Regional Livestock Research Articles

Climate change impacts on livestock in Brazil.

Brazilian livestock provides a significant fraction of the food consumed globally, making the country one of the largest producers and exporters of meat, milk and eggs. However, current advances in the production of protein from Brazilian animal origin may be directly impacted by climate change and the resulting biophysical effects. Therefore, it is strategically consistent to develop measures to deal with the resulting environmental heat stress on domesticated animal species, especially the need in developing countries. This work aims to (1) evaluate the impacts of climate change on livestock (cattle-dairy, cattle-beef, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry-general) in different regions of Brazil and (2) discuss possible response strategies, associated with animal comfort and welfare. From our results, we can draw better strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on livestock production. The results presented show an increase of high heat stress in South and Southeast and an increase of extreme heat stress in North and Central-West areas of Brazil. The rise in extreme heat stress tends to occur mostly during spring and summer and tends to vary considering the different evaluated species. Within the evaluated species, the ones that seem to be more affected by climate changes are Poultry, pigs, cattle-beef and general (temperature-humidity index value). The differences between the results for the five geographic regions in Brazil suggests that different mitigation measures need to be considered to cope with future heat stress in livestock. To ensure the long-term success of Brazil's influence on the global market for proteins of animal origin, it must achieve sustainable production systems more intensively.

Genetic characterization and distinctiveness of forage cactus accessions in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Forage cactus is a vital alternative food source for livestock in arid and semiarid regions. This study aimed to estimate the genetic dissimilarity among forage cactus genotypes grown in the semiarid region of northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study evaluated forage cactus accessions through morphological characteristics over different periods and molecular marker data. Key morphological traits assessed included cladode length, width, thickness, and the number of cladodes per plant. The experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (EPAMIG Norte) using a completely randomized experimental design with five replications in a split-plot arrangement. The design consisted of 21 forage cactus accessions in the plots and 7 evaluation times in the subplots. Morphological dissimilarities were compared individually (Scott-Knott test; p<0.05) and jointly (Euclidean distance). Molecular genotyping involved DNA extraction from young cladodes using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) oligonucleotides. Dissimilarity based on molecular markers was estimated using the Jaccard index. Separate dendrograms were generated for each analysis (morphological and molecular) using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), and a tanglegram was created to illustrate the relationships between the two dendrograms. Significant differences were found in cladode length and width and in the fresh and dry weight of plants. The molecular analysis differentiated genotypes at the species and genus levels, even among those that appeared morphologically similar. Comparing morphological and molecular data revealed both divergences and similarities, providing valuable insights into the diversity and structure within the groups.

ECONOMIC-STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SECTOR IN UZBEKISTAN

This article describes the current state and dynamics of the agricultural network of our republic, an economic and statistical analysis of the production of agricultural products in economic entities and promising directions. The activities of farms operating in our country were also carefully analyzed, and with the help of statistical methods, the role and importance of this industry in the development of the industry was revealed. Dynamic changes in statistical indicators of network development over the years are shown. KEY WORDS: agriculture, agricultural products, gross domestic product, gross regional product, agriculture, livestock breeding, structural changes, investments, regional economy, economic and statistical analysis, agrarian reforms, socio-economic processes .

Bovine leukemia virus transmission rates in persistent lymphocytotic infected dairy cows.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) establishes a lifelong persistent infection in dairy cattle. White blood cell count (WBC) is correlated with proviral load in the blood and milk of BLV-infected cattle, and testing WBC can be used to assess both BLV infectiousness levels and risk of BLV transmission from different types of infected animals. The objective of the study was to compare effective transmission rates (β) and the basic reproduction ratio (R o) among two types of BLV-infected dairy cows in Chile: those affected with persistent lymphocytosis (PL) vs. aleukemic (AL).The estimated (β) coefficient was higher in PL cattle [1.1; 95% Confidence interval (CI) (-1.6, 3.8)], compared to AL cattle (-3.1; 95% CI = -3.7, -2.5). In addition, the R o was higher in PL cattle (60.4; 95% CI = 3.5; 820.6), compared to AL cattle (1.5; 95% CI = 0.7, 3.1). The ratio between PL/AL expected rate of cases was 73.9. The estimated effective transmission rate and the Ro were higher in PL cattle compared to AL cattle. The WBC test is a convenient alternative that can be considered for risk identification and risk management of BLV infection in dairy herds; particularly in livestock regions where laboratory capacity is limited (e.g., use of PCR or gene sequencing techniques) and/or molecular tests are not cost-effective. Therefore, when prevalence of infection is high, the removal of PL cattle should be engaged to control BLV within-herds.

Voluntary optimisation of antimicrobial consumption in swine and poultry production in Thailand: a policy analysis.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern with significant implications on economies and health security, affecting humans, animals, food, and the environment. To tackle this issue, promoting responsible antimicrobial use in livestock production has emerged as a crucial intervention. In 2018, Thailand introduced the Voluntary Optimization of Antimicrobial Consumption (VOAC) programme, with the objective to encourage responsible antimicrobial use practises. This study aimed to analyse the context, content, process and actors of the VOAC programme. A qualitative method including document reviews and key informant interviews were applied. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 key informants who are key stakeholders from public and private sectors involved in the policy formulation, design of policy contents and implementation of VOAC: policy makers or officers responsible for animal health (n = 12), animal producers (n = 2), animal product traders or retailers (n = 2), and farm veterinarians (n = 2). Interview transcripts were validated by informants for accuracy, and triangulated with document review findings. Deductive approach was applied for data analysis and interpretation based on Walt and Gilson's policy analysis framework. The VOAC farm certification comprises of Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA) and Reducing Antibiotic Use (RAU), both aiming to combat AMR in food animals. Global and national factors, including increased public awareness, policy commitments, export requirements from the European Union, and international organisation advocacies, influenced the development of the programme led by the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Collaboration with the private sector facilitated policy clarity, with implementation primarily executed through regional, provincial, and district livestock officers. Integration of the programme with the pre-existing Good Agriculture Practise certification system enabled cost-effective implementation without additional resources. In 2022, DLD official data reported 214 RWA farms (112 pig and 102 broiler), and 230 RAU farms (83 pig and 147 broiler). Incentives for farms to participate in the programme include improving corporate image and demonstrating corporate responsibility addressing AMR in food products. Recommendations include optimising certification strategies, increasing consumer awareness of RWA and RAU products and strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems.

Improved serodiagnosis of Trypanosoma vivax infections in cattle reveals high infection rates in the livestock regions of Argentina.

Bovine trypanosomosis, caused by Trypanosoma vivax, currently affects cattle and has a significant economic impact in sub-Saharan Africa and South America. The development of new diagnostic antigens is essential to improve and refine existing methods. Our study evaluated the efficacy of two recombinant antigens in detecting specific antibodies in cattle. These antigens are derivatives of an invariant surface glycoprotein (ISG) from T. vivax. A fraction of a previously described antigen (TvY486_0045500), designated TvISGAf, from an African strain was evaluated, and a new ISG antigen from an American isolate, TvISGAm, was identified. The two antigens were expressed as fusion proteins in Escherichia coli: TvISGAf was fused to the MBP-His-tag, and TvISGAm was obtained as a His-tag fused protein. An ELISA evaluation was conducted using these antigens on 149 positive and 63 negative bovine samples. The diagnostic performance was enhanced by the use of a combination of both antigens (referred to as TvISG-based ELISA), achieving a sensitivity of 89.6% and specificity of 93.8%. Following the validation of the TvISG-based ELISA, the seroprevalence of T. vivax infection in 892 field samples from cattle in the central region of Argentina was determined. The mean seroprevalence of T. vivax was 53%, with variation ranging from 21% to 69% among the six departments studied. These results support the use of the TvISG ELISA as a valuable serological tool for the detection and monitoring of T. vivax infection in cattle. Furthermore, we report for the first time the seroprevalence of T. vivax in Argentina, which highlights the widespread endemic nature of the disease in the region. In order to effectively manage the increasing spread of T. vivax in the vast livestock production areas of South America, it is essential to implement consistent surveillance programs and to adopt preventive strategies.

A comparative plastome approach enhances the assessment of genetic variation in the Melilotus genus

BackgroundMelilotus, a member of the Fabaceae family, is a pivotal forage crop that is extensively cultivated in livestock regions globally due to its notable productivity and ability to withstand abiotic stress. However, the genetic attributes of the chloroplast genome and the evolutionary connections among different Melilotus species remain unresolved.ResultsIn this study, we compiled the chloroplast genomes of 18 Melilotus species and performed a comprehensive comparative analysis. Through the examination of protein-coding genes, we successfully established a robust phylogenetic tree for these species. This conclusion is further supported by the phylogeny derived from single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the entire chloroplast genome. Notably, our findings revealed that M. infestus, M. siculus, M. sulcatus, and M. speciosus formed a distinct subgroup within the phylogenetic tree. Additionally, the chloroplast genomes of these four species exhibit two shared inversions. Moreover, inverted repeats were observed to have reemerged in six species within the IRLC. The distribution patterns of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) within protein-coding genes indicated that ycf1 and ycf2 accumulated nonconservative alterations during evolutionary development. Furthermore, an examination of the evolutionary rate of protein-coding genes revealed that rps18, rps7, and rpl16 underwent positive selection specifically in Melilotus.ConclusionsWe present a comparative analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of Melilotus species. This study represents the most thorough and detailed exploration of the evolution and variability within the genus Melilotus to date. Our study provides valuable chloroplast genomic information for improving phylogenetic reconstructions and making biogeographic inferences about Melilotus and other Papilionoideae species.

Climate Change Risks for the Mediterranean Agri-Food Sector: The Case of Greece

The study assesses the direct effects of climate change by 2060, including extreme events, on the productivity of regional crop farming and livestock in Greece, and the broader socio-economic effects on the agri-food and other sectors. Different approaches (i.e., agronomic models, statistical regression models, and equations linking thermal stress to livestock output) were combined to estimate the effects on productivity from changes in the average values of climatic parameters, and subsequently the direct economic effects from this long-term climate change. Recorded damages from extreme events together with climatic thresholds per event and crop were combined to estimate the direct economic effects of these extremes. The broader socio-economic effects were then estimated through input–output analysis. Under average levels of future extreme events, the total direct economic losses for Greek agriculture due to climate change will be significant, from EUR 437 million/year to EUR 1 billion/year. These losses approximately double when indirect effects on other sectors using agricultural products as inputs (e.g., food and beverage, hotels, and restaurants) are considered, and escalate further under a tenfold impact of extreme events. Losses in the GDP and employment are moderate at the national level, but significant in regions where the contribution of agriculture is high.

Choice heuristics and livestock farmers' preference heterogeneity for Rift Valley fever vaccines in Uganda

Rapid spread and erratic outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) disease across the African continent continues to pose serious threat to animal, public health, and regional livestock trade. Failure to institute timely control measures will have serious implications on food security and livelihoods. Among existing control options for the disease, vaccines are reported to be the most cost-effective. However, no RVF vaccines are currently registered for use in Uganda. Prior to approval, reservations exist concerning the uptake of vaccines by farmers as they have to weigh in several features and associated risks before acceptance. This study utilizes data from 444 livestock farming households in Uganda to elicit farmers’ preference heterogeneity and the influence of choice heuristics on their preferences for RVF vaccines. The empirical results reveal that two livestock farmer segments exist with respect to RVF vaccine preference. The single dose vaccine attribute is the most highly valued by farmers. Further, livestock farmers’ conditional perceptions and risk attitudes play a major role in vaccine choice decisions. The paper highlights the need for careful consideration of livestock farmers’ preference heterogeneities and intrinsic motivations such as risk attitudes and conditional perceptions when designing policy instruments for the promotion of RVF vaccination programmes.

Some Aspects of Animal Husbandry in Africa

It is emphasized that animal husbandry, which has existed since ancient times in many regions of Africa and is one of the most important areas of human activity, is an integral part of the socio-cultural code of the African population. To date, pastoralism plays an important role not only in the economic, but also in the social sphere of the inhabitants of vast regions of the continent; the size of herds is the main criterion for assessing the property and social status of its owner. Being the subject of trade and direct exchange, cattle bring a significant and stable income to their sellers, while at the same time performing the function of a bride price at the conclusion of marriages. The challenges of our time require a certain degree of flexibility and adaptability from the population of livestock regions, which is associated with inevitable changes in the centuries-old way of life and the system of socio-cultural ties. Attention is drawn to the fact that the tradition of husbandry is influenced by numerous factors of modern development: climate change and epizootics of recent decades have a negative imprint on livestock activities. High losses of livestock, a reduction in their per capita population over time, combined with demographic growth, have had a negative impact on the well-being of pastoralists, significantly increasing their poverty level. The governments of many African countries, in which husbandry plays a leading role, have an interest not only in maintaining existing positions, but also in improving them. In situations of epizootic danger, national livestock health surveillance systems in African countries are approached by international partners, including FAO, WHO, as well as one of the world’s leading organization whose functions include the formation of links in the field of veterinary medicine, ensuring the interaction of national and regional veterinary authorities – the International Epizootic Office (OIE). Continuous field research in livestock regions in a number of African countries provides significant assistance in the fight against livestock diseases. The use of modern information technologies in epizootiological diagnostics is increasingly becoming the basis of anti-epizootic and preventive measures.

Epidemiological investigation of Cryptosporidium in children with diarrhea in middle Inner Mongolia, China

Cryptosporidia (Cryptosporidium) is a protozoan that is widely parasitic in the intestinal cells of humans and animals, and it is also an important zoonotic parasite. However, there is no epidemiological investigation on Cryptosporidium spp. infection in infants with diarrhea of Inner Mongolia, the largest livestock region in China. To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, 2435 fresh fecal samples were collected from children with diarrhea in Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium was carried out based on its 18S rRNA and gp60 gene sequences. The overall prevalence was 12.85% (313/2435), and in Hohhot (12.15%), it was lower than that in the surrounding city (14.87%) (P < 0.05). Moreover, Cryptosporidium was detected in different seasons and sexes. Concerning the age of children with diarrhea, the prevalence of those age groups between 0 and 1 was obviously lower than others, and there were significant differences in the prevalence at different ages (P < 0.001). Analysis of the 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed that all the positive samples were Cryptosporidium parvum, and there were 5 subtypes (IIdA23G3, IIdA24G3, IIdA24G4, IIdA25G3, and IIdA25G4). To the best of our knowledge, the above subtypes have not been reported. Our results provide a relevant basis for control and education on food safety and foodborne illness prevention.

What is the optimal timing to initiate strategic control of Rhipicephalus microplus in taurine cattle in a tropical region?

Cattle tick control poses a significant challenge for livestock in tropical and subtropical regions. The objective of this study was to determine the most suitable timing to initiate a strategic tick control program and to identify the ideal number of acaricide treatments for adult taurine cattle (Bos taurus taurus) in a tropical region throughout the year. Three groups with 10 bovines each were performed: T01 (strategic treatment in late autumn/winter/late spring, every 28 days), T02 (strategic treatment to act in the "first tick generation" - early spring/summer/early autumn, every 28 days) and T03 (control). Tick counts (females 4-8mm) were conducted every 14 days. If the tick burden in any group reached 30 or more during these counts, we applied an additional treatment. Over the course of a year, T02 required significantly fewer (p < 0.05) acaricide treatments than T01, with nine treatments for T02 and eleven for T01. Furthermore, during the tick counts, animals in T02 showed a lower tick burden compared to those in T01. Initiating the strategic tick control program in early spring, corresponding to the first tick generation, proved more effective than starting in autumn. This approach not only required fewer acaricide treatments but also resulted in a reduced tick burden. These benefits are particularly valuable in terms of animal welfare and managing acaricide resistance issues.

In Vitro Protection and Titer Duration of Anthrax-Specific Antibodies Following Subcutaneous Vaccination of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with Bacillus anthracis Sterne 34F2 Strain Spores.

Outbreaks of anthrax, caused by the soilborne bacterium Bacillus anthracis, are a continuous threat to free-ranging livestock and wildlife in enzootic regions of the United States, sometimes causing mass mortalities. Injectable anthrax vaccines are commercially available for use in livestock, and although hand injection is not a cost- or time-effective long-term management plan for prevention in wildlife, it may provide a tool for managers to target selectively animals of high conservation or economic value. Vaccine-induced anthrax-specific antibody responses have been reported previously in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), but the protective nature was not determined. In this study, five white-tailed deer were subcutaneously vaccinated with one dose (1 mL) of the Anthrax Spore Vaccine. Eight blood collections by jugular venipuncture were conducted over 146 d to measure the anthrax-specific antibody response in each deer's serum over time. Antibodies were first detected by ELISA and later with toxin neutralization assays to estimate in vitro protection. Average peak absorbance by ELISA occurred at 14 d postvaccination, whereas average peak in vitro protection occurred at 28 d postvaccination. Observed in vitro protection on average for white-tailed deer after this single-dose vaccination protocol lasted 42-56 d postvaccination, although three individuals still maintained lethal toxin-neutralizing serum antibody titers out to 112 d postvaccination. Vaccination responses were variable but effective to some degree in all white-tailed deer.

Experimental genetic crosses in tsetse flies of the livestock pathogen Trypanosoma congolense savannah

BackgroundIn tropical Africa animal trypanosomiasis is a disease that has severe impacts on the health and productivity of livestock in tsetse fly-infested regions. Trypanosoma congolense savannah (TCS) is one of the main causative agents and is widely distributed across the sub-Saharan tsetse belt. Population genetics analysis has shown that TCS is genetically heterogeneous and there is evidence for genetic exchange, but to date Trypanosoma brucei is the only tsetse-transmitted trypanosome with experimentally proven capability to undergo sexual reproduction, with meiosis and production of haploid gametes. In T. brucei sex occurs in the fly salivary glands, so by analogy, sex in TCS should occur in the proboscis, where the corresponding portion of the developmental cycle takes place. Here we test this prediction using genetically modified red and green fluorescent clones of TCS.MethodsThree fly-transmissible strains of TCS were transfected with genes for red or green fluorescent protein, linked to a gene for resistance to the antibiotic hygromycin, and experimental crosses were set up by co-transmitting red and green fluorescent lines in different combinations via tsetse flies, Glossina pallidipes. To test whether sex occurred in vitro, co-cultures of attached epimastigotes of one red and one green fluorescent TCS strain were set up and sampled at intervals for 28 days.ResultsAll interclonal crosses of genetically modified trypanosomes produced hybrids containing both red and green fluorescent proteins, but yellow fluorescent hybrids were only present among trypanosomes from the fly proboscis, not from the midgut or proventriculus. It was not possible to identify the precise life cycle stage that undergoes mating, but it is probably attached epimastigotes in the food canal of the proboscis. Yellow hybrids were seen as early as 14 days post-infection. One intraclonal cross in tsetse and in vitro co-cultures of epimastigotes also produced yellow hybrids in small numbers. The hybrid nature of the yellow fluorescent trypanosomes observed was not confirmed by genetic analysis.ConclusionsDespite absence of genetic characterisation of hybrid trypanosomes, the fact that these were produced only in the proboscis and in several independent crosses suggests that they are products of mating rather than cell fusion. The three-way strain compatibility observed is similar to that demonstrated previously for T. brucei, indicating that a simple two mating type system does not apply for either trypanosome species.Graphical

Dual‐purpose cowpea grain and fodder yield response to variety, nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilizer, and environment

AbstractAddressing the challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in sub‐Saharan Africa will require innovative agriculture production systems that support multiple objectives. Dual‐purpose cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] varieties are expected to offer greater grain yields for human consumption and high‐quality fodder for livestock in semiarid regions of Senegal. However, limited information is available on the effects of varieties and fertilizer on dual‐purpose cowpea. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the grain and fodder yield of five newly released cowpea varieties (Kelle, Leona, Lizard, Sam, and Thieye) compared to traditional variety (Yacine) with fertilizer (nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium 6‐20‐10) and no‐fertilizer application. Genotype × environment × management experimentations were conducted across three cowpea production zones of Darou Mousty (400 mm per year), Bambey (500 mm per year), and Boulel (700 mm per year) over three growing seasons (2019–2021) to compare the growth and yield parameters of the cowpea varieties. Results of the study showed a 40% grain yield advantage from the greater yielding (Leona) variety in this study compared with the lower yielding (Lizard) variety. There was an additional 22% grain yield increase from the application of fertilizer compared with the unfertilized treatment. The variety (Leona) that produced the most grain also produced the most fodder yields. There was 67% fodder yield advantage from Leona compared with fodder yield from the older variety Yacine. Across varieties, application of fertilizer increased fodder yield by 15% compared to the unfertilized control. Average grain yield in high‐yielding environment (Boulel 2019, Darou Mousty 2019, and Bambey 2021) was 100% greater compared with average grain yield in low‐yielding environments (Boulel 2021, Darou Mousty 2021, and Bambey 2019). Compared to Yacine, dual‐purpose varieties increased net returns by 15%–58% or 13%–42% with early‐ and late‐season cowpea sales, respectively. However, fertilizer application was profitable only when cowpea grain and fodder were sold later in the season. In general, cowpea number of branches, pod number, and pod yield increased with fertilizer application. We concluded that producers can adopt dual‐purpose varieties and proper fertilizer management to increase grain yield, fodder availability, and profitability of cowpea production in Senegal.

43 Induced Pluripotent/Totipotent Stem Cells: Inexhaustible Genetic Stocks for Regeneration and Development of Regionally Adapted Climate-Resilient Livestock

Abstract Escalating impacts of climate change present a credible threat to livestock-based food production. Increasing environmental challenges directly affect animal fitness, production performance, and reproductive efficiency with accumulative morbidities and mortality. Albeit extant livestock breeds are adapted to different climate extremes, the steep trajectory of decline in genetic diversity poses a serious threat to the sustenance of livestock farming. After pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) were derived for mice more than 30 years ago, scientists were quick to recognize PSCs as an approach to accelerate livestock biotechnology and assisted reproduction. We posited that core PSC characteristics such as indefinite self-renewal make them ideal for setting up an inexhaustible diploid livestock genetic resource bank. Nevertheless, it has been difficult to derive and sustain naïve PSCs from ruminants. Even reports of generating induced-PSCs (iPSCs) via reprogramming somatic cells that circumvents the embryo and factors such as sex, age or reproductive status, has been crippled with reproducibility issues precluding any livestock applications. In recent systematic studies, we documented two roadblocks: First, that signaling pathways necessary to sustain self-renewal of PSCs from cattle remained unknown. Second, bovine somatic cells have a stable epigenome that is resistant to complete reprogramming to pluripotency. Through systems biology examination of signal homeostasis in the bovine blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM), we uncovered that transforming growth factor (TGF) β effects are actively perturbed in the bovine ICM. This led to the discovery that inhibition of downstream ALK 4/5/7 together with GSK3β and MEK1/2 signaling, supported robust in vitro self-renewal of naïve bovine iPSCs. Simultaneously, we uncovered that epigenetic regulation by the SV40 large T antigen together with the reprogramming genes (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and MYC) could result in not only complete reprogramming, but also cells that are set to a stable ground state of pluripotency akin to totipotent stem cells (TPSCs) seen in 16-cell-stage bovine embryos. Cloning performed using the induced TPSCs (iTPSCs) showed significantly greater efficiency of blastocyst formation. Surprisingly, applying identical methods to murine somatic cells also resulted in iTPSCs that can contribute to placenta formation in vivo indicating that the mechanistic basis for sustaining the ground state of developmental plasticity was conserved across species. These findings have now defined a high-fidelity platform for achieving iPSC-based biotechnologies (gene editing and cloning) and for exploring different ruminant livestock applications that have not been previously practicable. Of central importance, these findings also open a path to establishing a live regenerative repository of inexhaustible diploid livestock that can secure the evolving genetic needs for sustaining animal production into the future. Permanent assets of genetic diversity preserved as iTPSCs would ensure rapid resilience in production, health and fertility through propagating heterosis and enabling genetic fixes for regional climate-resilient livestock phenotypes that better tolerate environmental extremes.

Molecular Epidemiology of Rotavirus A in Calves: Evolutionary Analysis of a Bovine G8P[11] Strain and Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of G6 Lineages in the Americas.

Rotavirus A (RVA) causes diarrhea in calves and frequently possesses the G6 and P[5]/P[11] genotypes, whereas G8 is less common. We aimed to compare RVA infections and G/P genotypes in beef and dairy calves from major livestock regions of Argentina, elucidate the evolutionary origin of a G8 strain and analyze the G8 lineages, infer the phylogenetic relationship of RVA field strains, and investigate the evolution and spatio-temporal dynamics of the main G6 lineages in American countries. Fecal samples (n = 422) from diarrheic (beef, 104; dairy, 137) and non-diarrheic (beef, 78; dairy, 103) calves were analyzed by ELISA and semi-nested multiplex RT-PCR. Sequencing, phylogenetic, phylodynamic, and phylogeographic analyses were performed. RVA infections were more frequent in beef (22.0%) than in dairy (14.2%) calves. Prevalent genotypes and G6 lineages were G6(IV)P[5] in beef (90.9%) and G6(III)P[11] (41.2%) or mixed genotypes (23.5%) in dairy calves. The only G8 strain was phylogenetically related to bovine and artiodactyl bovine-like strains. Re-analyses inside the G8 genotype identified G8(I) to G8(VIII) lineages. Of all G6 strains characterized, the G6(IV)P[5](I) strains from "Cuenca del Salado" (Argentina) and Uruguay clustered together. According to farm location, a clustering pattern for G6(IV)P[5] strains of beef farms was observed. Both G6 lineage strains together revealed an evolutionary rate of 1.24 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year, and the time to the most recent common ancestor was dated in 1853. The most probable ancestral locations were Argentina in 1981 for G6(III) strains and the USA in 1940 for G6(IV) strains. The highest migration rates for both G6 lineages together were from Argentina to Brazil and Uruguay. Altogether, the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and phylogeny of RVA in calves can differ according to the production system and farm location. We provide novel knowledge about the evolutionary origin of a bovine G8P[11] strain. Finally, bovine G6 strains from American countries would have originated in the USA nearly a century before its first description.

Hygiene of keeping service horses in the highlands of Armenia

In the Transcaucasus region, the Republic of Armenia is the highest mountainous country, about 90% of its territories are located at altitudes of more than 1000 meters above sea level. On the territory of this region there are high plateaus, volcanic cones with a large abundance of streams and small rivers. With an increase of every 100 meters, the precipitation level increases by approximately 25 mm, and when reaching heights of 3,000 meters, precipitation increases to 1,000 mm per year. A feature of service horse breeding in this region is the tortuosity of most mountain roads, fairly rocky soil, steep ascents and descents, high and inaccessible passes, changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature at different altitudes during the day, frequent and sharp changes in air speed . The difficulty of raising livestock in some high-mountainous regions of Armenia is also due to the presence of landslides, screes, cliffs and glaciers, and in winter conditions, deep snow cover.

Prolonged survival of venereal Tritrichomonas foetus parasite in the gastrointestinal tract, bovine fecal extract, and water.

Bovine tritrichomonosis is a venereal disease that causes economic losses around the world. Over the last 100 years, the life cycle of the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus in bovines has only considered venereal transmission, almost exclusively through natural mating from an infected animal to a healthy animal. Here, we provide the first direct evidence that T. foetus can survive the passage through the gastrointestinal tract in bovines. We demonstrated that the parasite can be discharged by feces in orally infected animals and contaminate the cow's reproductive tract. We showed that the parasite is capable of surviving at pH conditions usually found along the bovine gastrointestinal tract, and our findings suggest that the parasites could survive in bovine feces and water for several days, probably through the formation of resistant pseudocysts or cyst-like structures. Taken together, our results demonstrate that T. foetus is more resistant to adverse external conditions than previously considered, which could be relevant for the life cycle of this parasite in bovines. IMPORTANCE Nowadays, the routine herd diagnosis is usually performed exclusively on bulls, as they remain permanently infected, and prevention and control of Tritrichomonas foetus transmission are based on identifying infected animals and culling practices. The existence of other forms of transmission and the possible role of pseudocysts or cyst-like structures as resistant forms requires rethinking the current management and control of this parasitic disease in the future in some livestock regions of the world.

Molecular Detection of Borrelia spp. in Ticks of Sheep and Goats by Nested PCR Method in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran.

Background: Ticks are an important vector among arthropods associated with serious medical and veterinary problems. In this research, we investigate Borrelia species in ticks isolated from the surface of livestock (sheep and goat) in different regions of West Azerbaijan province. Materials and Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using specific primers targeting Borrelia spp. genes. Borrelia spp. was identified through PCR. The positive PCR products were sent to Pishgam Company for sequencing. Sequenced data were analyzed, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using maximum likelihood method in MEGA V.10. Results: The detection rate of Borrelia spp. for 16srRNA gene 69 (n = 542; 12.7%; 95%Cl: 10.1%-15.8%), 42 (n = 542; 7.7%; 95%Cl: 5.78%-10.1%) positive on 5S-23SrRNA gene and ospA gene 4 (n = 542; 0.74%; 95%Cl: 0.29%-1.88%). Conclusion: These results are the first report in Iran to identify Borrelia spp. These results of the study showed that the Borrelia spp. in hard ticks detected by PCR and it was negative to soft ticks. it is important in public health implications at the studied areas.