Search Results (160)

Background: Reproductive efficiency is a significant hurdle to the sustainability of the beef cattle industry. Method: This study employed transcriptomic profiling to investigate endometrial gene expression differences in heifers with divergent fertility outcomes. Caruncular endometrial samples from fertile (n = 7) and subfertile (n = 5) heifers were subjected to RNA-Seq analysis, yielding 894 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p ≤ 0.05 and |log2FC| ≥ 0.5). Results: The MAPK (Mitogen-activated protein kinase) and Rap1 (Ras-associated protein 1) signaling pathways and immune response regulation were identified among the over-represented pathways underlying the DEGs. Transcriptional regulators, such as DUSP2, DUSP10, and MAPK13, were downregulated in subfertile heifers, suggesting disrupted signal transduction and immune function. Gene co-expression network analysis showed network rewiring and increased connectivity of genes related to cilium organization, motility, and microtubule-based processes in the subfertile group. Over-represented hub genes were enriched in the subfertile endometrium, including DNAH2, DNAI2, DNAAF4, CCDC65, and the transcription factor FOXJ1. Our results suggest that impaired ciliary function and disrupted MAPK and immune signaling could potentially contribute to subfertility. Conclusions: This study highlights novel molecular signatures in the uterine endometrium that may serve as predictive markers of fertility potential in beef heifers, providing a foundation for targeted strategies to improve reproductive performance in cattle. Full article

Annual greenhouse gas emissions from livestock (CO₂ equivalent) are estimated at approximately 7.1 billion tons, accounting for 14.5% of global emissions, with beef and dairy cattle production contributing 41% and 20% of total emissions, respectively. Greenhouse gases released by ruminants not only lead to feed energy loss but also result in environmental degradation. Therefore, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants is crucial for the sustainable development of the ruminant industry. The primary greenhouse gases produced by ruminants include nitrous oxide from ruminant manure storage and methane generated in the rumen via the action of methanogenic archaea. Tannins, a class of polyphenolic compounds present in many plants, play a significant role in animal feed. Recent studies have shown that incorporating certain tannins and their metabolic products into diets can modulate protein metabolism and the ruminal microbiome, thereby regulating greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants. This review summarizes the types and properties of dietary tannins, as well as the latest advancements in understanding the impacts of tannins and their metabolites on cattle nutrient digestion and greenhouse gas emissions, concluding that dietary tannin supplementation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants. Future research should focus on identifying the optimal concentrations of different tannins and their metabolites in diets to minimize ruminant greenhouse gas production while maintaining animal performance and health. Full article

Using locally produced forage and agro-industrial by-products can reduce dependence on imported feed and competition for human food sources, while improving meat quality. However, the overall effect of this feeding strategy on global greenhouse gas emissions must be evaluated to provide a comprehensive assessment of sustainability. This study aimed to test whether replacing the conventional concentrate finishing diet with a total mixed ration (TMR) diet based on maize silage and brewer’s spent grains (BSG) would improve meat quality without compromising productive performance, carcass composition, and the carbon footprint (CFp) of finishing beef cattle. Twenty crossbred young bulls were randomly distributed among 4 pens and randomly allocated to 2 treatments: Control—a conventional diet based on commercial concentrate and wheat straw or TMR—a maize silage-based diet with BSG, concentrate, and straw. Dry matter intake and average daily gain were 13% and 15%, respectively, lower in the TMR treatment than in the Control treatment. Daily methane emissions were 59% higher in the TMR treatment. However, life cycle assessment results revealed no differences in the CFp, and the beef from TMR treatment achieved higher meat quality. In conclusion, a maize silage-based diet offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional diets, with a lower environmental impact and improved beef quality. Full article

Feeding a balanced diet such as total mixed ration (TMR) is a widely adopted feeding strategy providing a uniformly blended diet of roughages, concentrates, and supplements that enhances ruminant productivity by optimizing nutrient utilization, stabilizing rumen fermentation, and improving microbial activity. Scientific studies have confirmed that TMR increases dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and growth performance in dairy and beef cattle, as well as in sheep and goats. TMR’s advantages include consistent feed quality, reduced selective feeding, and improved feed efficiency. A key benefit of TMR is its ability to promote the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are the primary energy source for ruminants, particularly propionate. This enhances energy metabolism, resulting in higher carcass yields, increased milk production, and economic benefits compared to conventional or supplementary feeding systems. However, TMR feeding is also susceptible to mycotoxin contamination (e.g., aflatoxins, zearalenone), potential effects on methane emissions, and the need for precise formulation to maintain consistency and optimise profitability. Prevention and good practices, including routine inspection of feed for pathogens and vulnerable ingredients, as well as careful management of particle size and forage-to-concentrate ratios, are crucial in preventing subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and the development of other subclinical diseases. Mycotoxin binders, such as hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate, can also reduce mycotoxin absorption. Another advantage of practicing TMR is that it can support sustainable farming by integrating agro-industrial byproducts, which minimises environmental impact. In conclusion, TMR is a widely adopted feeding strategy that significantly enhances ruminant productivity by optimizing nutrient utilization, stabilizing rumen fermentation, and improving microbial activity, leading to increased dry matter intake, milk yield, and growth performance. It offers key benefits such as consistent feed quality, reduced selective feeding, improved feed efficiency, and enhanced energy metabolism, providing economic advantages and supporting sustainable farming through agro-industrial byproduct integration. However, its implementation requires careful management to mitigate risks, including mycotoxin contamination, potential impacts on methane emissions, and digestive issues like SARA if formulation is not precise. Therefore, for sustainable production, future research should focus on optimizing TMR formulations with alternative ingredients (e.g., agro-industrial byproducts) and precision feeding strategies to enhance livestock health and animal productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Full article

Bruises in beef cattle carcasses are important indicators related to pre-slaughter handling and transport conditions, with implications for animal welfare and meat quality. This study analysed 19.4 million cattle carcasses transported from 42,805 farms to 38 slaughterhouses in Brazil to identify factors associated with bruising. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of sex, age, transport distance from farm to industry, and truck class. At least one bruise was found in 33.8% of the analysed carcasses. Older animals had a greater prevalence of bruising, and females were the most affected. The relationship between transport distance and bruising varied across carcass regions, showing distinct patterns rather than a uniform trend. Compared with larger-capacity vehicles, smaller trucks increased the risk of bruising. The round, rump, and flank regions presented the greatest number of bruises. The models assessing individual effects demonstrated good overall performance, with accuracy ranging from 75% to 82% in identifying bruises. The best performance was observed for round-rump, likely due to the higher frequency of bruises in these cuts. These findings highlight the need to improve transport logistics, adopt better handling practices, and implement specific interventions to reduce bruising. Full article

Tall fescue toxicosis, caused by ingestion of endophyte-infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum), impairs growth and reproduction in beef cattle and results in over USD 3 billion annual loss to the U.S. livestock industry. While the effects on host metabolism and rumen function have been described, the impact on the rectal microbiome remains poorly understood. In this study, we performed whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing on fecal samples collected before and after a 30-day toxic fescue seed supplementation from eight pregnant Angus × Simmental cows and heifers. We generated 157 Gbp of sequencing data in 16 metagenomes, and assembled 13.1 Gbp de novo microbial contigs, identifying 22 million non-redundant microbial genes from the cattle rectum microbiome. Fescue toxicosis significantly reduced alpha diversity (p < 0.01) and altered beta diversity (PERMANOVA p < 0.01), indicating microbial dysbiosis. We discovered significant enrichment of 31 bacterial species post-treatment, including multiple core rumen taxa. Ruminococcaceae bacterium P7 showed an average of 16-fold increase in fecal abundance (p < 0.01), making it the top-featured species in linear discriminant analysis. Functional pathway analysis revealed a shift from energy metabolism to antimicrobial resistance and DNA replication following toxic seed consumption. Comparative analysis showed increased representation of core rumen taxa in rectal microbiota post-treatment, suggesting disrupted rumen function. These findings demonstrate that fescue toxicosis alters both the composition and functional landscape of the hindgut microbiota. Ruminococcaceae bacterium P7 emerges as a promising biomarker for monitoring fescue toxicosis through non-invasive fecal sampling, with potential applications in herd-level diagnostics and mitigation strategies. Full article

Modern beef cattle reproductive management faces increasing challenges due to the growing global demand for beef. Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor determining the productivity and profitability of beef cattle operations. Optimal reproductive performance in a beef cattle herd is achieved when each cow produces one calf per year, maintaining a calving interval of 365 days. However, this goal is difficult to achieve, as the gestation period in beef cows lasts approximately 280 days, leaving only 80–85 days for successful conception. Traditional methods, such as visual estrus detection, are becoming increasingly unreliable due to expanding herd sizes and the subjectivity of visual observation. Additionally, silent estrus—where ovulation occurs without noticeable behavioral changes—further complicates the accurate estrous-based identification of the optimal insemination period. To enhance reproductive efficiency, advanced technologies are increasingly being integrated into cattle management. Sensor-based monitoring systems, including accelerometers, pedometers, and ruminoreticular boluses, enable the precise tracking of activity changes associated with the estrous cycle. Furthermore, infrared thermography offers a non-invasive method for detecting body temperature fluctuations, allowing for more accurate estrus identification and optimized timing of insemination. The use of these innovative technologies has the potential to significantly improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle herds and contribute to overall farm productivity and sustainability. The objective of this review is to examine advancements in smart technologies applied to beef cattle reproductive management, presenting commercially available technologies and recent scientific studies on innovative systems. The focus is on sensor-based monitoring systems and infrared thermography for optimizing reproduction. Additionally, the challenges associated with these technologies and their potential to enhance reproductive efficiency and sustainability in the beef cattle industry are discussed. Despite the benefits of advanced technologies, their implementation in cattle farms is hindered by financial and technical challenges. High initial investment costs and the complexity of data analysis may limit their adoption, particularly in small and medium-sized farms. However, the continuous development of these technologies and their adaptation to farmers’ needs may significantly contribute to more efficient and sustainable reproductive management in beef cattle production. Full article

Fatty liver is a major metabolic disease in periparturient dairy goats. Protein ubiquitination, a type of dynamic and multifaceted post-translational modification, plays an important role in metabolism by regulating the stability and function of target proteins. However, the hepatic protein ubiquitination profile in dairy goats with fatty liver is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we collected liver and blood samples from healthy dairy goats (Con, n = 3) and dairy goats with fatty liver (FL, n = 3). Then, we analyzed the overall ubiquitination of hepatic proteins in dairy goats with fatty liver through quantitative ubiquitin label-free proteomics and bioinformatics. Proteins showing significantly altered levels of ubiquitination were identified via bioinformatics, and related regulatory pathways were screened. The results showed that the blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly upregulated in dairy goats with fatty liver, and a total of 238 ubiquitination sites across 921 proteins were found to be differentially altered in the fatty liver group. Among them, ubiquitination was upregulated at 351 sites across 93 proteins and downregulated at 570 sites across 145 proteins. In addition, GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the differentially ubiquitinated proteins were enriched in pathways regulating lipid metabolism, such as the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, and peroxisome activity. Notably, by observing the overlap among these three sub-networks, we found that proteins with downregulated ubiquitination—such as ACSL1, ACSL5, EHHADH, and ACAA1—were transcriptionally upregulated in dairy goats with fatty liver. This study reveals the key ubiquitinated proteins in dairy goats with fatty liver and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of fatty liver in dairy goats. Full article

The 8th revised edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle was released in 2016, with the recommendations provided in the publication being used extensively in both research and production settings. In the context of research needs identified in that publication, our objective was to review research on beef cattle nutrient requirements published since 2016 and identify knowledge gaps that should be addressed. Relative to energy requirements, the effects of environmental temperature and grazing activity, along with stress and disease, on maintenance requirements are inadequately characterized or defined. In addition, relationships between retained energy and protein should be more fully elucidated, and additional guidance on body weight at a target compositional endpoint is needed. Areas of continuing concern include accurately and precisely predicting microbial protein supply, predicting N recycling, and the metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance. Mineral and vitamin requirements are often challenging because of a lack of consistency in models used to determine requirements and potential effects of unique production settings on requirements. Based on recent research with feedlot cattle, zinc and chromium requirements should be examined more closely. Because predictions of dry matter intake are critical to supplying nutrients, additional development of prediction equations is needed, especially for beef cows and grazing beef cattle in general. Given considerable research in prediction of greenhouse gases, reevaluation of 2016 recommendations is warranted, along with a need for the updating of equations to predict excretions of N and P. Composition of feeds, particularly byproducts from ethanol production or other industrial streams, represents a knowledge gap, with obtaining reliable energy values of these feeds being a notable challenge. Nutritional models provide the means to integrate nutrient requirement recommendations into practice, and moving towards mechanistic models that take advantage of artificial intelligence and precision livestock farming technologies will be critical to developing future modeling systems. Full article

Reliable measurements are central to understanding animal-directed empathy. This research study utilizes data from two online surveys to evaluate the validity and reliability of measures of animal-directed empathy. The survey data was of (1) Canadians who have participated in beef cattle processing events (n = 812), and (2) members of the public from across Canada (n = 668). As a part of these surveys, individuals were asked 22 animal empathy score (AES) questions, and an additional 5 questions about livestock-directed empathy (LES). The AES correlated well with an 8-question short form (AES-SF) previously developed in other studies. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the AES-SF structure was a good fit within the public responses but did not fit well with the responses of those participating in the beef industry. The reliability of the AES and AES-SF was high in the public population, but low in the population participating in beef cattle production. The LES fit well with the public responses, with high reliability and moderate correlation with AES; however, it did not fit well within the industry participant responses. Overall, the results support the use of AES-SF as a measure of animal-directed empathy within public populations. Measurement of this construct needs further development for individuals working directly with livestock species. Researchers should proceed with caution in using animal-directed psychometric measures validated with public populations, as evidence from this study suggests these measures have poor reliability and validity in populations of individuals working directly with livestock species. Full article

Animal production is a core sector to solve the increasing food demand worldwide, with productivity severely affected by climate change. Experts are predicting huge global productive losses in animal-derived products. Moreover, productive loss affects the economy, and the US dairy industry has reported losses of 1.5 billion dollars annually due to climate change. Beef and dairy production are based on cow reproduction and fertility is a key indicator of productivity. However, under heat stress (HS), several physiological modifications decrease cows’ fertility. Lower levels of estradiol, progesterone, and epidermal growth factor lead to undetectable ovulations, an inability to maintain the embryo and the pregnancy, or increased cortisol levels, inducing immunosuppression and, consequently, puerperal diseases delaying new pregnancies. The welfare of cows under HS, especially those raised on pasture, is a huge concern. Considering the impact of ambient-temperature-induced HS, developing strategies to improve fertility—namely through the selection of thermotolerant breeds allied to environmental management measures—can improve cattle production efficiency and reduce resource use, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. This review focuses on the effects of HS on female fertility, from parturition until the new conception, and on the role of heat shock proteins during this period. Full article

The beef cattle industry has seen rapid expansion, necessitating the optimization of slaughter traits for enhanced economic benefits. Copy number variation (CNV) has emerged as a pivotal molecular marker in marker-assisted selection (MAS) for genetic improvement in livestock. In this study, we focused on CNVs within the HIF1A and HIF2A genes, which play crucial roles in hypoxic signaling and energy metabolism. Four CNVs were identified in the bovine HIF1A gene and three in HIF2A using the AAOD database. In Gaoqing Black cattle (GQB), the distribution of CNVs for both genes was investigated, revealing predominantly median copy numbers. Association analysis showed a significant relation between CNVs in HIF1A and carcass traits such as cervical vertebrae (CNV1), initial weight and beef diaphragm (CNV2), slaughter weight and chuck (CNV3), and femur and chuck (CNV4) (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Similarly, CNVs in HIF2A are associated with traits like beef diaphragm, beef knuckle bone, and beef tendon (CNV1), longissimus dorsi width and beef diaphragm (CNV2), and slaughter weight and limb weights (CNV3) (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). These findings provide insights into the potential influence of CNVs in HIF1A and HIF2A on carcass traits in Gaoqing Black cattle, offering a theoretical basis for genetic improvement in beef cattle breeding. Full article

Farm simulation models are a popular form of measuring greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) from the agricultural industry as they are holistic and cost effective. The simulation models often follow the well-accepted life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to estimate the GHGe from the complete system from cradle to farm-gate. However, several studies have highlighted flaws in the methodology and accuracy of the application of the LCA tool, underestimating emissions based on the scope of the study. GHGe vary considerably across livestock species, with cattle contributing to the highest proportion, from dairy and beef production. An extensive literature review evaluating the application of the LCA tool for measuring and comparing dairy farm GHGe has not been conducted. The current review evaluates the literature on LCAs of the dairy system across the globe, to highlight the flaws in poor scope design, the potential to underestimate emissions, and significant trade-offs disregarding vital variables. Full article

In the Netherlands, around 52,000 dairy cows die on the primary farm each year due to natural death, euthanasia, or on-farm emergency slaughter (OFES). The decision as to what is the best option is made by the farmer, often after consulting a veterinarian, a livestock trader, or a slaughterhouse operator. To determine which factors play a role in this decision-making process, semi-structured interviews were conducted with dairy farmers, private veterinary practitioners, livestock traders, and slaughterhouse operators in the Netherlands. Dairy cattle culling decisions are influenced and limited by strict enforcement of livestock transport regulations and limited options for on-farm killing methods. Requirements regarding mortality rates imposed by the dairy industry and private quality labels for raw milk also influence culling decisions in the Netherlands. Most participants stated that restrictive conditions regarding OFES and mobile slaughterhouses (MSHs) appear to have (unintended) negative effects on cow welfare and meat salvage in general. Different interests, such as cow welfare, food safety, economic concerns of various stakeholders, the reputational interests of the dairy and beef industries, and sustainability objectives such as meat salvage can be conflictive. The results of this study show that the decision-making process regarding culling or (prolonged) veterinary treatment of dairy cattle is complex because various factors, interests, and uncertainties must be weighed. This weighing can vary between individual dairy farms and individual dairy farmers. Full article

Beef cattle breed improvement holds strategic significance in the livestock industry. Pinan cattle, developed through years of selective breeding in Xinye County, Henan Province, exhibit superior traits including thin skin, fine bone structure, rapid growth, high dressing percentage, excellent meat yield, and superior feed efficiency. However, research on the genetic characteristics of Pinan cattle remains in its infancy. In this study, we investigated population genetic diversity and positive selection signals in Pinang cattle based on whole-genome resequencing data. Using a selective sweep approach, we identified 98 candidate genes associated with growth, reproduction, and immunity, along with 13 high-confidence missense mutations, which may underlie key traits in this population. Based on the critical roles of the NDN and PARVA genes in reproduction and muscle development, the predominant T allele at the NDN c.581T > A and PARVA c.893T > A loci in the Pinan cattle population may partially explain their advantages in sexual precocity and rapid growth compared to other breeds or populations. This study provides an important theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of native beef cattle and lays a scientific foundation for further investigation into the growth and development mechanisms of Pinan cattle. Full article