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16 pages, 873 KiB  
Article
Development of Machine Learning Models for Estimating Metabolizable Protein Supply from Feed in Lactating Dairy Cows
by Mingyung Lee, Dong Hyeon Kim, Seongwon Seo and Luis O. Tedeschi
Animals 2025, 15(5), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050687 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
Accurate prediction of protein utilization in dairy cows is essential for optimizing nutrition and milk yield to achieve sustainable cattle production. This study aimed to develop novel machine learning models to predict rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) and duodenal microbial nitrogen (MicN) based on dietary [...] Read more.
Accurate prediction of protein utilization in dairy cows is essential for optimizing nutrition and milk yield to achieve sustainable cattle production. This study aimed to develop novel machine learning models to predict rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) and duodenal microbial nitrogen (MicN) based on dietary protein intake. A dataset comprising 1779 observations from 436 scientific publications was used to train support vector regression (SVR) and random forest regression (RFR) models. Different predictor sets were identified for each model, including factors such as days in milk (DIM), dry matter intake (DMI), dietary fiber content, and crude protein fractions. Model performance was evaluated using statistical metrics, including the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), with results compared to existing NASEM (2021) models. The RFR model provided the most precise and unbiased predictions for RUP (R2 = 0.60, RMSEP = 0.326 kg/d, CCC = 0.71), while the SVR model was most effective for MicN (R2 = 0.76, RMSEP = 42.4 g/d, CCC = 0.86). Both models outperformed traditional methods, demonstrating the potential of machine learning in improving protein utilization predictions. Future studies could explore hybrid approaches integrating conventional and AI-based models to enhance predictive accuracy. Full article
11 pages, 679 KiB  
Review
How Close Are We to the Production of Milk in Alternative Systems? The Fat Perspective
by Roni Tadmor-Levi and Nurit Argov-Argaman
Foods 2025, 14(5), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050809 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable food systems has led to significant advancements in developing alternatives to animal-derived products. Dairy products are an important dietary source of proteins and fats; however, their production raises environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions, extensive land and water [...] Read more.
The growing demand for sustainable food systems has led to significant advancements in developing alternatives to animal-derived products. Dairy products are an important dietary source of proteins and fats; however, their production raises environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions, extensive land and water usage, and biodiversity loss. Therefore, there is a need to develop sustainable, scalable solutions that will enable the production of quality replacements for animal-based foods with reduced environmental impacts. Recognizing that replacing animal-based products from a single source is currently not feasible; there is a need for high-quality sources of ingredients that can be combined to mimic the holistic product. In recent years, plant-based dairy alternatives have gained traction; however, their inability to replicate the sensorial experience of real milk—attributed largely to the unique composition and structure of milk fat—remains a key limitation. Cow’s milk fat has distinctive characteristics, including a complex fatty acid profile, which is rich in short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids with specific positional distribution. These characteristics of cow’s milk play a role in delivering the aroma, texture, and mouthfeel of dairy products. Recent efforts have focused on leveraging precision fermentation and cellular agriculture to mimic these properties. This review explores the unique lipid composition of ruminant milk, the biosynthesis of milk fats, and the challenges of replicating these features in non-mammalian systems. Emphasis is placed on short-chain fatty acids and chain-termination mechanisms in fatty acid synthesis. By integrating insights from diverse biological systems, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex processes related to milk fat synthesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Ingredients for the Animal Products Alternatives Industry)
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17 pages, 3922 KiB  
Article
Effect of Dietary Addition of Lentinus edodes on Rumen Flora, Lactation, and Health of Dairy Goats
by Huijun Shen, Mengyu Wang, Yong Ning, Yiqi Zhao, Baiji Danzeng, Kaixin Li, Huaiping Shi and Weijuan Li
Animals 2025, 15(5), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050676 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 68
Abstract
Lentinus edodes (LE) is a nutrient-rich medicinal fungus with potential applications in animal nutrition; however, its effects on dairy goats remain underexplored. This study investigated the impact of dietary LE addition on rumen microbiota, metabolic profiles, serum immunity, and milk quality in lactating [...] Read more.
Lentinus edodes (LE) is a nutrient-rich medicinal fungus with potential applications in animal nutrition; however, its effects on dairy goats remain underexplored. This study investigated the impact of dietary LE addition on rumen microbiota, metabolic profiles, serum immunity, and milk quality in lactating dairy goats. Twenty Saanen goats were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, basal diet) or an LE group (basal diet + 25 g Lentinus edodes) for 56 days. Rumen fluid, serum, and milk samples were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing, metabolomics, and biochemical assays. The results showed that the addition of LE altered the microbial composition, decreasing the abundance of fibrobacterial flora and Treponema (p < 0.05) while increasing VadinHA49. Metabolomic analysis revealed elevated fumaric acid, lysophospholipids (LysoPE, LysoPG), and D-quinic acid in the rumen (p < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). The milk somatic cell count (SCC) was reduced by 52.8% (p = 0.005) at day 56, and protein, fat, and total solids increased significantly (p < 0.05). Enrichment of functional metabolites such as D-arabitol and D-tryptophan in milk further highlighted LE’s role in improving product value. These findings demonstrate that LE optimizes rumen flora, enhances antioxidant and immune functions, and improves milk quality, supporting its use as a functional feed additive for dairy goats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)
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20 pages, 1857 KiB  
Article
Human Milk Microbiota Across Lactation Stages and Free Glutamate Concentrations in Healthy Ecuadorian Women
by Manuel E. Baldeon, Paul Cardenas, Valentina Arevalo, Belen Prado-Vivar, Mario Uchimiya, Lizbeth Peña, Andrea Denisse Benitez, Andrés Suárez-Jaramillo, Arthur S. Edison, Alonso Herrera, Linda Arturo and Marco Fornasini
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050805 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 118
Abstract
Background/Objectives: There is limited information on human milk (HM) microbiome composition and function in Latin America. Also, interactions between HM constituents and its microbiome have received partial attention. Objective: To characterize the HM microbiota composition considering lactation stages (colostrum, transition, and mature HM) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: There is limited information on human milk (HM) microbiome composition and function in Latin America. Also, interactions between HM constituents and its microbiome have received partial attention. Objective: To characterize the HM microbiota composition considering lactation stages (colostrum, transition, and mature HM) and free glutamate concentrations in Ecuadorian mothers. Methods: We recruited 20 mothers that gave birth to normal full-term babies and donated colostrum, transition, and mature milk. Samples were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). Free glutamate concentrations were measured by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Results: For each lactation stage and in order of frequency, the majority of ASVs were assigned to Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, (Firmicutes); Escherichia, Acinetobacter, (Proteobacteria); Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Cutibacterium, (Actinobacteriota); Chryseobacterium, and Flavobacterium (Bacteroidota). Alfa diversity was similar in HM samples and tended to be higher in milk intended for male infants. We observed significant differences in qualitative β-diversity metrics between samples with low and high glutamate concentrations. Functional predictions of HM microbiota demonstrated the presence of polyamine biosynthesis II super pathway in samples with high glutamate concentrations. Conclusions: The core bacterial components of the HM microbiota in Ecuadorian women were similar to those reported from different parts of the world, with variations at the genus level. Free glutamate dynamics in HM need to be studied considering maternal production and bacterial metabolism to better understand HM composition for optimal infant nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Proteins and Amino Acids)
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14 pages, 2480 KiB  
Article
Development of a Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction-Liquid Chromatography Targeted to Five Fluoroquinolones in Food Based on Aptamer Recognition
by Haiyan Zhou, Xiaofeng Yan, Yaning Song, Xiao Yang, Xianggui Chen and Yukun Huang
Foods 2025, 14(5), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050798 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 43
Abstract
Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are present in trace amounts in the environment, from where they enter animal- and plant-derived food products. Long-term exposure to low-dose drugs poses a risk to human health and increases the pressure on antibiotic selection. Based on previous aptamer screening with [...] Read more.
Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are present in trace amounts in the environment, from where they enter animal- and plant-derived food products. Long-term exposure to low-dose drugs poses a risk to human health and increases the pressure on antibiotic selection. Based on previous aptamer screening with high FQs specificity, this study combined a new aptamer recognition probe with a metal–organic framework (MOF) to obtain a sample pretreatment composite material with strong FQs specificity for multi-target analysis. Residual FQs were extracted from the complex food matrix via magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction and examined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The method showed good linearity in a range of 0.39 to 200 µg/kg for five FQs in milk and fish samples, with a detection limit of 0.04–0.10 µg/kg and a quantitative limit of 0.13–0.33 µg/kg. This study successfully developed an effective sample pretreatment material and methodology for trace FQs identification in complex animal-derived food matrices. Full article
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16 pages, 2577 KiB  
Article
Effect of Final Fermentation pH and Pre-Drying Storage Temperature on Properties of Kefir Powder Produced by Kefir Grains
by Georgia Dimitreli, Stylianos Exarhopoulos, Parthena Apidopoulou, Olga Groztidou, Despoina Georgiou, Eleni P. Kalogianni and Athanasios Goulas
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2509; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052509 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 54
Abstract
The demand of consumers for a healthier and functional diet necessitates amongst others, extending the shelf life of the natural probiotic kefir, reducing simultaneously packaging, transportation, and storage costs. Among the different drying methods, spray drying is widely used and industrially favorable to [...] Read more.
The demand of consumers for a healthier and functional diet necessitates amongst others, extending the shelf life of the natural probiotic kefir, reducing simultaneously packaging, transportation, and storage costs. Among the different drying methods, spray drying is widely used and industrially favorable to produce powdered products. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of the final fermentation pH and the pre-drying storage temperature (4 °C for 7 days) on the physicochemical properties, moisture content, pH, color, adsorption isotherms, and the microbiological characteristics of spray dried kefir. Kefir grains were used for the fermentation and the production of the samples. Viabilities of lactococci, lactobacilli, and yeasts were determined during a storage period of 45 days. Both final fermentation pH and low-temperature storage significantly affected the properties of the kefir powders and their respective reconstituted samples. According to the findings of the study, the desirable microbial populations of the reconstituted kefir powders are possible to accomplish by using an increased final fermentation pH at 5.2 and/or by applying low-temperature storage of the fermented milk, together with the kefir grains, at 4 °C for 7 days prior to drying. The yeast population was affected the least by the studied factors, and the use of kefir grains as starter culture favored the viability of lactococci and lactobacilli after spray drying and during storage up to 45 days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)
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10 pages, 1412 KiB  
Article
Foraging Resource Partitioning in the California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) from the Southwestern Gulf of California
by Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken, Arturo B. Enríquez-García and Romyna A. Cruz-Vallejo
Diversity 2025, 17(3), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17030166 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 65
Abstract
California sea lion (CSL, Zalophus californianus) abundance has declined in different localities across this species’ Mexican distribution. However, Los Islotes rookery in the southwestern Gulf of California (GoC) deviates from this pattern. It is vital to gather ecological knowledge of this CSL [...] Read more.
California sea lion (CSL, Zalophus californianus) abundance has declined in different localities across this species’ Mexican distribution. However, Los Islotes rookery in the southwestern Gulf of California (GoC) deviates from this pattern. It is vital to gather ecological knowledge of this CSL settlement and its surroundings to better understand its population in the GoC. This study aimed to determine the foraging habits of different CSL sex and age classes. Sixty-five CSL samples were collected in Los Islotes and its surroundings for stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N). The data were analyzed using a hierarchical Bayesian model, and isotopic areas were estimated using the SIBER package in R. Our findings evidenced resource partitioning. Adult females had lower δ15N values than most classes, reflecting the regional 15N-enrichment of the GoC. Conversely, subadult males showed low δ15N values, carrying foraging information from the 15N-depleted Pacific Ocean into the GoC. Adult males presented the highest δ15N values (after pups), suggesting a higher trophic position than adult females and values corresponding to the GoC. Moreover, juveniles had the most negative δ13C values and the largest isotopic areas, indicating offshore foraging habits and a mixed consumption of maternal milk and their first prey. Pups showed the highest mean δ15N value due to maternal milk consumption, reflecting the mother’s δ15N value and their enrichment. Our findings suggest that segregation is explained by unique life history traits and a possible strategy to avoid potential competition Full article
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14 pages, 1892 KiB  
Article
Alterations in Whey Protein Abundance Correlated with the Somatic Cell Count Identified via Label-Free and Selected Reaction Monitoring Proteomic Approaches
by Jing Li, Kaixu Chen, Changjiang Zang, Xiaowei Zhao, Zhiqiang Cheng, Xiaobin Li, Caidie Wang, Yong Chen and Kailun Yang
Animals 2025, 15(5), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050675 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 198
Abstract
The somatic cell count (SCC) is widely used to assess milk quality and diagnose intramammary infections. Several whey proteins have been shown to correlate significantly with SCC and are considered potential indicators of udder health. However, the relationship between milk whey proteins and [...] Read more.
The somatic cell count (SCC) is widely used to assess milk quality and diagnose intramammary infections. Several whey proteins have been shown to correlate significantly with SCC and are considered potential indicators of udder health. However, the relationship between milk whey proteins and SCC has not been fully elucidated. In this study, milk samples were grouped into five categories based on SCC levels. Subsequently, whey proteins were identified using a label-free proteomics approach, and the differential abundance of proteins was validated through a selected reaction monitoring (SRM) method. The levels of various proteins, including azurocidin 1 and kininogen-2, exhibited an increase, whereas topoisomerase I, tropomyosin-1, and desmin showed a significant decrease depending on the SCCs. Principal component analysis unveiled that these proteins contributed to the developmental alterations in milk proteins. A majority of these differentially abundant proteins were associated with response to stimulus, localization, and defense response. Our results provide fundamental information on the SCC that can be utilized for evaluating milk quality and serve as potential indicators for detecting intramammary infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
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13 pages, 2247 KiB  
Article
Genetic Evaluation of Resilience Indicators in Holstein Cows
by Eva Kašná, Ludmila Zavadilová and Jan Vařeka
Animals 2025, 15(5), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050667 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 140
Abstract
The analysis of resilience indicators was based on daily milk yields recorded from 3347 lactations of 3080 Holstein cows located on 10 farms between 2022 and 2024. Six farms used an automatic milking system. A random regression function with a fourth-degree Legendre polynomial [...] Read more.
The analysis of resilience indicators was based on daily milk yields recorded from 3347 lactations of 3080 Holstein cows located on 10 farms between 2022 and 2024. Six farms used an automatic milking system. A random regression function with a fourth-degree Legendre polynomial was used to predict the lactation curve. The indicators were the natural log-transformed variance (LnVar), lag-1 autocorrelation (r-auto), and skewness (skew) of daily milk yield (DMY) deviations from the predicted lactation curve, as well as the log-transformed variance of DMY (Var). The single-step genomic prediction method (ssGBLUP) was used for genomic evaluation. A total of 9845 genotyped animals and 36,839 SNPs were included. Heritability estimates were low (0.02–0.13). The strongest genetic correlation (0.87) was found between LnVar and Var. The genetic correlation between r-auto and skew was also strong but negative (−0.73). Resilience indicators showed a negative correlation with milk yield per lactation and a positive correlation with fat and protein contents. The negative correlation between fertility and two resilience indicators may be due to the evaluation period (50th–150th day of lactation) being when cows are most often bred after calving, and a decrease in production may accompany a significant oestrus. The associations between resilience indicators and health traits (clinical mastitis, claw health) were weak but mostly favourable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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18 pages, 5819 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Population Structure and Selective Signatures for Milk Production Traits in Xinjiang Brown Cattle and Chinese Simmental Cattle
by Kailun Ma, Xue Li, Shengchao Ma, Menghua Zhang, Dan Wang, Lei Xu, Hong Chen, Xuguang Wang, Aladaer Qi, Yifan Ren, Xixia Huang and Qiuming Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052003 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 108
Abstract
This study aims to elucidate the population structure and genetic diversity of Xinjiang brown cattle (XJBC) and Chinese Simmental cattle (CSC) while conducting genome-wide selective signatures analyses to identify selected genes associated with milk production traits in both breeds. Based on whole-genome resequencing [...] Read more.
This study aims to elucidate the population structure and genetic diversity of Xinjiang brown cattle (XJBC) and Chinese Simmental cattle (CSC) while conducting genome-wide selective signatures analyses to identify selected genes associated with milk production traits in both breeds. Based on whole-genome resequencing technology, whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 83 Xinjiang brown cattle and 80 Chinese Simmental cattle were detected to resolve the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the two populations, whole-genome selective elimination analysis was performed for the two breeds of cattle using the fixation index (Fst) and nucleotide diversity (θπ ratio), and enrichment analysis was performed to explore their biological functions further. Both breeds exhibited relatively rich genetic diversity, with the Chinese Simmental cattle demonstrating higher genetic diversity than Xinjiang brown cattle. The IBS and G matrix results indicated that most individuals in the two populations were farther apart from each other. The PCA and neighbor-joining tree revealed no hybridization between the two breeds, but there was a certain degree of genetic differences among the individuals in the two breeds. Population structure analysis revealed that the optimal number of ancestors was three when K = 3. This resulted in clear genetic differentiation between the two populations, with only a few individuals having one ancestor and the majority having two or three common ancestors. A combined analysis of Fst and θπ was used to screen 112 candidate genes related to milk production traits in Xinjiang brown cattle and Chinese Simmental cattle. This study used genome-wide SNP markers to reveal the genetic diversity, population structure, and selection characteristics of two breeds. This study also screened candidate genes related to milk production traits, providing a theoretical basis for conserving genetic resources and improving genetic selection for milk production traits in Xinjiang brown cattle and Chinese Simmental cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
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17 pages, 9227 KiB  
Article
Nanoparticle-Enhanced Acoustic Wave Biosensor Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Food
by Sandro Spagnolo, Katharina Davoudian, Brian De La Franier, Robert Kocsis, Tibor Hianik and Michael Thompson
Biosensors 2025, 15(3), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15030146 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 124
Abstract
A biosensor was designed for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria in whole milk samples. The sensing layer involved the antifouling linking molecule 3-(2-mercaptoethanoxy)propanoic acid (HS-MEG-COOH), which was covalently linked to an aptamer for binding P. aeruginosa. The aptasensor uses [...] Read more.
A biosensor was designed for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria in whole milk samples. The sensing layer involved the antifouling linking molecule 3-(2-mercaptoethanoxy)propanoic acid (HS-MEG-COOH), which was covalently linked to an aptamer for binding P. aeruginosa. The aptasensor uses the thickness shear mode (TSM) system for mass-sensitive acoustic sensing of the bacterium. High concentrations (105 CFU mL−1) of nonspecific bacteria, E. coli, S. aureus, and L. acidophilus, were tested with the aptasensor and caused negligible frequency shifts compared to P. aeruginosa. The aptasensor has high selectivity for P. aeruginosa, with an extrapolated limit of detection (LOD) of 86 CFU mL−1 in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 157 CFU mL−1 in milk. To improve the sensitivity of the sensor, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were functionalized with the same aptamer for P. aeruginosa and flowed through the sensor following bacteria, reducing the extrapolated LOD to 68 CFU mL−1 in PBS and 46 CFU mL−1 in milk. The frequency variations in the aptasensor are proportional to various concentrations of P. aeruginosa (102–105 CFU mL−1) with and without AuNPs, respectively. The low and rapid mass-sensitive detection demonstrates the ability of the aptasensor to quantitatively identify bacterial contamination in buffer and milk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Biosensors for Foodborne Pathogens Detection)
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21 pages, 2895 KiB  
Article
Genomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Bacillus cereus in Milk: Insights into the Sweet Curdling Defect
by Maria Kyritsi, George Tsiolas, Antiopi Tsoureki, Vasiliki Schoretsaniti, Maria Gougouli, Sofia Michailidou and Anagnostis Argiriou
Foods 2025, 14(5), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050780 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 134
Abstract
Bacillus cereus sensu lato (B. cereus s.l.) are significant spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms found in various foodstuffs. They are responsible for defects like sweet curdling in milk, which impacts dairy product storage and distribution. Nevertheless, the genetic mechanisms underlying B. cereus-induced sweet curdling [...] Read more.
Bacillus cereus sensu lato (B. cereus s.l.) are significant spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms found in various foodstuffs. They are responsible for defects like sweet curdling in milk, which impacts dairy product storage and distribution. Nevertheless, the genetic mechanisms underlying B. cereus-induced sweet curdling remain poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the genetic and functional basis underlying this phenomenon through whole genome sequencing of the newly isolated B. cereus strain BC46 and transcriptome sequencing at two phases of its growth in milk. Hybrid assembly of Illumina and Nanopore reads resulted in a 5.6 Mb genome with 35.1% GC content, classifying BC46 as B. cereus sensu stricto (B. cereus s.s.) within the panC group IV. Several virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes, and cold shock proteins were identified in the genome. A distinct functional profile of BC46 was observed before and after the development of sweet curdling in milk. Genes associated with sporulation, toxin production, hydrolysis, and proteolysis were upregulated in sweet-curdled samples. Our findings highlight potential gene targets that may play an important role in the BC46-induced sweet curdling in milk, enhancing our understanding of its molecular basis and supporting the development of new genetic approaches for early spoilage detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foodborne Pathogen Reduction in Foods)
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16 pages, 12457 KiB  
Article
Association of Genes TRH, PRL and PRLR with Milk Performance, Reproductive Traits and Heat Stress Response in Dairy Cattle
by Qianhai Fang, Hailiang Zhang, Qing Gao, Lirong Hu, Fan Zhang, Qing Xu and Yachun Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051963 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 123
Abstract
In our previous study, we found that changes in plasma prolactin (PRL) concentration were significantly associated with heat stress in dairy cows, and that PRL plays an important role in milk performance. Microarray sequencing revealed that thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and [...] Read more.
In our previous study, we found that changes in plasma prolactin (PRL) concentration were significantly associated with heat stress in dairy cows, and that PRL plays an important role in milk performance. Microarray sequencing revealed that thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and prolactin receptor (PRLR), two genes important for PRL expression or function, may affect milk performance, reproduction, and heat stress response in dairy cattle. In this study, we further validated the genetic effects of the three genes in Chinese Holsteins. The potential variants within the three genes were first detected in 70 Chinese Holstein bulls and then screened in 1152 Chinese Holstein cows using the KASP (Kompetitive allele-specific PCR) method. In total, 42 variants were identified. Further, 13 SNPs were retained for KASP genotyping, including 8 in TRH, 3 in PRL, and 2 in PRLR. Using SNP-based association analyses, the multiple significant (p < 0.05) associations of these 13 SNPs with milk performance, reproduction, and heat stress response traits were found in the Holstein population. Furthermore, linkage disequilibrium analysis found a haplotype block in each of the TRH and PRL genes. Haplotype-based association analyses showed that haplotype blocks were also significantly (p < 0.05) associated with milk performance, reproduction, and heat stress response traits. Collectively, our results identified the genetic associations of TRH, PRL, and PRLR with milk performance, reproduction, and heat stress response traits in dairy cows, and found the important roles of SNP g.55888602A/C and g.55885455A/G in TRH in all traits, providing important molecular markers for genetic selection of high-yielding dairy cows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Genetics and Genomics of Ruminants)
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15 pages, 6662 KiB  
Article
A Broad-Spectrum Monoclonal Antibody-Based Heterologous ic-ELISA for the Detection of Multiple Pyrethroids in Water, Milk, Celery, and Leek
by Sulin Hou, Dandan Zhang, Zhenyu Xu, Yun Shen and Yulian Wang
Foods 2025, 14(5), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050768 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 95
Abstract
Pyrethroids are one of the most commonly used insecticides worldwide in agriculture, public health, and household products. To monitor the presence of pyrethroids in the environment and in food, a broad-spectrum monoclonal antibody (mAb), CL/CN-1D2, was prepared. This mAb demonstrates a 50% inhibitory [...] Read more.
Pyrethroids are one of the most commonly used insecticides worldwide in agriculture, public health, and household products. To monitor the presence of pyrethroids in the environment and in food, a broad-spectrum monoclonal antibody (mAb), CL/CN-1D2, was prepared. This mAb demonstrates a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for different pyrethroids: cypermethrin (129.1 µg/L), β-cypermethrin (199.6 µg/L), cyfluthrin (215.5 µg/L), fenpropathrin (220.3 µg/L), λ-cyhalothrin (226.9 µg/L), β-cyfluthrin (241.7 µg/L), deltamethrin (591.2 µg/L), and fenvalerate (763.1 µg/L). Using the mAb CL/CN-1D2, a highly sensitive heterologous indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA) was developed for the rapid detection of these pyrethroids. The limit of detection (LOD) for the eight pyrethroids in water, milk, celery, and leek matrices ranged from 24.4 to 152.2 μg/kg. The recoveries ranged from 65.1% to 112.4%, with a coefficient of variation (CV) below 15%. A robust correlation (R2 = 0.9945) between the ic-ELISA and GC indicated that the ic-ELISA is a reliable tool for the rapid and cost-effective screening of pyrethroids residues. Full article
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21 pages, 337 KiB  
Review
Functional and Economic Role of Some Mediterranean Medicinal Plants in Dairy Ruminants’ Feeding: A Review of the Effects of Garlic, Oregano, and Rosemary
by Piera Iommelli, Anna Antonella Spina, Alessandro Vastolo, Lorenzo Infascelli, Daria Lotito, Nadia Musco and Raffaella Tudisco
Animals 2025, 15(5), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050657 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 148
Abstract
Botanical and herbal supplements contain diverse compounds that support health and prevent disease by influencing biological pathways. In ruminant nutrition, such supplements are rarely used as most integrations focus on production improvements using synthetic additives. This review explores the potential of Mediterranean herbs, [...] Read more.
Botanical and herbal supplements contain diverse compounds that support health and prevent disease by influencing biological pathways. In ruminant nutrition, such supplements are rarely used as most integrations focus on production improvements using synthetic additives. This review explores the potential of Mediterranean herbs, namely, garlic, oregano, and rosemary, in dairy ruminant diets, emphasizing their effects on milk production, antioxidant activity, weaning management, in vitro studies, and economic impacts. Using medicinal plants reduces reliance on synthetic additives, lowers costs, enhances animal health, and boosts productivity. These plants align with sustainable farming practices, enable premium market access, and support local resources to improve performance and reduce livestock’s environmental footprint. Full article
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