Breeding Farms Research Articles

Optimization of environmental and energy performance of egg production using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA).

Intensive farming systems can present different environmental concerns. Among the many animal products, eggs are consumed globally as a cheap, valuable source of protein. Iran is among the top 10 egg producing countries in the world. However, the environmental impact of egg production in Iran is scarcely investigated. This study aims to optimize the environmental and energy performance of egg production in Iran. It utilizes the eco-efficiency method, which combines Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). To this purpose, data from 14 pullet breeding farms and 40 egg production farms were collected through in-person questionnaires. The energy performance of egg production is mainly related to the consumption of feed, electricity, and fuel, as well as to the use of equipment. The average energy inputs for pullet breeding and egg production were 270,283.06MJ (per 1000 pullets) and 1,606,307MJ (per 1000 laying hens), respectively. Improved management can save 105,190MJ of energy per 1000 laying hens without compromising output performance. The greatest potential for reducing energy consumption lies in inputs such as fuel and feed. The eco-efficiency method demonstrated that improved management can reduce environmental impact by 5-7%. Through optimization, global warming decreased from 4.40 to 4.13kg CO2 equivalents per kg of egg. For the evaluated impact categories, feed input showed the greatest contribution to environmental impact.

The Pyrus sinkiangensis Yu PsLEA4 Gene Enhances the Cold Resistance of Solanum lycopersicum

Plants have large amounts of the late embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA) family of proteins, which is involved in osmotic regulation. The Korla Pear (Pyrus sinkiangensis Yu) is an uncommon pear species that thrives in Xinjiang and can survive below-freezing conditions. We found that the PsLEA4 gene was more expressed after cold treatment by looking at the transcriptome data of the Korla Pear. In order to evaluate the biological function of the PsLEA4 protein under low-temperature stress and its potential for use in agricultural breeding, we cloned the PsLEA4 gene from the Korla Pear, made a plant overexpression vector, and transformed it into a tomato via Agrobacterium transformation. When exposed to low temperatures, we found that PsLEA4 overexpression can regulate proline metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activity in tomatoes compared to wild tomatoes. Because of this, transgenic tomatoes are more resilient to cold temperatures and produce more than their wild counterparts. Thus, expressing PsLEA4 has multiple advantages: (1) Improving frost resistance and reducing plant damage. (2) Increasing crop yield. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the role of the PsLEA4 protein in plants’ resilience to low temperatures, as well as for its potential application in crop breeding.

Characteristics, Health Risks, and Source Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution in Surface Soil in Shanxian County

Soil heavy metal （HM） pollution is a prominent global environmental problem. Understanding the risk characteristics and quantitative analysis of potential sources of soil HM pollution is of great significance for accurate prevention and control, scientific management, and safe utilization of soil resources. In the surface soil of Shanxian County, the contents of eight HMs, such as As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were collected and identified in 330 surface soil samples. The HM pollution degree was evaluated using the accumulation index and enrichment index. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of HMs were evaluated using the health risk model designated by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The sources of HMs in topsoil were analyzed using correlation analysis, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression （APCS-MLR）, and other qualitative and quantitative methods. The results showed that all eight HM elements in the surface soil samples were lower than the background values and the screening values of agricultural land soil pollution risk in Heze City. According to Igeo and EF evaluation, only approximately 5% of Hg samples were slightly polluted, and the other seven HMs were non-polluted or slightly polluted. The carcinogenic risk and non-carcinogenic risk of As for adults and children in surface soil were at tolerable levels, and the carcinogenic risk and non-carcinogenic risk of the other seven HMs for adults and children could be ignored. The main sources of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and As in the surface soil were natural background sources； the main sources of Cr and Hg were agricultural breeding sources and industrial coal sources, respectively； and the main pollution sources of Pb included other unknown sources and natural background sources. The average contribution rates of natural background sources, agricultural breeding sources, industrial coal sources, and other unknown sources were 51.69%, 27.18%, 6.83%, and 14.31%, respectively, indicating that the main sources of heavy metals in the surface soil of Shanxian County were natural background sources, followed by agricultural breeding sources.

First report of ivermectin resistance in natural infected Foals by Parascaris spp. in Tiaret, Algeria

Equine parascarosis is a Worldwide endoparasitosis, caused by Parascaris spp., affecting mainly younger horses. This disease is considered as the most pathogenic parasitosis of young horses. In Algeria, no knowledge of the resistance of Parascaris spp. to Ivermectin is published. For this reason, the present study aims to evaluate the frequency of Parascaris spp. and the anthelmintic efficacy of Ivermectin and Fenbendazole against this parasite in a foal population in Tiaret, Algeria. Ninety–one foals were examined for the presence of Parascaris spp. from two stud farms. Among the positive, thirty–two faols were treated with Ivermectin formulations (Ivoral® and Eqvalan®) and Fenbendazole (Funcur®) at their recommended dosages. Fecal egg count reduction testing (FECRT) was used to determine the efficacy of each anthelmintic. Parascaris spp. was detected in 61 foals (67.03%). Decreased efficacy (reduction of Parascaris spp. fecal egg counts by less than 90%) was found for the two Ivermectin formulations (46.45% for Ivoral® and 70.29% for Eqvalan®). Nevertheless, fenbendazole showed 100% efficacy in all foals sampled in this study. These first data indicate that Ivermectin–resistant Parascaris spp. populations are present on horse farms in Algeria. Findings from this study can be used to create a more sustainable approach for parasite control programs.

Does dietary supplementation of pregnant mares with a commercial stud feed balancer improve the transfer of passive immunity in their foals? A controlled field trial.

This prospective, controlled field trial aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of mares in late pregnancy with a commercial stud feed balancer on the transfer of passive immunity to their foals. Eighty-two pregnant mares on a single stud farm that were eligible for inclusion were assigned into two groups (Intervention and Control) based primarily on existing social groupings. Between 64-224 days prepartum, all mares received the same forage-based diet but mares in the Intervention group received an in-feed commercial stud feed balancer and mares in the Control group received the stud's home-mix concentrate. Data from 68 mare and foal pairs were analysed according to Intention To Treat (ITT) principles and sensitivity analysis was performed on 57 mare and foal pairs who fulfilled the study protocol. The primary outcome of interest was failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT), defined as foal IgG <8g/l at 12-36 h after first suckle. Foals of mares in the Intervention group were significantly less likely to develop FPT compared to those in the Control group. Colostral quality (Brix ≥23.0) was also significantly greater in mares in the Intervention compared to the Control group. Group (Intervention vs. Control) and sex of foal were the only variables that were significantly associated with FPT in a multivariable model that explored the effect of other potential risk factors for FPT.

The level of welfare of male farmed fallow deer kept indoors during the winter

Farmed cervids are not fully domesticated animals, usually kept on large open pastures. However, in intensive breeding farms, animals are often kept indoors during the winter in order to obtain desirable weight gain or avoid deaths. The aim of the study was to assess the stress level in farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) kept indoors during the winter with a changed photoperiod, as well as to analyze the effect of the cortisol level on the animals depending on their age and body mass. Two groups of adult fallow deer males, 15 individuals each, with an average age of 5.9 years, were used in the study. The experimental group was kept in a utility room with a changed photoperiod and a temporary access to an enclosure, while the control group spent the entire time in an outdoor enclosure. Blood samples were collected from all animals three times, at monthly intervals, to determine the cortisol concentration. No differences were found between the study groups. The average cortisol level ranged from 2.86 to 3.92 μg/100 ml in the experimental group and from 3.13 to 3.46 μg/100 ml in the control group. The average cortisol concentration in older stags was similar to that in younger males (3.48 μg/100 ml and 3.42 μg/100 ml, respectively). Simple manipulation procedures do not affect the welfare of farmed fallow deer. Cervids tolerate natural winter conditions well both on the run and in utility rooms with appropriate space.

Investigating the potential of geothermal heat pump and precision air supply system for heat stress abatement in dairy cattle barns.

Maintaining an optimal indoor thermal environment is crucial for enhancing the welfare and productivity of livestock in intensive breeding farms. This paper investigated the application of a combined geothermal heat pump with a precision air supply (GHP-PAS) system for cooling dairy cows on a dairy farm. The effectiveness of the GHP-PAS system in mitigating heat stress in lactating dairy cattle, along with its energy performance and local cooling efficiency in the free stalls were evaluated. A total of 140 multiparous lactating Holstein cows was tested in two groups. One group was housed in a barn equipped with a GHP-PAS system (GP barn, n=70), and the other was housed in a barn with a conventional fan-sprinkling system (FS barn, n=70). Results showed that the ambient temperature of both GP and FS barns were lower than that outside the barn (P<0.05), with no significant difference between the GP and FS barns (P>0.05). Compared to cows in the FS barn, those in the GP barn exhibited lower skin temperature, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate (P<0.05). The mean temperature difference between outflow and inflow water was 2.56°C of the GHP unit. The average energy efficiency ratios (EER) of the GHP unit and the GHP-PAS system were 5.03 and 2.92, respectively. The daily average electricity consumption was 20.4±1.0 kWh. The field test results indicated that the airflow from a single nozzle of the GHP-PAS system effectively covered a stall space with an average width of 1.84m at a cow reclining height of 0.5m, with an average air velocity of 1m/s. The per-cow hourly electricity consumption for cooling was 2.04 kWh for the GHP-PAS system and 0.36 kWh for the FS system, highlighting that the GHP-PAS system is approximately 5.6 times more energy-intensive than the FS system. In conclusion, the GHP-PAS system showed the potential for alleviating heat stress in dairy cows. Further research is needed to enhance the energy efficiency and cooling effectiveness of the current GHP-PAS system.

A Genetic Make Up of Italian Lipizzan Horse Through Uniparental Markers to Preserve Historical Pedigrees.

Lipizzan is a famous horse breed dating back to 1580 when the original stud of Lipica was established by the Hasburg Archduke Charles II. Currently, the Italian State Stud of Lipizzan Horses (ASCAL) is a conservation nucleus managed through strict mating rules where mitochondrial DNA sequences are used to verify the correct assignment of mares to a historical pedigree maternal lineage. Here, we analyzed the D-loop sequences of Lipizzan horses from the ASCAL in Monterotondo (Rome, Italy) in order to confirm their pedigree assignment to known female founder families. The concurrent investigation of the paternal counterpart based on variation in the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) showed a prevalence of HT02 (80%), typical of the Neapolitan/Oriental wave. The mtDNA polymorphisms identified shaped nine haplotypes that were unequivocally assigned to each of nine classical mare families of the stud (Africa, Almerina, Argentina, Deflorata, Djebrin, Fistula, Ivanka, Sardinia, Spadiglia), while the Europa and Theodorosta families shared a tenth haplotype. New polymorphisms were identified in a not previously studied region (np 16100-16350). The mtDNA phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Lipizzans of the Monterotondo stud belong to six haplogroups (B, C, G, L, M, Q), out of the 18 recorded for the equine species. This work enabled us to identify and preserve ten haplotypes from the historical maternal lines in a small stud kept in genetic segregation for over 100 years.

Influenza a Virus Detection at the Human-Swine Interface in US Midwest Swine Farms.

This study evaluated influenza A virus (IAV) detection and genetic diversity over time, specifically at the human-swine interface in breeding and nursery farms. Active surveillance was performed monthly in five swine farms in the Midwest United States targeting the employees, the prewean piglets at sow farms, and the same cohort of piglets in downstream nurseries. In addition, information was collected at enrollment for each employee and farm to assess production management practices, IAV vaccination status, diagnostic procedures, and biosecurity. Farm employee and swine samples were screened by IAV reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-rtPCR), followed by IAV subtyping RT-rtPCR and whole genome sequencing on PCR-positive samples. This study showed higher positivity of IAV RNA detection in nursery pigs compared to prewean pigs, and more whole genome sequences were also obtained in the nursery phase. Surveillance of farm employees revealed two detections of H3N2 representing the 2022-2023 human IAV season, confirming the presence of influenza in farm employees while present at work, and thus highlighting the importance of biosecurity measures at the human-swine interface. This study highlights the importance of routine active surveillance to understand the dynamics of IAV at the farm level in both farm employees and swine.

Early lactational performance and serum biochemical profile of crossbred cows supplemented with maize and soy lecithin during late gestation

A feeding experiment of 145 days was carried out in crossbred cows to assess the effect of supplementation of maize and soy lecithin during late gestation on early lactational performance and serum biochemical profile. Fifteen crossbred dairy cows in eighth month of pregnancy were selected from Cattle Breeding Farm, Thumburmuzhy. The animals were divided into three groups (T1, T2 and T3) of five animals each and were fed with concentrate mixture (CP- 20 per cent and TDN- 68 per cent) and green grass (ICAR, 2013) throughout the experimental period of 145 days. The T2 group was supplemented with maize (500 g/day) and T3 was supplemented with soy lecithin (210 g/day) from eighth month of gestation until the date of calving. The experimental diets offered to animals in T2 and T3 were isocaloric. Milk production was higher (P&lt;0.05) in the group supplemented with maize (17.1 kg/d) compared to T1 (15.43 kg) and T3 (15.09 kg), while the milk composition remained similar in all the groups. Dietary treatments had no effect (P&gt;0.05) on the serum biochemical parameters such as serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein, calcium and phosphorous. The study revealed that supplementation of energy in the form of ground maize during late gestation significantly improved the early lactational performance of crossbred cows. Keywords: Energy, maize, soy lecithin, milk production, serum biochemical parameters

Оценка связи состояния конечностей с продуктивными качествами свиней

Abstract. Intensive pig production is associated with negative technological pressure on the pig organism. Selection for early maturity and meatiness leads to changes in the metabolism of the animal organism, which results in morphological and functional changes in the internal organs, muscle, fat and bone tissues. One of the serious problems faced by pig breeders is the spread of limb defects, including neoplasms and tumors in the hock area of the hind limbs. These limb defects do not cause lameness, but affect the exterior of breeding pigs, making them unsuitable for sale and having a negative impact on the efficiency of breeding centers. In addition, in pig breeding, limb diseases entail large economic losses due to decreased animal productivity. The purpose of the study was to assess the presence or absence of the effect of limb defects in the form of tumors and growths in the hock area on the parameters of the statistical distribution of productivity traits and their correlations in Large White pigs. Research methods. The research was conducted on Large White pigs from one of the breeding farms of the Russian Federation, which were divided into two groups depending on the condition of the limbs. The characteristics of the population under consideration were studied and the possibilities of using statistical criteria for assessing differences were determined, the distribution of features was tested for normality using Q-Q (probability) graphs. A correlation analysis of features was carried out using the Pearson criterion. A correlation test was used to assess the level of reliability. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the presence of limb defects affects the variability of productivity indicators, and is also associated with worse levels of features. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that for the first time the features of variability of productivity indicators of purebred pigs are considered depending on the condition of the pigs' limbs in the form of tumors and growths in the hock area. Further research on this issue should be aimed at establishing the biological mechanisms for the formation of limb defects in pigs.

Marketing Channels Used by Goose Breeders and Marketing Efficiency

The main purpose of this study was to reveal the marketing channels used by goose breeding farms in Kars province and to determine their marketing efficiencies. The primary data of this study were obtained from questionnaires conducted with 90 goose breeders in the Central, Arpaçay and Susuz districts of Kars province. Overall, goose farms consume a small portion of the geese they raise, while the majority is marketed, and it was found that domestic consumption was higher in small farms. Although it varied according to the farm, it was determined that the geese were marketed as live, fresh or dried. The most produced and marketed product is fresh carcass goose, followed by dried carcass goose and live goose. Among the by-products of goose, giblets are the product with the highest production and marketing amount. When the proportional distribution of live goose sales amounts according to marketing channels was analysed, the highest number of live goose purchasers were foreign traders (38.53%), followed by direct consumers (30.55%) and other producers (24.40%). It was seen that fresh goose meat is sold to two marketing channels: direct consumers and hotels. The most preferred marketing channel for dried goose meat is direct consumers (57.40%). When the frequency of sales to goose buyers by the interviewed farms was analysed, it was seen that direct sales to consumers are quite common. The main criterion taken into consideration by the interviewed goose breeders in goose marketing were determined as price, payment method and reliability of buyers, in order of importance. Under traditional marketing conditions, the marketing efficiency index of goose breeders in fresh goose was calculated as 5.60 on average. It was seen that the highest marketing efficiency index was for large farms. The fact that the marketing efficiency index was greater than 1 in different farm scales showed that goose farms work effectively in marketing. The fact that goose breeders obtain higher prices than traditional sales channels due to the use of direct sales channels in fresh goose marketing is considered as an effective factor in increasing marketing efficiency.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity for MYMV Resistance in Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] using SSR Markers

Background: Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is among the most significant edible legume crops and consumed in various parts of the world. Among different biotic factors, mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) affects this crop. The objective of the present investigation was to assess genetic variability among mungbean genotypes for MYMV resistance using simple sequence repeat markers. Methods: The present research was conducted to assess the genetic diversity among selected mungbean genotypes from field screening of 303 genotypes with an emphasis on resistance against MYMV. The field screening was done at Seed Breeding Farm, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during summer 2022, kharif 2022 and summer 2023. Thirty SSR markers have been utilized to measure genetic variation among the 32 studied genotypes. Result: Marker MB-SSR033 stands out as the most informative locus with the greatest PIC and gene diversity value. The cluster analysis, classified the 32 genotypes into two major groups and maximum distance was noted between PDM 139 and IC 314523. The SSR markers CEDG293 (10.14%) and DMBSSR008 (9.11%) were found considerably linked to MYMV resistance. Harnessing multiple sources of resistance gives a good possibility to boost the resistance and production of mungbean cultivars.

Hungarian Count, the Polish Major and the Slovenian War Horses in South Africa

The noble Hungarian Jankovics-Bésán family have long being renowned as influential breeders of Lipizzan horses. During the Second World War in 1944 with the advancing Soviet Red Army bearing down on the family stud farm then located at Oreglak in Hungary, Count Elemér Janković-Bésán de Pribér-Vuchin, decided to flee the farm. He, however, refused to leave behind his beloved horses and fled with eight of the animals, two stallions and six mares. After stops in Germany and England, the Count decided to relocate with his horses to the Natal midlands of South Africa, where he re-established his family stud farm. In 1951, during the Royal Agricultural Show in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the Hungarian horse breeder by chance met a Polish horse trainer. Major Jerzy (George) Iwanowski (13 March 1907 – 28 May 2008) was a graduate of the College of Agriculture in Warsaw. After the Second World War, Iwanowski also decided to leave Europe and relocate to South Africa, where he established the Centaur Stables in Johannesburg. It is from this meeting of two European horse lovers on the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal that South Africa’s world-famous Lipizzaner horses are derived. Based exclusively on the high standards as established by the Spanish Riding School based in Vienna, Austria, South African Lipizzaner’s have been performing since 1957. The original riders were almost exclusively women, unlike their European counterparts. This was because in South Africa the Lipizzan horses that formed part of the original performing team were all privately owned by women who were able to donate their time and efforts to a non-profit organisation that did not really pay its riders to perform.

A Longitudinal Study on Campylobacter spp. in an Integrated Broiler Complex in the Southeast Region of the United States: Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis

Poultry meat products are considered the major contributors to Campylobacteriosis in humans. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence status, critical entry points, and movement patterns of Campylobacter spp. along different stages of an integrated broiler complex. To isolate bacteria and perform phylogenetic analysis, a total of 790 environmental samples were collected from 38 production houses, a hatchery, 6 transport trucks, and a processing plant of a commercial broiler complex. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were compared among different stages and sample types (α = 0.05). Altogether 17% (137/790) of samples and 61% (23/38) of production houses were positive for Campylobacter spp. Similarly, 34% (46/135) of samples were identified as Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), and 61% (83/135) were identified as Campylobacter coli (C. coli). The odds of Campylobacter spp. detection in broiler farms’ surroundings were 4 times (1.88–8.26; 95% CLs) more likely as compared to parent pullets and breeder farms’ surroundings (p = 0.0004). Similarly, among different sample types, the odds of Campylobacter spp. detection in boot swabs and sponge-stick swabs were more likely as compared to fly paper samples (p ≤ 0.0024). In addition, the odds of Campylobacter spp. detection in postpick whole carcass rinses were 4 times (1.99–7.59; 95% CLs) more likely as compared to postchill carcass rinses (p = 0.0004). The phylogeny results of both C. jejuni and C. coli indicate multiple critical entry points of bacterial strains along the chain and suggest the possibility of transmission of Campylobacter spp. from broiler grow-out flocks through transport and to final raw products (29%) in the processing plant. The results indicate potential risks of foodborne infections in consumers from ingestion of contaminated raw or undercooked poultry meat. Therefore, a comprehensive control strategy may be essential to reduce or eliminate Campylobacter spp. or other zoonotic pathogens from the poultry food chain.

Environment, plant genetics, and their interaction shape important aspects of sunflower rhizosphere microbial communities.

Associations with soil microorganisms are crucial for plants' overall health and functioning. While much work has been done to understand drivers of rhizosphere microbiome structure and function, the relative importance of geography, climate, soil properties, and plant genetics remains unclear, as results have been mixed and comprehensive studies across many sites and genotypes are limited. Rhizosphere microbiomes are crucial for crop resistance to pathogens, stress tolerance, nutrient availability, and ultimately yield. Here, we quantify the relative roles of plant genotype, environment, and their interaction in shaping soil rhizosphere communities, using 16S and ITS gene sequencing of rhizosphere soils from 10 genotypes of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) at 15 sites across the Great Plains of the United States. While site generally outweighed genotype overall in terms of effects on archaeal, bacterial, and fungal richness, community composition, and taxa relative abundances, there was also a significant interaction such that genotype exerted a significant influence on archaeal, bacterial, and fungal microbiomes in certain sites. Site effects were attributed to a combination of spatial distance and differences in climate and soil properties. Microbial taxa that were previously associated with resistance to the fungal necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia were present in most sites but differed significantly in relative abundance across sites. Our results have implications for plant breeding and agronomic microbiome manipulations for agricultural improvement across different geographic regions.IMPORTANCEDespite the importance of plant breeding in agriculture, we still have a limited understanding of how plant genetic variation shapes soil microbiome composition across broad geographic regions. Using 15 sites across the Great Plains of North America, we show that cultivated sunflower rhizosphere archaeal, bacterial, and fungal communities are driven primarily by site soil and climatic differences, but genotype can interact with site to influence the composition, especially in warmer and drier sites with lower overall microbial richness. We also show that all taxa that were previously found to be associated with resistance to the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were widespread but significantly affected by site, while a subset was also significantly affected by genotype. Our results contribute to a broader understanding of rhizosphere archaeal, bacterial, and fungal community assembly and provide foundational knowledge for plant breeding efforts and potential future microbiome manipulations in agriculture.

The effect of group size and laying month on the quality, IgG, and corticosterone levels of goose eggs

Abstract. Environmental stress is known to negatively affect poultry health, production, and egg quality. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different group sizes and the laying month on egg quality characteristics as well as the effect of group size on corticosterone and IgG levels in goose eggs. The research was conducted on a semi-free-range goose breeder farm in Hajdú–Bihar county, Hungary. The eggs included in the analysis were produced by 4-year-old geese of the Grimaud breed. Two group sizes were constructed; the large group contained 850 birds; and there were three small groups, each containing 50 geese as replicates. The effect of the laying month and group size on egg quality parameters and the effect of group size on egg IgG and corticosterone contents were investigated. Eggs laid in January at the peak of production and at the end of February (low-production period) were involved in the study. Regarding the effect of months, we noticed a decrease in egg width (from 6.12 to 5.98 cm), shell thickness (from 0.76 to 0.61 mm at the blunt end, from 0.69 to 0.61 mm at the equator, and from 0.65 to 0.56 mm at the pointed end), shell weight (from 19.56 to 18.19 g), yolk weight (from 69.05 to 62.35 g), yolk ratio (from 36.45 % to 34.43 %), yolk diameter (from 7.09 to 6.59 cm), and yolk colour with fan (from 12.58 to 11.83) and b∗ (from 54.57 to 49.91) (P ≤ 0.05). The albumen ratio and yolk pH increased from 53.24 % to 55.51 % and from 6.18 to 6.29 from January to February, respectively. Regarding group size, the albumen pH (8.77 vs. 8.67), IgG (4955 vs. 3823 ng mL−1), and corticosterone (187.26 vs. 76.24 ng mL−1) levels were higher in the small groups (P ≤ 0.05).

Warmblood fragile foal syndrome: Pregnancy loss in Warmblood mares.

Fragile foal syndrome (FFS) or warmblood FFS Type 1 (WFFS) is a recessive, autosomal, hereditary, genetic defect causing late abortions, stillbirths and non-viable foals. Whether early pregnancy losses occur is unknown. To investigate how WFFS affects pregnancies and whether early pregnancy losses occur in WFFS matings and if there is a difference in pregnancy success between matings where both parents were allele carriers and those where only mare or stallion were WFFS carriers. Retrospective cohort study. Breeding records from a Warmblood stud farm were evaluated (2016-2019) and 2682 cycles of 177 mares analysed. Matings were assigned to four study groups, depending on the WFFS carrier status of the mare and stallion: N/WFFS × N/WFFS (n = 46), N/WFFS (mares) × N/N (n = 511), N/N × N/WFFS (stallions) (n = 191) and N/N × N/N (n = 2149). There were no differences in pregnancy rates between matings with only one WFFS carrier and those with non-carriers. When comparing N/WFFS × N/WFFS matings to those with only one or no WFFS-carrier, there were no increased pregnancy losses in the embryonic phase (day <42). By contrast, the N/WFFS × N/WFFS group had significantly more abortions (53.8%) than the other three study groups (7.9-9.2%; adjusted p < 0.0001). The higher losses were evenly distributed between the early (D42-150: 22.7% losses, n = 5) and late (D150-300: 29.4% losses, n = 5) foetal phase. The live foal rate per pregnancy for N/WFFS × N/WFFS matings was lowest (34.5%) and differed significantly (other groups 81%-84%; adjusted p < 0.0001); the peri- and postnatal mortality was higher (25%) compared with the other study groups (2.6%-3%). Low sample size in N/WWFS × N/WFFS matings, unbalanced study design, outcomes are descriptive, all mares from one stud farm. The mating of two WFFS carriers may lead to increased risks of pregnancy and foal loss.

A mixed method approach to analysing patterns and drivers of antibiotic use and resistance in beef farms in Argentina.

Antimicrobial resistance is a challenge to be faced by all livestock sectors; within beef farming, antibiotic use patterns vary by country and management practices. Argentina is a country with high beef production & consumption but limited information surrounding antibiotic use. The aims of this project was to understand how antibiotics are being used across the beef industry in Argentina and exploring drivers of usage. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected by: A survey of breeding and feedlot farms including antibiotic use (from purchase data); a detailed analysis of two feedlot farms' therapeutic antibiotic use records; a survey of vets' views on certain antibiotic practices; and a focus group of farmers and vets focusing on wider influences affecting decision making. Antibiotic use data was calculated using mg/population corrected unit (PCU) (ESVAC) and thematic analysis was used to identify drivers of antibiotic use among participants. The median use across 17 farms that supplied purchase data was 76.52 mg/kg PCU (ESVAC; IQR = 36.81 mg/kg PCU [ESVAC]). The detailed farm records showed that the largest reason for treatment was group treatments (72.92% of treatments) followed by treatment for respiratory disease (12.75% of treatments). Macrolides accounted for 76.37% of treatments. Nearly half of farms used routine prophylactic treatment for arriving animals (n = 7/18). The use of quarantine and 'sick pens' were seen as important by surveyed vets with antibiotic prophylaxis and in-feed antibiotics seen as contributors to antibiotic resistance. The focus group highlighted the influence of the economic and political landscape on husbandry practices and the responsibility the farming sector had towards antibiotic stewardship. Overall, Argentine beef feedlots resemble North American beef feedlots in terms of antibiotic practices but with considerably lower usage, with in-feed monensin representing a large proportion of total ABU. The adaptation period presents a challenge to animal health; antibiotics are administered a prophylaxis, metaphylactic and individual treatments depending on farm management practices. Further research into internationally comparable measures of ABU and detailed cost-benefit analysis of practical, on-farm interventions are needed to aid improved antimicrobial stewardship in livestock systems globally.

Single-cell transcriptomic and cross-species comparison analyses reveal distinct molecular changes of porcine testes during puberty

The pig is an important model for studying human diseases and is also a significant livestock species, yet its testicular development remains underexplored. Here, we employ single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptomic landscapes across multiple developmental stages of Bama pig testes from fetal stage through infancy, puberty to adulthood, and made comparisons with those of humans and mice. We reveal an exceptionally early onset of porcine meiosis shortly after birth, and identify a distinct subtype of porcine spermatogonia resembling transcriptome state 0 spermatogonial stem cells identified in humans, which were previously thought to be primate specific. We also discover the persistent presence of proliferating progenitors for myoid cells in postnatal testes. The regulatory roles of Leydig cell steroidogenesis and estrogen synthesis in supporting cell lineages are also explored, including the potential impact of estrogen on Sertoli cell maturation and spermatogenesis. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into porcine testicular development, paving the way for future research in reproductive biology, advancements in agricultural breeding, and potential applications in translational medicine.