Search Results (4,104)

The increasing demand for poultry meat calls for sustainable production methods that address animal welfare and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Commensal Escherichia coli serve as reservoirs of resistance genes that may transfer to pathogens, facilitating AMR spread in agriculture. This study evaluated the efficacy of a bacteriophage cocktail, UPWr_E, applied as a litter spray to reduce total and antibiotic-resistant E. coli in broiler chicken rearing. The cocktail, containing four lytically active phages, was administered for four weeks. Microbiological analyses of litter, feces, and cecal contents showed a significant reduction in total E. coli by 3.2 log₁₀ CFU/g in litter and a decrease in resistant strains to gentamicin, enrofloxacin, tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, compared to controls. No significant changes occurred in E. coli loads in feces or cecal contents, indicating limited impact on the number of commensal E. coli in cecal contents. Phages remained detectable and stable in litter and feces throughout the study. These findings demonstrate the potential of phage therapy as a targeted, environmentally friendly approach to control AMR reservoirs in poultry farming. Incorporating phage-based treatments into AMR management strategies could improve food safety and promote sustainable animal production. Full article

This study aimed to investigate cattle farmer livelihoods that relate to cattle welfare in the region with the newly emerging Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Indonesia. A semi-structured interview survey was conducted with randomly selected cattle farmers (n = 102), in Riau. Cattle were bled for analysis of LSD-post-vaccinal seroconversion. The Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) was used; data on livelihood assets, activities, and outcomes were analysed using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), two-step clustering, and the radar chart of asset possessions. The survey showed that vaccination and veterinary services covered 82.4% and 90.2% of farms. Seroconversion was detectable in vaccinated (15.0%, n = 173) and in non-vaccinated animals (23.1%, n = 13). Farmers mostly fed only grass to cattle (92.2%), with neither pastoral management nor ad libitum water provision. The MCA and cluster analyses indicated that cattle shelter roofing and flooring and manure disposal were the most important markers of the community’s livelihood. Poverty among cattle farmers was 23.5%. The cluster with lower income per capita had lower quality of shelter roofing and flooring, a lack of regular manure disposal, jobless second children, and the lowest possession of natural and physical assets. Helping to possess natural and physical assets might improve cattle farmers’ well-being and cattle welfare. Full article

Precision livestock farming (PLF) is rapidly advancing, with a growing array of technologies being explored and implemented to improve both productivity and animal welfare. One of the major challenges in this field is the identification of individual animals. Despite numerous efforts having been made to automate this process, there remains a lack of holistic reviews that comprehensively integrate and evaluate these technological developments. Historically, humans have employed various techniques to identify individual animals. This article provides an overview of the evolution of animal identification methods, highlighting significant transitions across various time periods. In prehistoric times, identification relied solely on visual inspection. Today, advanced methods are being utilized, such as radio frequency identification (RFID), computer vision-based systems, biometric recognition, and DNA profiling. Each identification method has its own strengths and limitations. Interestingly, early methods such as visual inspection and drawing can still inspire the development of novel automated systems when combined with modern technologies. Full article

Computer vision is rapidly transforming the field of dairy farm management by enabling automated, non-invasive monitoring of animal health, behavior, and productivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent applications of computer vision in dairy farming management operations, including cattle identification and tracking, and consequently the assessment of feeding and rumination behavior, body condition score, lameness and lying behavior, mastitis and milk yield, and social behavior and oestrus. By synthesizing findings from recent studies, we highlight how computer vision systems contribute to improving animal welfare and enhancing productivity and reproductive performance. The paper also discusses current technological limitations, such as variability in environmental conditions and data integration challenges, as well as opportunities for future development, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This review aims to guide researchers and practitioners toward more effective adoption of vision-based technologies in precision livestock farming. Full article

Respiratory infections are a major concern in pig farming as they negatively impact animal health and productivity. Coughing is a key symptom of respiratory disease and can be classified as productive or non-productive, but human assessment often leads to inconsistencies. This study aimed to use a machine learning model to classify pig coughs and investigate their association with respiratory infections. Cough sounds from 49 fattening pigs were recorded and analyzed using a Python-based machine learning system. The model’s accuracy in detecting coughs was 0.72, compared to 0.69 for farmers. For classification of non-productive coughs, the machine learning results showed strong agreement with infection status by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, with a Spearman’s correlation of 0.80 and a Cohen’s Kappa of 0.79. However, the association with Porcine Circovirus type 2 was weak, with correlation and Kappa values of 0.05 and 0.037, respectively. These findings indicate that machine learning can classify pig coughs more accurately than human evaluators and that non-productive coughs are strongly linked to Mycoplasma infection but not to PCV2. This suggests the potential use of machine learning for more reliable disease monitoring and early detection in swine production. Full article

The use of exogenous enzymes in the nutrition of dairy cows is an innovative and efficient strategy to maximize productivity and milk quality, with positive applications in the economic and environmental aspects of dairy farming. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of a blend of exogenous enzymes to the diet of lactating Jersey cows has a positive effect on productive performance, milk quality, animal health, ruminal environment, and digestibility. Twenty-one primiparous Jersey cows, with 210 days in lactation (DL), were used. The exogenous enzymes used were blends containing mainly protease, in addition to cellulase, xylanase, and beta-glucanase. The animals were divided into three groups with seven replicates per group (each animal being the experimental unit), as follows: Control (T-0), basal diet without enzyme addition; Treatment (T-80), animals fed enzymes in the diet at a daily dose of 80 mg per kg of dry matter (DM); Treatment (T-160), animals fed enzymes in the diet at a daily dose of 160 mg per kg of DM. The study lasted 84 days, during which higher milk production was observed in the treated groups (T-80 and T-160) compared to the control group (p = 0.04). When calculating feed efficiency from days 1 to 84, greater efficiency was observed in both groups that received the blend compared to the control (p = 0.05). In the centesimal composition of the milk, it was observed that the percentage of protein in the milk of the T-160 group was higher compared to the control group (p = 0.03). The effect of the enzymes was verified for butyric (p = 0.05) and palmitic (p = 0.05) fatty acids. We also observed the effect of the enzyme blend on the amount of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which were higher in the ruminal fluid of cows that received the enzymes (p = 0.01). Cows that consumed enzymes showed a higher apparent digestibility coefficient of crude protein (p = 0.01). In vitro, the main result is related to lower gas production in 24 and 48 h at T-160. We concluded that the use of a blend of exogenous enzymes in the diet of lactating Jersey cows was able to increase milk production in these animals, resulting in greater feed efficiency and also an increase in milk protein content, positively modulating the fatty acid profile in the rumen and improving the apparent digestibility of nutrients. Full article

Paratuberculosis is a chronic zoonotic bacterial infection, primarily affecting ruminants. This review examines the disease in the Arabian Peninsula, focusing on distribution, molecular diversity, prevalence, and associated risk factors. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening, data extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed. Pathogen sequences were retrieved from NCBI GenBank for phylogenetic analysis. The review included a total of 31 published articles from 1997 to 2025, of which 26 were used in the meta-analysis. Most studies (n = 12) were published between 2011 and 2015, predominantly from Saudi Arabia (n = 22), with no reports from Qatar, Bahrain, or Yemen. The majority of the studies involved camels and sheep (n = 16 on each species), followed by cattle (n = 9), goats (n = 7), humans (n = 2), and buffalo (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis delineates two major clades—Type S and Type C—suggesting greater genetic diversity in Type S. The estimated pooled seroprevalence and pathogen prevalence in livestock ruminants were 8.1% and 22.4%, respectively. Herd-level estimated pooled seroprevalence was 26.9%. Small ruminants (19.3%) were more sero-prevalent than large ruminants (7.4%), with goats (28.7%) significantly (p < 0.01) more affected than sheep (21.5%), camel (9.8%), and cattle (6.6%). Clinical signs in ruminants included chronic diarrhea, emaciation, anorexia, alopecia, wry neck, and dehydration. The reviewed study patterns and findings suggest high pathogen diversity and a significant risk of transboundary transmission at the human–animal interface in this region. A One Health surveillance approach is crucial, particularly on farms with diarrheic and emaciated animals. Establishing a national surveillance plan and phased (short-, intermediate-, and long-term) control programs is essential to mitigate economic losses, limit transmission, overcome the cultural barrier, and protect public health. Full article

Y. enterocolitica is a cold-tolerant, foodborne pathogen that poses a significant risk to public health, with pigs identified as its main reservoir. This review explores the current knowledge on the epidemiology, transmission, and virulence of Y. enterocolitica in pigs, highlighting their central role in spreading the bacterium to humans—primarily through the consumption of raw or undercooked pork. The pathogen is frequently found in pig tonsils and intestines and can contaminate meat during slaughter. Among the various strains, bioserotype 4/O:3 is the most common cause of human illness. Y. enterocolitica carries a diverse set of virulence genes, such as ail, yst, inv, and yad, and evades immune responses. The review also covers major outbreaks, risk factors on farms and in slaughterhouses, and the limitations of current surveillance systems. Reducing the impact of Y. enterocolitica requires a One Health approach linking animal health, food safety, and public health. Full article

Precision fermentation, a highly controlled process of microbial fermentation, is emerging as a transformative tool to produce cosmetic ingredients. This technology leverages engineered micro-organisms to produce high-value compounds with applications in skincare, hair care, and other cosmetic formulations. Unlike traditional methods of ingredient sourcing, which often rely on extraction from plants or animals, precision fermentation offers a sustainable and scalable alternative, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing the consistency of ingredient supply. This paper explores the potential of precision fermentation to revolutionize the cosmetic industry by enabling the production of complex molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and other bioactive compounds, which are essential for cosmetic efficacy. Using synthetic biology, micro-organisms such as yeast, bacteria, and fungi are programmed to biosynthesize specific cosmetic ingredients, which can include antioxidants, emulsifiers, and moisturizers. This technique not only ensures high purity and ingredients safety but also allows for the production of novel compounds that may be difficult or impossible to obtain through traditional methods. Furthermore, precision fermentation can be employed to address growing consumer demand for cruelty-free, vegan, and eco-friendly products, as it eliminates the need for animal-derived ingredients and reduces resource consumption associated with conventional farming and extraction processes. This review highlights key advancements in the field, discussing the challenges faced by industry, such as regulatory framework, and presents potential solutions for overcoming these obstacles. The paper concludes by examining the prospects of precision fermentation in cosmetics, forecasting how continued innovation in this area could further drive sustainability, ethical production practices, and the development of highly functional, scientifically advanced cosmetic products. Full article

Poultry is a vital component of global meat production, with particular importance in Nigeria and Africa, as it promotes food security, economic growth, and rural livelihoods. Indigenous chickens, although less productive, are well adapted to local environments and provide significant socio-economic and nutritional benefits. The rising demand for animal protein and concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitate the development of sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production. Probiotics have emerged as effective feed additives that enhance gut health, immunity, nutrient absorption, and overall productivity. While extensively studied in commercial poultry, research on probiotics in Nigerian Indigenous Ecotype Chickens (NIECs) remains limited. Key challenges in indigenous poultry systems include low productivity, disease vulnerability, limited veterinary access, and environmental pressures. Addressing these requires improved management practices, infrastructure, veterinary support, and enabling policies. Multi-strain probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus species, demonstrate promise in enhancing productivity, improving product quality, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring food safety. Focused research on local probiotic strains, field trials, farmer education, and policy support is crucial for harnessing the full benefits of probiotics and transforming indigenous poultry farming into a resilient and sustainable sector. Full article

Farmers frequently face the decision to retain or replace dairy cows, with 20% to 40% of cows replaced annually. In Switzerland, this translates to over 100,000 cows replaced each year, representing a significant financial investment for farms and the dairy industry. The average productive lifespan of a dairy cow is currently three to four parities worldwide as in Switzerland, shorter than the optimal five to six parities, leading to financial losses from premature culling. Factors influencing suboptimal replacement decisions include inaccurate valuation of production parameters, replacement costs, and health issues. This study bridges the gap between theoretical models and real-world practices by analyzing replacement decisions from 29 Swiss dairy farmers over five years, comparing them to theoretical models and evaluating economic impacts. On average, suboptimal decisions resulted in an economic loss of 161 ± 164 CHF per farm per month (1.55 ± 1.58 CHF per cow per month), with losses from retaining unprofitable cows being approximately three times greater than those from premature culling. The results indicate that farmers typically make economically sound decisions regarding cow replacement; this contrasts with findings from previous studies on the topic. Nonetheless, replacing cows prematurely, particularly during their first parity, is not ideal from ecological, animal welfare, and sustainability standpoints. Consequently, enhancing animal health and fertility becomes essential for reducing culling rates and improving the longevity of dairy cows. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pompe disease (PD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal acid α-1,4-glucosidase (GAA) encoded by the GAA gene, leading to muscular dysfunctions due to pathological accumulation of glycogen in skeletal and cardiac muscles. PD has been reported in several animals and Japanese quails (JQ; Coturnix japonica), but a causative mutation has yet to be found in JQs with PD. Here, we aimed to identify a pathogenic mutation in JQs associated with PD. Methods: Paraffin-embedded skeletal muscle blocks from four JQs stored since the 1970s were used in this study. After confirming the histopathological phenotypes of PD, Sanger sequencing was performed to identify a pathological mutation in the GAA I gene of JQs. A genotyping survey was conducted using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting a candidate mutation using DNA samples extracted from 70 new-hatched JQs and 10 eggs from commercial farms. Results: Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of the PD phenotype in three affected JQs based on abnormal histopathological changes and accumulated glycogen in the affected muscles, while one JQ was unaffected and served as a control. Sanger sequencing revealed that the three affected JQs were homozygous for the deletion of guanine at position 1096 in the open reading frame (c.1096delG). A genotyping survey of 70 JQs and 10 eggs from commercial farms showed that none carried this deletion mutation. Conclusions: This study identified c.1096delG as the pathogenic mutation for PD in JQs. This mutation induces a frameshift and substitution of amino acids at position 366 (alanine to histidine), resulting in premature termination at the 23rd codon (p.A366Hfs*23). This suggests that this mutation causes the deficient activity of GAA in JQs with PD. The identification of the c.1096delG mutation enabled the systematic maintenance of the flock colony in the PD model. Furthermore, this PD model can be used to clarify unknown aspects of PD pathogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies. Full article

This study applied geostatistics to analyze thermal images of the back surface of pigs’ ears (TSO) to understand how spatial temperature variability influences thermoregulation. The objective was to assess TSO variability in pigs housed under two climate control systems, namely, pens without cooling (BTEST) and with an evaporative cooling system (BECS), using infrared thermography and geostatistical tools. A total of 432 thermal images were obtained from 18 finishing pigs at 08:00, 12:00, and 16:00. Semivariograms were modeled and validated, and kriging maps were developed to visualize the spatial temperature distribution. The pens were thermally characterized using reclassified Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) values. The Gaussian model (R² > 0.9) showed strong spatial dependence in temperature data. Pigs in the BECS system exhibited lower average TSO temperatures (28.2–38.6 °C) than those in the BTEST system, where temperatures exceeded 34 °C, highlighting the role of cooling in mitigating heat stress. In both systems, higher THI values were associated with increased TSO, indicating thermal discomfort under elevated environmental temperatures. Geostatistical analysis effectively revealed spatial patterns and variability in surface temperatures, providing key insights into how environmental conditions impact pigs’ thermal responses. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important pathogen associated with multidrug resistance and virulence in both human and animal populations. While its prevalence and resistance patterns are well documented in clinical settings, data on K. pneumoniae in food-producing animals remain scarce. This study aimed to isolate and characterize multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains from healthy rabbits raised for human consumption, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance genes, plasmid content, and associated mobile genetic elements. A total of 295 fecal samples were collected from rabbits across 20 commercial farms in northern Portugal. Isolates were confirmed using MALDI-TOF MS, tested for hypermucoviscosity, and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (EUCAST). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to determine sequence types (STs), resistance genes, plasmids, and resistance determinants for metals and biocides. Six K. pneumoniae isolates were recovered, showing extensive antimicrobial resistance profiles, including ESBL genes such as bla_CTX-M-15, bla_SHV-28, and bla_TEM-1. The most frequent ST was ST307. Multiple genes resistant to heavy metals were identified. Plasmid analysis revealed the presence of IncFII, IncN, and ColRNAI types. Network analysis showed clusters of genetically related isolates and highlighted shared resistance mechanisms. The presence of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae in healthy rabbits destined for human consumption underscores the zoonotic potential of this species and the need for surveillance in the animal–food–human interface. These findings contribute to a better understanding of resistance ecology in the context of One Health. Full article

This on-farm study explored the effects of diverse pasture systems and seaweed bio-stimulants (AgriSea NZ Seaweed Products, Paeroa, New Zealand) on sheep performance, metabolic health, milk composition, and carcass characteristics. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used to compare three pasture systems; ryegrass-white clover (RW), a 23-species diverse mix (DI), and functionally diverse strip swards (ST), with (SW) or without (CO) a seaweed bio-stimulant. Ninety pregnant ewes were stratified by live weight and allocated across six treatment groups (15 ewes per treatment). Lambing occurred on treatment paddocks. At weaning, 90 lambs (15 per treatment) were selected based on body weight and sex balance to continue through to finishing. Pasture chemical composition differed among treatments: ST had lower fibre (neutral detergent fibre, NDF; acid detergent fibre, ADF) than RW and DI, while SW increased dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolisable energy (ME), and reduced NDF and ADF (p < 0.05). Strip pastures improved lamb average daily gain (ADG) by 17% from lambing to weaning compared to DI, and by 14% from weaning to finishing compared to RW (p < 0.05). Seaweed bio-stimulant treatment enhanced lamb ADG by up to 12% and improved carcass traits, including loin and shoulder yields (p < 0.05). Ewes and lambs on seaweed-treated pastures exhibited lower serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations (p < 0.05), indicating better energy balance. Milk from ST and/or SW treated ewes had elevated omega-6 fatty acids and essential amino acids, suggesting enhanced nutritional value. These findings demonstrate that combining botanical diversity with natural bio-stimulants can improve animal growth, metabolic health, and product quality, offering a promising strategy for sustainable and welfare-oriented sheep production systems. Full article