Search Results (6,833)

Improving the efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of beef cattle production requires tools to identify resource-efficient animals. Validated tools to measure, monitor, and verify individual feed and water intake are needed. Here, we verify the validity of the Vytelle In-Pen Weighing Position to passively collect daily full body weights and assess the use of an integrated flow meter with a commercial waterer as a tool to measure daily water intake. This study involved 103 bulls (40 Charolais and 63 Angus) and 54 heifers (25 Charolais and 29 Angus). These animals were fed in a facility with feed intake nodes, In-Pen Weighing, and metered waterers. Body weights collected on the chute scale and total water usage measured by a residential water meter were used to evaluate body weight and water intake measured at the In-Pen Weighing Positions. We confirmed that In-Pen Weighing is highly correlated to chute weighing (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.99, p < 0.0001). We observed high correlation of total water use measured at the In-Pen Weighing units with the facility’s total water use (ρ = 0.9999, p < 0.0001). This validates the accuracy of the in-pen water meters, but not the precision of applying water consumption to individual animals. The use of such passive monitoring equipment has the potential to help improve the sustainability of animal agriculture. Full article

Broiler chickens are commonly reared in closed housing systems with limited exposure to sunlight, thereby relying entirely on dietary sources of vitamin D. The hydroxylated metabolite 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D₃] has been proposed as a more potent form than native vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol). This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin D₃ alone or in combination with 25(OH)D₃ on growth performance, bone characteristics, and cecal microbiota in Ross 308 broilers. A total of 952 one-day-old male chicks were allocated to four treatments: a negative control (no vitamin D₃), a positive control (vitamin D₃ according to Ross 308 specifications), and a positive control supplemented with 25(OH)D₃ at 1394 or 2788 IU/kg, in a randomized design with 17 replicates per treatment and 14 birds per replicate. Over a 40-day feeding trial, diets containing vitamin D₃ (positive control) or supplemented with 25(OH)D₃ significantly improved final body weight, weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio compared with the negative control (p < 0.01), with no significant differences among the positive control and 25(OH)D₃-supplemented groups, with a clear linear dose-dependent response. Although tibia ash and bone-breaking strength were not significantly affected, linear responses indicated a slight numerical trend toward improved skeletal mineralization with increasing 25(OH)D₃. Microbiota analysis indicated that 25(OH)D₃ affected cecal microbial ecology: low-dose inclusion showed reduced species richness and evenness, whereas high-dose inclusion restored richness to levels comparable to the positive control and enriched taxa associated with fiber fermentation and bile acid metabolism while reducing Lactobacillus dominance. In conclusion, supplementation with 25(OH)D₃ in addition to vitamin D₃ enhanced growth performance and selectively shaped the cecal microbiota of broilers, with suggestive benefits for bone mineralization. These findings highlight 25(OH)D₃ as a more potent source of vitamin D than cholecalciferol alone and support its practical use in modern broiler nutrition to improve efficiency, skeletal health, and microbial balance. Full article

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of chromium (Cr) supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in breast muscle in broilers under heat stress. A total of 220 day-old broiler chicks were reared in cages. At 29 days old, 180 birds were randomly assigned to three treatments (0, 400, and 800 µg Cr/kg, as chromium picolinate) and transferred to climate chambers (31 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 7% humidity) for 14 days. Growth performance, carcass traits, serum biochemical indices, fasting glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), as well as muscle metabolomic profiles and gene expression related to energy and lipid metabolism were analyzed. The results showed that, compared with the heat stress group, the groups supplemented with 400 and 800 µg Cr/kg showed higher dry matter intake and average daily gain, breast muscle ratio, and lower feed conversion ratio and abdominal fat ratio; chickens supplemented with 400 and 800 µg Cr/kg showed significantly lower serum corticosterone (CORT), free fatty acids, and cholesterol levels compared with the heat stress (HS) group (p < 0.05). Fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR were also significantly reduced, while fasting insulin was significantly increased in the Cr-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed that Cr supplementation regulated lipid and amino acid metabolism by altering key metabolites such as citric acid, L-glutamine, and L-proline, and modulating pathways including alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Furthermore, Cr supplementation significantly upregulated the expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1 α (PGC-1α), ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 1 (ABCA1), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα), and ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 1 (ABCG1) in both the hepatic and muscle tissue. This paper suggested that chromium supplementation may enhance energy metabolism and lipid transport like the findings of our study suggested. Full article

Short-form video platforms have shifted advertising from standalone, time-bounded spots to feed-embedded, swipeable stimuli, creating a high-velocity processing context that can penalize casting complexity. We ask whether a “one face, many roles” casting strategy (a single actor playing multiple characters) outperforms multi-actor executions, and why. A two-phase pretest (N = 3500) calibrated a realistic ceiling for “multi-actor” casts, then four experiments (total N = 4513) tested mechanisms, boundary conditions, and alternatives. Study 1 (online and offline replications) shows that single-actor ads lower cognitive load and boost account evaluations and purchase intention. Study 2, a field experiment, demonstrates that Need for Closure amplifies these gains via reduced cognitive load. Study 3 documents brand-type congruence: one actor performs better for entertaining/exciting brands, whereas multi-actor suits professional/competence-oriented brands. Study 4 rules out cost-frugality and sympathy using a budget cue and a sequential alternative path (perceived cost constraint → sympathy). Across studies, a chain mediation holds: single-actor casting reduces cognitive load, which elevates brand authenticity and increases purchase intention; a simple mediation links cognitive load to account evaluations. Effects are robust across settings and participant gender. We theorize short-form advertising as a context-embedded persuasion episode that connects information-processing efficiency to authenticity inferences, and we derive practical guidance for talent selection and script design in short-form campaigns. Full article

The green macroalgae Ulva Linnaeus, 1753, also known as sea lettuce, is one of the most ecologically and economically significant algal genera. Its representatives occur in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments worldwide and show high adaptability, rapid growth, and marked biochemical diversity. These traits support their ecological roles in nutrient cycling, primary productivity, and habitat provision, and they also explain their growing relevance to the blue bioeconomy. This review summarizes current knowledge of Ulva biodiversity, taxonomy, and physiology, and evaluates applications in food, feed, bioremediation, biofuel, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. Particular attention is given to molecular approaches that resolve taxonomic difficulties and to biochemical profiles that determine nutritional value and industrial potential. This review also considers risks and limitations. Ulva species can act as hyperaccumulators of heavy metals, microplastics, and organic pollutants, which creates safety concerns for food and feed uses and highlights the necessity of strict monitoring and quality control. Technical and economic barriers restrict large-scale use in energy and material production. By presenting both opportunities and constraints, this review stresses the dual role of Ulva as a promising bioresource and a potential ecological risk. Future research must integrate molecular genetics, physiology, and applied studies to support sustainable utilization and ensure safe contributions of Ulva to biodiversity assessment, environmental management, and bioeconomic development. Full article

Global warming, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is accelerating globally and highlights the need for effective mitigation strategies. This study assesses the economic feasibility of rainbow trout aquaculture by incorporating GHG emissions into its analysis, thereby contributing to mitigation efforts in the fisheries sector. Focusing on two farming systems—recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and flow-through systems (FTS)—we estimated GHG emissions and conducted an economic evaluation using data collected through field surveys. The average GHG emission was 7.14 kg CO₂ eq per kilogram of trout produced, with RAS showing lower emissions than FTS. Electricity and feed were identified as the primary emission sources. The economic analysis revealed an average net present value (NPV) of USD 987,609 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 18%, with RAS outperforming FTS in profitability. A sensitivity analysis under carbon pricing showed that economic feasibility was maintained, but the NPV declined by about 24% under the carbon tax scenario. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of balancing profitability and emission reduction for sustainable aquaculture management. Full article

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in animal-derived foods are increasingly important for human health. Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), rich in n-3 PUFA, is a promising feedstuff for producing n-3 PUFA-enriched animal products. However, research on dietary Sacha inchi oil (SIO) supplementation in laying hens remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of SIO on production performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid (FA) composition in laying hens. A total of 192 hybrid hens [(♂ White Leghorn × ♀ Egyptian Fayoumi); initial body weight: 1910 ± 22.14 g; age: 25 weeks old] were randomly assigned one of the four diets: a basal diet (CONT), and three tested diets based on CONT with the addition of 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% SIO (as-feed basis) (SI15, SI30, and SI45, respectively). Each dietary treatment included 48 hens housed in 12 battery cages for 56 days with 4 birds per cage. Increasing dietary SIO levels significantly reduced average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). Egg yolk weight linearly increased (p < 0.05) with higher SIO inclusion, while other egg quality traits were unaffected. SIO supplementation significantly increased (p = 0.001) yolk n-3 PUFA level (from 0.79% to 8.29% on day 28, and from 0.87% to 9.13% on day 56) and substantially reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio by about nine-fold on both 28 and 56 days. In conclusion, SIO is a promising n-3 PUFA-rich feed ingredient for egg production. Adding 3.0–4.5% SIO in laying hen diets can enhance egg yolk weight and n-3 PUFA level while reducing feed intake without negatively affecting egg production or quality. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Flos lonicerae and Baikal skullcap extracts (PE) on laying performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, follicular development, estrogen secretion, ovarian metabolomics, and cecal microbiota in aged laying hens. The total number of 70-week-old XinYang Black-Feathered laying hens was 240. These hens were randomly divided into two groups, with each group consisting of six replicates of 20 birds. Control (CON) group was fed a basal diet, whereas the PE group received the same basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg of PE. The duration of the experiment was 10 weeks. The findings indicated that the supplementation of PE improved laying performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function. This was reflected by significant increases (p < 0.05) in laying rate, feed conversion ratio, antioxidant indicators (such as glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase), and immunoglobulin levels. Additionally, there were notable decreases (p < 0.05) in the malondialdehyde levels and pro-inflammatory markers. Moreover, the PE group exhibited a greater number of large yellow and white follicles, as well as higher serum estrogen levels, compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that PE supplementation altered the composition of the cecal microbiota by increasing Ruminococcus_torques_group, Butyricoccus and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group abundances and decreasing Bacteroides, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Megamonas abundances (at genus level), which are primarily associated with short-chain fatty acid production. Ovarian metabolomic analysis showed that the major metabolites altered by PE supplementation were mainly involved in follicular development, estrogen biosynthesis, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Moreover, changes in both the cecal microbiota (at genus level) and ovarian metabolites were strongly correlated with laying performance, antioxidant status, and immune function. In conclusion, PE supplementation improved laying performance in aged hens by enhancing antioxidant, immune, and ovarian functions, promoting follicular development and estrogen secretion, and modulating the gut microbiota and ovarian metabolites. These findings will offer novel insights into the mechanisms that underlie egg production in the ovaries of aged poultry. Full article

This article presents a principled framework for selecting and tuning classical computer vision algorithms in the context of optical displacement sensing. By isolating key factors that affect algorithm behavior—such as feed window size and motion step size—the study seeks to move beyond intuition-based practices and provide rigorous, repeatable performance evaluations. Computer vision-based optical odometry sensors offer non-contact, high-precision measurement capabilities essential for modern metrology and robotics applications. This paper presents a systematic comparative analysis of three classical tracking algorithms—phase correlation, template matching, and optical flow—for 2D surface displacement measurement using synthetic image sequences with subpixel-accurate ground truth. A virtual camera system generates controlled test conditions using a multi-circle trajectory pattern, enabling systematic evaluation of tracking performance using 400 × 400 and 200 × 200 pixel feed windows. The systematic characterization enables informed algorithm selection based on specific application requirements rather than empirical trial-and-error approaches. Full article

This study investigates the potential to transform plant-based waste into a sustainable resource for animal feed through dehydration. Currently, research on the drying performance of decayed plant tissues remains scarce. To address this gap, we explored the use of a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) as a precisely controlled convective drying method to evaluate the drying performance of decayed strawberries (ST) and bell peppers (BP), as models for high- and low-porous structures, respectively. Drying curves, moisture diffusivity, yeast and mold load, and microstructure of decayed plant tissues were evaluated. Our results showed that decayed BP and ST tissues dried up to 22% faster than fresh tissues, with a higher effective moisture diffusivity. Significantly higher yeast and mold counts (log CFU/g) were detected in decayed tissues, resulting in softening and deterioration of the plant tissues. Significant differences were found in the effective moisture diffusivity (D_eff) of bell pepper (BP) and strawberry (ST), with ST tissues exhibiting a greater degree of decay. The microstructural changes in the cell wall caused by decay influenced drying performance and mass transport kinetics, indicating that drying decayed plant tissues is less time-consuming than drying fresh food. These findings offer critical insights for designing drying processes that enhance the value of food waste. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is one of the most important global economic crops, extensively utilized in the production of food, animal feed, and industrial raw materials. As the demand for soybeans continues to rise, improving both the yield and quality of soybeans has become a central focus of agricultural research. To accelerate the genetic improvement of soybean, genome selection (GS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have emerged as effective tools and have been widely applied in various crops. In this study, we conducted GWAS and GS model evaluations across five soybean phenotypes (Glycitin content, Oil, Pod, Total isoflavone content, and Total tocopherol content) to explore the effectiveness of different GWAS methods and GS models in soybean genetic improvement. We applied several GWAS methods, including fastGWA, BOLT-LMM, FarmCPU, GLM, and MLM, and compared the predictive performance of various GS models, such as BayesA, BayesB, BayesC, BL, BRR, SVR_poly, SVR_linear, Ridge, PLS_Regression, and Linear_Regression. Our results indicate that markers selected through GWAS, when used in GS, achieved a prediction accuracy of 0.94 at a 5 K density. Furthermore, Bayesian models proved to be more stable than machine learning models. Overall, this study offers new insights into soybean genome selection and provides a scientific foundation for future soybean breeding strategies. Full article

Livestock production raises significant environmental concerns, necessitating the development of sustainable feeding strategies based on non-conventional forages, such as locally available vegetation. This study evaluated the effects of a pelleted concentrate containing 10% Acacia farnesiana leaves as a dietary supplement on in vitro ruminal fermentation. Four experimental diets were formulated with increasing levels of the concentrate (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%). Analyses were performed in triplicate and included chemical composition, in vitro gas and methane production, fermentation kinetics, ammonia nitrogen concentration (N–NH₃), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) estimation. The results revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in most gas production kinetic parameters, overall fermentation patterns, or metabolizable energy. In contrast, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in secondary metabolite concentrations was detected. While methane production remained unaltered (p > 0.05), a significant linear reduction was observed for IVDMD, the lag phase (L), and N–NH₃ concentration (p = 0.0064, p = 0.0036, and p < 0.0001, respectively). These findings suggest that A. farnesiana can be incorporated into ruminant concentrates without increasing methane emissions. However, in vivo trials and mechanistic studies are required to validate and further elucidate these results. Full article

Global warming has become a significant public health concern, with intensive livestock farming as a major contributor. To mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, strategies such as manipulating the ruminal environment with dietary additives are essential. This study evaluated Moringa oleifera, a globally widespread tree with antioxidant, multivitamin, protein-rich, and anti-inflammatory properties, as a feed additive. Rumen fluid was collected from three Pelibuey sheep, homogenized, and subjected to an in vitro fermentation study for 48 h with three alfalfa/moringa ratio treatments: T0 Control (100:0), T1 Low (85:15), and T2 High (70:30). Total RNA was extracted, followed by high-definition sequencing of the metatranscriptome. The sequencing yielded approximately 456 million sequences. A total of 117 phyla were identified and approximately 1300 genera were mapped. Predominant phylum differed by treatment: T0, Firmicutes; T1, Proteobacteria; and T2 with Synergistetes, at least one sample per treatment. Archaea were nearly absent in T1, which explains a statistically significant decrease in methane production. In the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), it was observed that one of the metabolic pathways with a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05) was that of methane, specifically in the low moringa treatment (T1) compared to the control (T0). From the functional analysis, differentially expressed enzymes were identified, some of which are involved in the methane metabolic pathway, such as formate dehydrogenase (EC 1.17.1.9) and glycine hydroxymethyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.1), which are intermediates in methane formation. These results suggest that 15% Moringa oleifera supplementation alters ruminal microbiota, reduces archaeal activity, and suppresses methane-related pathways. These findings provide molecular evidence supporting the potential of M. oleifera as a methane mitigation strategy in ruminant nutrition. Full article

Control strategies for leishmaniasis increasingly target sand fly vectors through sugar feeding approaches containing bioactive compounds. This study investigated the behavioral and toxicological effects of the iridoids plumericin and isoplumericin, isolated from Himatanthus sucuuba, on Lutzomyia longipalpis by integrating computational and experimental approaches focused on gustatory system interactions. The iridoids were purified by column chromatography and characterized by GC-MS. The gustatory receptor A0A1B0CHD5 was structurally characterized through homology modeling, followed by molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. Behavioral assays evaluated survival, repellency, and feeding preferences using sugar solutions supplemented with an iridoid mixture. Toxicity was assessed in Drosophila melanogaster as a non-target organism model. Molecular docking results revealed comparable binding affinities between sucrose (ChemPLP score 57.96) and the iridoids plumericin (49.08) and isoplumericin (47.75). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the ligand–receptor complexes and revealed distinct conformational changes. The iridoids did not affect L. longipalpis survival, showed no repellency, and did not reduce sugar feeding acceptance. Preference for the control diet was observed only after continuous exposure (48 h), suggesting involvement of post-ingestive sensory processing. No acute toxicity was observed in D. melanogaster (96% survival). These findings demonstrate that iridoids preserve vector feeding behavior and survival while exhibiting low toxicity to non-target organisms, supporting their potential use in gustatory modulation strategies in leishmaniasis vector control without compromising ecological safety. Full article

Phytic acid is an antinutritional factor present in lupine seeds, which limits the bioavailability of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. This study evaluated different methods of reducing phytic acid in bitter lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) and investigated the effects of the resulting reduction in phytic acid on the composition of gut microbiota. Bitter lupine is a legume rich in protein and fiber, but its high phytic acid content can limit mineral bioavailability. Four processing methods were compared as follows: thermal treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis with phytase, spontaneous fermentation, and controlled fermentation using lactic acid bacteria. Controlled fermentation resulted in the highest phytic acid reduction (96.37%), significantly improving mineral availability. Simulated digestion revealed that the fermented lupine feed positively influenced gut microbiota, increasing Lactobacillus abundance. Enzymatic and thermal treatments preserved more protein. However, they were less effective at removing phytic acid. These findings highlight controlled fermentation as a promising strategy for improving the nutritional value of lupine-based feed, offering a sustainable alternative to soybean-based livestock diets. Full article