising the performance and productivity of the animals.

Ultrastructure of the Bovine Testis in Cattle (Bos taurus): New View.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the ultrastructure of the testes of sexually immature calves and reproductive bulls of the Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White breed. Utilizing TEM, this study identified three distinct stages of seminiferous tubule development in calves, characterized by varying shapes, distributions, and arrangements of individual cells. In immature animals, early developing spermatocytes, prespermatogonia, and pre-Sertoli cells were observed within the seminiferous tubules. In sexually mature bulls, all cells of the spermatogenic series were observed, situated on a thin, multilayered basal lamina, which forms characteristic undulations. An abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum was observed in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia in both groups of animals, forming characteristic membranous swirls. In adult bulls, spermatogonia maintain contact with each other through numerous cytoplasmic bridges and cell connections, forming small spaces with visible microvilli between them. The ultrastructural analysis facilitated the identification of morphological changes occurring during the maturation of pre-Sertoli cells, transitioning from a large euchromatic nucleus to a nucleus in which the formation of characteristic vesicles and tubules could be observed. It should also be emphasized that two types of Sertoli cells, namely dark and light electron-dense cells, can be found in cattle. These cells differ from each other, indicating that they may perform different functions. The widespread recognition of the presence of two types of Sertoli cells in cattle will undoubtedly contribute to a better understanding of the processes occurring within the testes and provide a basis for further research in this area.

Genome-wide association and expression quantitative trait loci in cattle reveals common genes regulating mammalian fertility

Most genetic variants associated with fertility in mammals fall in non-coding regions of the genome and it is unclear how these variants affect fertility. Here we use genome-wide association summary statistics for Heifer puberty (pubertal or not at 600 days) from 27,707 Bos indicus, Bos taurus and crossbred cattle; multi-trait GWAS signals from 2119 indicine cattle for four fertility traits, including days to calving, age at first calving, pregnancy status, and foetus age in weeks (assessed by rectal palpation of the foetus); and expression quantitative trait locus for whole blood from 489 indicine cattle, to identify 87 putatively functional genes affecting cattle fertility. Our analysis reveals a significant overlap between the set of cattle and previously reported human fertility-related genes, impling the existence of a shared pool of genes that regulate fertility in mammals. These findings are crucial for developing approaches to improve fertility in cattle and potentially other mammals.