Animal Science Research Articles

PSXI-25 Re-characterizing beef cattle water intake

Abstract In the face of a changing climate and growing population, sustainable use of freshwater resources is paramount. Animal agriculture is often viewed as an antagonistic force working against freshwater resource preservation. However, assumptions of water use in beef cattle have cause to be reevaluated. The current published standards for beef cattle water intake were developed from data collected in 1956. Rapid genetic advancement in performance and increasing pressure on animal agriculture to reduce water usage demand that the water intake profiles of cattle be recharacterized. Recently, advancements in water monitoring technologies have granted researchers access to highly informative water intake data. In 2019, we installed RFID-enabled front-end weighing positions equipped with custom metered waterers at our West Virginia University (WVU) Reymann Memorial Research, Outreach, and Education Center (REOC) in Wardensville, WV. In 2022, we installed the same system at the WVU Animal Sciences REOC in Morgantown, WV. These systems allowed us to collect daily body weight (BW) and water intake data on individual animals. From 2019-07-08 to 2024-02-16, 2,020 animals have been evaluated for individual daily BW, feed intake, and water intake at our research locations. Data were collected on animals consigned to the Wardensville Young Sire Performance test by regional beef cattle producers or sourced for research. In total, 1,055 d of data were collected, with data collected during every month, resulting in 149,292 unique daily water intake measurements. Eleven breeds (Angus, Limousin, Angus cross bred, Charolais, SimAngus, Hereford, Simmental, Charolais cross bred, Black Hereford, Akaushi, and Red Angus) were evaluated. The maximum, minimum, and mean age for all animals was 753, 162, and 343 d, respectively. In total, water intake data from 1,255 bulls, 434 steers, and 331 heifers were collected (Table). Our large, highly granular database of individual animal daily water intake has allowed us to generate profiles of water intake for large segments of beef cattle. These findings will aid in the re-standardization of expected water intakes and the improvement of beef cattle sustainability.

410 Preparing yourself, or your students, for a career in the animal science industries

Abstract Preparing yourself, or your students, for a career in Animal Science related industries may seem to require a crystal ball. As important as the specific knowledge might seem, the animal science students of tomorrow will need skills, perspective, an open mindset, the ability to think critically and a desire to be a problem solver. Careers going forward will reward the polymaths who are adaptable and resilient. Experiential training, a hallmark of animal science teaching in recent decades, should, in future, cross three domains: research, animal management and work. Experience in identifying pertinent research questions, forming hypotheses, a plan to test them and skills to analyze the results will be crucial to solving livestock-related challenges of the future. Living the day-to-day experience of a livestock producer will create graduates who are better grounded in and empathetic to the reality of livestock management. And lastly, internships can provide great insight into the demands of, and varied skills required to succeed in, the workplace. Our curricula for the animal science employee of the future should have depth and a great deal of breadth. Excellent understanding of the basic sciences: chemistry, biology, physiology, microbiology, is a given in order that employees can grasp the ever-deeper level of knowledge we have of animal-based systems. In our view, careers of the future will also require working knowledge of a wide swath of disciplines. Students should recognize the increasing likelihood that they may work in a small, entrepreneurial business at some point in their career. In addition to their animal science expertise, they may be called upon to contribute to initiatives in marketing, finance, innovation, global trade, data analytics, communications, One Health, compliance, sustainability or business ethics, to name a few. At the risk of being labeled as a “jack of all trades and master of none”, the animal science employee of the future will need multiple skillsets, the flexibility to draw on all of them and the willingness to step up and contribute to the success of their employer.

412 Awardee Talk: Implementing student-centered teaching and learning strategies in undergraduate animal science

Abstract Student-centered teaching and learning strategies enhance active engagement, foster critical thinking, and promote the practical application of knowledge gained from undergraduate animal science courses. The scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL) has evolved within the animal science community, with a recent focus on adopting evidence-based teaching activities in college classrooms. We discuss documented SOTL approaches utilized in our program for the development of student-centered teaching and learning. In addition to traditional internships and student research projects, capstone projects utilizing a design thinking approach to solving animal industry problems have proven significantly effective. This problem-based learning program enables students to develop industry networks, understand problems within the industry, and develop creative ways to address the problems. Non-conventional and innovative designs of course assignments can foster student interest and enhance learning experiences. For example, by incorporating engaging and novel resources such as animal industry webinars and podcasts as classroom materials, instructors can reinforce course content and captivate students’ attention to the topic. Specifically, students have appreciated the opportunity to learn from experts not available locally at the university. Developing and utilizing real-world case studies exposes students to farm practices and related decision-making. Involving students in competitive team activities like the Dairy Challenge and Academic Quadrathlon contests develops marketable skills for students while training them to implement the knowledge acquired in the classrooms on a commercial farm. Field trips, short courses, and summer schools provide hands-on training opportunities, enhancing students’ exposure to the industry and opportunities after graduation. Students have identified that animal science topics are relevant beyond the classroom walls in everyday life including grocery store and kitchen, as demonstrated by a significant increase in enrollment of non-animal science major students in the animal science courses. The student-centered programs like Cross-training students in data-driven decision support tools help to develop strong day-one competency of graduates through training and networking within and outside the discipline. With the advent of new technologies and tools, training programs surrounding data management and interpretation should integrate systems knowledge across plant science, animal science, and computer science disciplines. These interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary training activities promote the exchange of ideas while developing systems-level understanding. Furthermore, initiatives like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) provide students with exposure to diverse thoughts and situations, broadening their horizons and perspectives. For students not able to participate in study abroad and international programs due to time and financial constraints, COIL delivers cost-effective virtual opportunities to develop global understanding and cultural competency. By incorporating these student-centered teaching and learning strategies, undergraduate animal science programs can effectively prepare students for real-world challenges for the next generation of agriculture leaders.

339 Promoting media literacy in Animal Science

Abstract Media literacy is vital in our information heavy society. Learning to evaluate information sources is especially important in agriculture where misinformation runs rampant. Consumers increasingly rely on internet sources for agricultural information, but misinformation is 70% more likely to be shared than truth. Poor media literacy results in adoption of misconceptions or poor decision making based upon erroneous information. University students, even those heavily involved in agriculture, are confident in their ability to spot misinformation, but are often unable to differentiate credible, reliable, and accurate sources of information from misinformation. One of the major barriers to meaningful learning and retention is pre-assumptions or misconceptions held by students before entering class. Students use existing knowledge to comprehend and assimilate new ideas. If existing knowledge is false or biased, new information becomes difficult to integrate, especially if it contradicts cognitive biases. This paradigm creates a pedagogical opportunity for animal science educators. As misinformation about agriculture and nutrition are common, students entering an animal nutrition course likely hold misconceptions that could interfere with learning. Promoting media literacy helps combat misinformation and address misconceptions and biases, leading to more meaningful learning. Students engage in transformative learning when they encounter views that challenge their preconceptions or perspectives of self, and undergo a shift in perspective, modifying future actions. A media literacy project was developed in an undergraduate Animal Nutrition course (n = 44) where students identified and evaluated a piece of easily accessible media based on the critical media literacy framework. Students addressed their chosen media’s creator, purpose, beneficiaries, and context. They then addressed claims in their media using evidence from peer-reviewed sources. Students reflected on their media literacy and how they might evaluate sources for credibility in the future. Reflections were then evaluated using open coding methodology to identify emerging themes using MAXQDA Analytics Pro, and response frequencies recorded. Most students selected media from their social media platforms. They reported that typically they based credibility on perceived author expertise, inclusion of sources or graphs and data, or popularity of a post. After completing this project, students recognized a need for more critical thinking and personal research when consuming media, as they realized how easily misinformation spreads. Students experienced a shift in their perceptions of credibility leading to shifts in their future evaluation of media. Students indicate they will research media claims more thoroughly, no longer taking information at face value, and evaluating background and credibility of authors before believing their claims. Inclusion of media literacy activities in animal science coursework may be useful to address preconceptions or misinformation in their disciplines and promote critical thinking and careful evaluation of sources among undergraduate animal science students.

409 From Classroom to Careers: Using coursework to expand student career perspectives and preparedness in animal science

Abstract Preparing students for careers in the animal science industry often requires a multifaceted approach and involves varying challenges depending on the resources available and student demographics of the academic program. Several factors that contribute to attrition from an animal science program or a lack of preparedness for employment in industry upon graduating include limited knowledge regarding career options, a resistance to learning about different career options, lack of confidence in their abilities, and misconceptions about different careers or skill requirements. The options available to address these issues will vary between academic programs depending on the programs size, financial support, degrees offered, and input from and access to industry partners. Despite diversity between programs, a shared approach to addressing gaps in career preparedness is through the incorporation of industry guided experiential learning practices in the classroom. By strategically integrating curriculum elements that highlight various sectors and specializations, educators can expose animal science students to a wide range of career paths, broaden their perspectives and encourage exploration of different pathways. The saying “you won’t know if it’s right until you try it”, can also apply to career choices. Many students do not have the opportunity to “try” different career options and will not be able to experience their chosen field until they graduate and begin working in industry. Incorporating case studies, guest lectures, related skill development, and industry presentations into coursework provides students with firsthand insights into the day-to-day responsibilities, skills required, challenges, and rewards associated with different career paths. Utilizing experiential learning aimed at career exploration and development not only enriches students’ educational experiences, but it can foster critical thinking and other attributes that are highly valued by industry employers. Furthermore, this coursework can be tailored to address emerging trends, evolving career opportunities, and current industry needs within the field of animal science. By bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, industry centered experiential learning practices equip students with the skills, knowledge, and motivation needed to be successful and meet the needs of industry employers.

3 Hands -on 1: Applying system dynamics to develop “Flight Simulators” for sustainable animal production

Abstract Solving complex livestock production problems is a pressing issue for achieving long-term sustainability and profitability and often requires modeling techniques. The use of mathematical models is undoubtedly a daily practice in the livestock industry, especially nutrition, and has improved animal performance, productivity, and environmental sustainability while maintaining or reducing costs. Although many students and professionals use spreadsheets and existing empirical models for nutrition and management [NASEM (2016)], there is still a need to understand the complexity of livestock systems and the utility of flight simulator models. At the same time, more complex models (although robust) may fail to provide new insights for experienced nutritionists due to poor user-friendliness. A systems understanding goes beyond simply obtaining a desired output, such as optimizing a total mixed ration, but instead leads to identifying high-leverage solutions and gaining insight. Further, parameterizing and calibrating variables and equations and testing management scenarios is straightforward. However, developing causal feedback linkages (A to B and B to A) and identifying time delays is less intuitive and more challenging for novices. Model flight simulators grounded in fully documented, calibrated models provide a means to introduce practitioners to a methodology of insight generation because the user designs and runs the model scenarios for themselves, challenging their mental models. Such approaches are generally more impactful (compared with someone telling them) because they have gained insight into the system themselves, and, in the case of open source (white box models), they can explore equations and parameters. Therefore, understanding how to utilize dynamic models in scenario-based simulations is critical in training current and future modelers in animal science. This hands-on model training will cover the basics of System Dynamics modeling and allow participants to run real-time animal production simulations. Finally, participants will be “debriefed” to unpack “ah ha” moments that were unexpected. The debrief will include using models to develop accurate guidelines and recommendations for those who cannot use computer models and developing experimental designs to test hypotheses and “validate” model recommendations (proof in the pudding). Participants will gain knowledge of System Dynamics applications for animal production systems, experience using flight simulators, and their utility in teaching, informing, and guiding their livestock production or that of a client. The “flight simulator” will focus on production and nutrition with species-agnostic principles. Participants will also have a new tool to identify areas for improvement in model development (i.e., what is missing?), research questions, or industry needs. The need for modelers who can turn big data into insight, knowledge, and wisdom using a systems approach is becoming even more critical due to the increasing use of precision livestock farming. Thus, providing the livestock industry with trained systems modelers will help achieve current and future sustainability challenges.

13 Awardee Talk: Goals, methods, and philosophy of graduate mentoring in reproductive physiology

Abstract Successful graduate and postdoctoral training programs in reproductive physiology are reciprocal relationships that, by default, benefit both trainee and mentor. Ideally, goals are for the mentor to facilitate and guide the long-term educational and professional aspirations of the trainee, while simultaneously creating an important member of the research team capable of meaningful contributions to the scientific enterprise. When this partnership fails to develop and flourish in a transparent and collaborative manner, the resulting disequilibrium leads to negative and costly impacts. Over the last 50 yr, I have observed the importance of several principles that, in my opinion, have a major influence on this process. The first of these begins at student recruitment and during the early part of a program after acceptance. Here, a clear understanding of any academic deficiencies and a commitment to rectify these deficiencies is essential. Academic programs of promising M.S. level candidates are sometimes heavily encumbered by this task. In contrast, Ph.D. programs are usually the final opportunity to take advantage of cutting-edge courses related to or supportive of reproductive biology and should be encouraged. Second, early development of a functional advisory committee is important and contributes broad experience and wisdom to the unique strengths and weaknesses of every student. Third, the trainee must learn early on the value of a mature attitude, a strong work ethic, and personal accountability. As an animal scientist, I want every student to be well-versed with hands on training/experience in basic animal physiology, nutrition, reproduction, experimental (surgical) techniques, and husbandry. Concurrently, they must learn to ensure that the well-being and ethical treatment of research animals always comes first. The foregoing is accomplished through personal example and never asking a student to do something you cannot or will not do yourself. Fourth, pursuing modern, cutting-edge techniques in the laboratory, regardless of long-term personal goals, should be an educational and experiential requirement. Fifth, development of meaningful and sound research projects requires hours of reading, thought and discussion. Students, particularly at the M.S. level, are often completely lost relative to the path forward. Allowing trainees to adopt pre-planned experiments within existing projects in the lab, with the mandate of developing new hypotheses and expanding beyond initial objectives, is a common theme. Pragmatically, this is also essential for maintaining laboratory focus and to service federal, state, and industry-funded projects effectively. Nonetheless, learning to develop and test new and sound hypotheses using appropriate experimental designs remains essential. Finally, no other factor has a greater impact on trainee success than the ability to communicate effectively using the English language. Unfortunately, this topic and problems associated with it usually form the caboose of most graduate training programs when it should have formed the engine.

319 Reflections on the most cited paper in the ninety-nine-year history of Canadian Society of Animal Science

Abstract Measurement of nutrient digestibility is a key pillar in estimating the value of feeds for livestock. Conditions are not always amendable to estimating feed digestibility through total collection methods, and as a result digestibility markers are frequently employed. The first “Digestibility markers” were reported in the early 1900s where colored glass beads were used to estimate the flow of digesta through the digestive tract. Subsequently, a myriad of digestibility markers has been assessed with the internal markers; acid insoluble ash, acid detergent lignin, indigestible neutral detergent fiber and n-alkanes and the external markers titanium dioxide and chromic oxide being the most common. Chromic oxide (Cr2O3) was first proposed as a digestibility maker in 1918 and continues to be widely used in modern day metabolism, confined performance and grazing livestock experiments. It was the demand to use chromic acid as a digestibility marker that led Terry and Mira Fenton to publish the article “An improved procedure for the determination of chromic oxide in feed and feces” in the Canadian Journal of Animal Science in 1979. This became the most cited article in the history of the journal with over 800 citations. The procedure eliminated the use of nitric acid in a pre-digestion step and ashing reduced the organic matter content, making it less likely that perchloric acid would be converted to anhydrous perchloric acid which poses an explosive hazard. The procedure continues to be widely used to measure Cr2O3 as a digestibility marker and has made a significant contribution to our assessment of the value of a wide range of feeds for Canadian livestock.

413 Evaluation of utilizing personal development tools in collegiate science curriculum to enhance soft skill development

Abstract This study examines the integration of CliftonStrengths, within the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. In previous semesters, CliftonStrengths was introduced to freshmen, but no further application of the assessment took place. Fall 2023 incoming students completed more intensive application following completion of the assessment. The objective of this study aims to determine if students’ soft skills are enhanced through awareness and application of their own strengths. This study surveyed new and current students, analyzing their perceptions towards CliftonStrengths and their experiences in group settings. Three surveys were administered at different time points during the fall 2023 semester, one current student survey (CSS) at the start of the semester, and two new student surveys for the beginning (pre-NSS) and end (post-NSS) of the semester. Surveys captured demographic data and responses on a 0 to 10 scale. Response rates were 42% from pre-NSS, 22% CSS, and 24% from post-NSS. The pre-NSS and CSS contained 46 and 37 first-generation students, respectively. The pre-NSS consisted of 120 freshmen and 17 transfer students, and the CSS consisted of 43 sophomores, 44 juniors, and 59 seniors. Survey questions were structured around the primary domains within CliftonStrengths; strategic thinking, relationship building, influencing, and executing. Analysis of the pre-NSS responses showed 61% of new students were not familiar with CliftonStrengths and 78% have not taken the assessment. The CSS showed that 66% of current students have taken the CliftonStrengths Assessment. New students that completed intensive application of CliftonStrengths reported a 2.8-point increase from pre-NSS (4.9 ± 2.96) to post-NSS (7.7 ± 2.51) in response to identifying the value of CliftonStrengths in everyday life. New students reported being more comfortable with strengths at the conclusion of this semester with an average response of 9 ± 1.4 on a 10-point scale. The responses to “I believe someone in my career path should know their strengths” had higher average response rates from post-NSS (7.7 ± 0.26) compared with CSS (6.9 ± 0.20). Student responses to “I believe knowing my Strengths helps me at my best” also had higher average response rates from post-NSS (8.3 ± 0.24) compared with CSS (7.4 ± 0.18). Students responded to “I feel confident that I can recognize strengths in others” with higher response rates in the post-NSS (7.1 ± 0.30) compared with CSS (6.1 ± 0.18). All questions asking about the ability to identify domain types of other individuals were higher in post-NSS responses compared with CSS. The post-NSS responses to understanding how to use different domains in a group were greater for strategic thinkers, relationship builders, and influencers. In conclusion, the intensive application of CliftonStrengths in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University has increased familiarity, confidence, and comfort with their strengths.

5 Hands-on 3: Introduction to developing Python computational pipelines for predictive machine learning modelling of livestock data

Abstract This hands-on workshop aims to offer examples of computational pipelines that apply traditional predictive machine learning modelling techniques to animal science datasets with the purpose of solving classification and/or regression problems. The objective of this workshop is to provide the attendants with fully functional and customizable computational pipelines developed in Python. The workshop is structured in a hands-on format and includes a combination of basic notions about machine learning and relevant algorithms, evaluation measures, evaluation strategies and Python code examples. To avoid technical problems related to installing a Python environment on personal computers, we recommend the registrants to acquire access on the Repl.it platform (https://replit.com/) by creating a free account prior to attending the workshop. Detailed information will be provided before the beginning of the workshop at the following URL: http://animalbiosciences.uoguelph.ca/~dtulpan/conferences/asas2024/

320 Ninety-nine years of accomplishment by Canadian Animal Scientists

Abstract The earliest ancestor of the Canadian Journal of Animal Science traces back to the Western Canada Society of Agronomy which was established in 1918. The Western Canada Society of Animal Production was formed in 1925 and the Eastern Society was established in 1926. These were the first vestiges of the Canadian Society of Animal Production which arose as result of the amalgamation of the chapters in 1951. The Agricultural Institute of Canada established the journal “Scientific Agriculture” in 1921, which was renamed the Canadian Journal of Agricultural Science in 1953. In 1957, the journal was split into plant, soil and animal sections and the Canadian Journal of Animal Science (CJAS) became the official publication of the Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS). Selecting the top Canadian animal scientists over the last 99 yr is no easy task and is marked with biases and subjectivity. Time is a major consideration, as in general contributions become less visible with time, even though they may have formed the foundation of future advances. Expectations of society members has also evolved over time, with a focus on the establishment of animal husbandry practices and Canada’s livestock population from the 1920s to the 1960s, refinement in nutrition and animal breeding practices in the 1960s to the 1980s, developments in molecular biology and genomics in 1980s to the 2000s and in precision animal production, animal welfare and environmental sustainability from the 2000s to the present day. To identify the top scientists in Canada, the editors-in chief of CJAS sent out letters to every federal and university animal science department in Canada to nominate four individuals whose contributions were felt to be particularly noteworthy. This exercise clearly demonstrated that Canadian Animal Scientists have made significant contributions in all fields at a global level of recognition. This presentation will introduce you to a few of these individuals. There is no doubt that the contribution of all Canadian animal scientists has had a major role in the development and success of the Canadian livestock industry.

463 Cyber-Physical Systems with robots and AI for precision dairy farming

Abstract The emergence of precision livestock farming (PLF) offers a transformative lens through which to prioritize animal welfare. At the heart of this transformation lies the rumen, a complex microbial ecosystem within dairy cows responsible for converting feed into nutrients and impacting cow health, productivity, and environmental footprint. Despite its pivotal role, our understanding of the inner workings of the rumen remains limited due to a lack of real-time monitoring tools. My research leverages AI and robotics in PLF to address this gap, focusing on developing a closed-loop system for continuous, in-vivo rumen monitoring. This system employs cyber-physical systems (CPS) embedded with modular sensors and adaptive algorithms. These sensor modules, powered by AI-based data tracking, autonomously monitor rumen temperature, humidity, pressure, and methane concentration, enabling early detection of imbalances and prompt interventions to maintain optimal rumen health. A key innovation is the self-powered in-vivo robot capable of traversing the rumen’s stratified layers. Guided by AI-powered localization, this robot unlocks unparalleled access to new data, aiding in identifying specific regions associated with conditions like subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and methane production. This non-invasive approach eliminates the need for traditional cannulation, minimizing stress on the animal and opening new avenues for animal scientists. The impact of this research extends beyond individual cow health. By optimizing rumen function, we can improve feed efficiency, reduce methane emissions, and promote overall sustainability in dairy farming. Additionally, real-time data insights pave the way for precision nutrition, tailored interventions, and improved disease prevention, directly enhancing animal welfare. This novel approach to rumen monitoring represents a significant step towards realizing the full potential of PLF. By integrating AI and robotics, we can usher in a future where animal welfare and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand, ultimately contributing to a more responsible and ethical dairy industry.

Assessment of livestock husbandry practices and production constraints among smallholder mixed crop-livestock production systems in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia

Livestock production plays a significant role in improving the livelihoods of poor smallholder farmer households in the Majang zone. However, despite its importance, there is limited information on husbandry practices and constraints on livestock production to design and implement effective interventions to maximize productivity. The aim of this study was to assess husbandry practices and major constraints on livestock production in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 168 households (HHs) through a face-to-face interview from January to May 2021. The results revealed that mixed crop-livestock farming is the dominant livestock production system in the study area. The overall average herd size per household (HH) was 2.15 ± 0.11 cattle, 0.15 ± 0.01 sheep, 0.31 ± 0.09 goats, 0.10 ± 0.02 donkey, 0.04 ± 0.00 mule, 0.13 ± 0.02 horses and 0.24 ± 0.02 chickens. Overall herd size did not differ significantly by AEZ except for sheep (p < 0.05). The primary reason for keeping cattle, goats, sheep, equines and poultry were milk production (27.4 %), meat for home consumption (33.9 %), cash income (33.3 %), transportation (85.1 %), and meat for home consumption (72 %), respectively. In the dry and wet seasons, natural pasture, crop residues, indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs), nonconventional feed resources (NCFRs), crop stubbles and improved forages were the main livestock feed resources. The majority (60.1 %) of respondents practiced free-grazing systems. Separate sheds, family dwellings, kraals, and open-walled sheds were the main housing systems used for animals. The majority (79.2 %) of respondents used rivers as a source of livestock drinking water. Trypanosomiasis (18.45 %), African horse sickness (66.1 %) and Newcastle disease (47.02 %) were the most important diseases of livestock. Diseases (35.7 %), lack of access to artificial insemination (35.7 %) and inadequate veterinary services (11.3 %) were identified as the top three constraints limiting production. It is recommended that constraints identified by farmers should be considered in developing and implementing effective interventions to improve livestock productivity and their contribution to poverty alleviation in the study area.

Culture of care: the question of animal agency in laboratory animal science.

A majority of the current debates in experimental animal science research focus to a large extent on the significance and implementation of the 3Rs principle according to Russell and Burch. In this context, not least due to the EU Directive 2010/63/EU, the concept of a culture of care has become more prevalent. Although animals are essential actors in the field of laboratory science, the discussion around animal agency, as well as the resulting consequences for laboratory animal science, is currently unconsidered. The purpose of this qualitative survey was to identify the perception and understanding of professional workers in laboratory animal science regarding the culture of care in general and aspects of animal agency in particular. Using a non-standardized qualitative survey method (topic-oriented, guideline-based expert interviews), persons involved in animal experimentation in different groups (management, science, regulation, and care) were interviewed. Overall, the results of the qualitative survey showed that animal agency plays a subordinate role in the question of a culture of care in animal research. Although not all groups explicitly applied the construct of animal agency or comparable terminology for this, there were links to the theoretical construct. Overall, the interviews showed a recognized network between humans and animals and that animals can interact dialogically in research. This is justified, for example, by the transfer of emotions from carers or scientists to animals. Nevertheless, a differentiated reflection of an animal's agency remains disregarded. The present qualitative survey approached the understanding of a culture of care among experts in the field of animal research. Animal agency does occur in the theoretical reception of the culture of care model. However, it is not conclusively established in everyday practice. Rather, the results lead to the assumption that strategies are being implemented to largely fade out animal agency.

Development and Validation of Serotype-Specific Blocking ELISA for the Detection of Anti-FMDV O/A/Asia1/SAT2 Antibodies.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most infectious viral transboundary diseases of livestock, which causes devastating global economic losses. Different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used for sero-surveillance of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). However, more sensitive, accurate, and convenient ELISAs are still required to detect antibodies against FMDV serotypes. The primary goal of this study was to establish serotype-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based blocking ELISAs (mAb-bELISAs) that would provide better performance characteristics or be equivalent in performance characteristics compared with a conventional polyclonal antibody (pAb)-based competitive ELISA (pAb-cELISA). Four mAb-bELISAs were developed using FMDV serotype-specific mAbs for the detection of anti-FMDV/O/A/Asia1/SAT2 antibodies. Using a 50% cut-off, all four mAb-bELISAs exhibited species-independent 99.74%, 98.01%, 96.59%, and 98.55% diagnostic specificity (DSp) and 98.93%, 98.25%, 100%, and 87.50% diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) for FMDV serotypes O, A, Asia1, and SAT2, respectively. In addition, a 100% DSe of serotypes O- and SAT2-specific mAb-bELISAs was observed for porcine sera when the cut-off was 30%. All mAb-bELISAs developed in this study displayed high repeatability/reproducibility without cross-reactivity. Finally, the diagnostic performance of mAb-bELISAs was found to be better than or equivalent to compared with pAb-cELISAs, suggesting that mAb-bELISAs can be used to replace existing pAb-ELISAs for the detection of antibodies against these four FMDV serotypes.

Simultaneous detection of enrofloxacin and chloramphenicol antibiotics using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with triangular silver nanoplates

The emergence of antibiotic residues in the environment and food requires the development of sensitive and selective detection methods for monitoring these contaminants. In fact, many different types of antibiotics will be used simultaneously to prevent diseases in livestock and aquatic animals, causing antibiotic residues in food and the environment. Rapid and accurate simultaneous analysis of multiple antibiotics at low concentrations remains a major challenge in in the field of rapid detection. This study presents a sensitive and selective method for the simultaneous detection of two widely used antibiotics, enrofloxacin and chloramphenicol, by combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with triangular silver nanoplates. Triangular silver nanoplates (TAgNPls) in the form of colloid were simply synthesized by chemical reduction method and then used as an effective SERS substrate, enhancing the Raman signals of the target antibiotics and enabling the detection of these antibiotics at trace levels. It was found that with a SERS substrate assembled from the above TAgNPls, the antibiotics enrofloxacin and chloramphenicol could be detected with detection limits of 2.6 µg/L and 4.3 µg/L, respectively. In addition, this SERS substrate also allows simultaneous detection of the above two antibiotics in one analytical sample with concentrations as low as 10 µg/L for both substances. The proposed method holds promise for addressing concerns related to antibiotic contamination in various environments and food sources, contributing to the advancement of analytical techniques for the trace detection of pharmaceutical residues.

Effects of Changing Weather Patterns on Household Food Availability in Bukiro Sub County Mbarara District

Changing weather patterns and their variables are already negatively impacting food security by damaging crops, reducing yields, and increasing the prevalence of pests and diseases. These pests and diseases contend with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients, further diminishing agricultural yields and creating issues for crops that were previously unexposed to these threats. Climate-related disruptions in food distribution and transportation, both internationally and domestically, have a substantial impact on not just safety and quality but also access to food. Prolonged dry spells followed by heavy and stormy rains cause interruptions in food production and transportation, reducing farmers' ability to get their grains to market and potentially affecting food prices. This study assessed farmers’ perceptions of effects of changing weather patterns on food security and their coping strategies towards effects of weather changing patterns in smallholder households in Bukiro Sub County, Mbarara District. A sample of 100 smallholder farmers were randomly selected from four parishes of Bukiro sub county and studied using questionnaire and observations. Key informants Interviews were also conducted with nine technical workers and three opinion leaders. Software STAT 26 and Ms excel version 2016 were used to do data analysis. The study found out that changing weather patterns through its variables specifically heavy and stormy rains, late of set of rains, and prolonged dry spells had significant effects on food security. The perceived effects of changing weather patterns established were drying up of water sources (83.8%), decreased land for crop growing (82.4%), reduction in crop yields (77.7%), drying of pastures for animals (67.4%), drying of crops (58.1%), and occurrence of crop and livestock pests and diseases at (56.6%). Also, the perceived weather changing variabilities were late onset of rains (60.1%), prolonged dry spells were responded at 17.6%, and heavy and stormy rains 22.3%. From the study finding farmers clearly perceived that changing weather patterns had negative effects smallholders’ agricultural production systems impacting negatively on food security

414 Design thinking for engaged learning (DTEL) in animal science: Data-driven considerations to improve student and instructor experiences

414 Design thinking for engaged learning (DTEL) in animal science: Data-driven considerations to improve student and instructor experiences

A Review On Human Brucellosis: An Important Occupational Hazard

Human brucellosis is a re-emerging and neglected zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp., with Brucella melitensis being the principal cause worldwide. Despite the disease's prevalence, serological surveillance is not routinely practiced, even in countries where Brucella is endemic. Although eradication efforts have been successful in many developed and developing countries, brucellosis continues to pose a significant health risk to both animals and humans. Transmission to humans occurs by direct or indirect contact with infected animals or their products. Veterinary professionals, especially those conducting per-vaginal examinations without proper protective gear, and animal handlers are particularly vulnerable to infection. The pathogenesis of brucellosis is complex, involving bacterial invasion of host cells, immune evasion, and the potential for chronic infection. In humans, brucellosis often becomes chronic, but in acute cases, it presents as undulant fever with nonspecific symptoms. To reduce morbidity and mortality, early diagnosis and timely antibiotic treatment are most important. For diagnosis of Brucella spp. reliable, rapid, sensitive, specific, easy-to-perform, and automated detection systems are urgently required. Currently, there is no safe and effective vaccine available for humans. Prevention relies on controlling the disease in domestic livestock, primarily through mass vaccination, effective heat treatment of dairy products, and hygienic precautions to minimize occupational exposure. Treatment requires prolonged antibiotic therapy with a combination of drugs. To control human brucellosis, awareness programs, safe livestock practices, and timely diagnosis are essential

411 Designing academic talent pipelines to meet employment needs of the animal science industry

411 Designing academic talent pipelines to meet employment needs of the animal science industry