Search Results (1,347)

Livestock-intensive regions in Europe face dual challenges: nutrient surpluses and a high dependency on import of high-protein feedstocks. This study proposes duckweed (Lemnaceae) as a potential solution by recovering nutrients from manure-derived waste streams while producing protein-rich biomass. This study evaluated the performance of duckweed treatment systems at a pig manure processing facility in Belgium. Three outdoor systems were monitored over a full growing season under temperate climate conditions. Duckweed cultivated on constructed wetland effluent showed die-off and low protein content, while systems supplied with diluted liquid fraction and nitrification–denitrification effluent achieved consistent growth, yielding 8 tonnes of dry biomass/ha/year and 2.8 tonnes of protein/ha/year. Average removal rates were 1.2 g N/m²/day and 0.13 g P/m²/day. Growth ceased after approximately 100–120 days, likely due to rising pH and electrical conductivity, suggesting ammonia toxicity and salt stress. Harvested duckweed had a high protein content and a total amino acid profile suitable for broilers, though potentially limiting in histidine and methionine for pigs or cattle. Additionally, promising energy and protein values for ruminants were measured. Although high ash and fibre contents may limit use in monogastric animals, duckweed remains suitable as part of a balanced feed. Its broad mineral profile further supports its use as a circular, locally sourced feed supplement. 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

The environmental burden of widely used protein sources in animal feeds, such as soybean and fishmeal, has raised concerns about the sustainability of current livestock production systems. In response, alternative protein sources are being explored, with insect meal emerging as a promising candidate. This study conducted a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of four compound pig feed formulations differing in protein composition, incorporating soybean meal, fishmeal, and Tenebrio molitor (insect) meal. The LCA followed ISO 14040/44 standards and applied both mass-based and protein-based functional units (FUs) to examine how FU choice influences environmental outcomes. Results showed that crop-derived ingredients, particularly soybean meal, drove most environmental burdens due to land use change and fertilizer inputs. Replacing soybean with insect meal led to impact reductions in key environmental categories. Insect meal’s scalability, efficient land use, and potential waste valorisation supported its role as a sustainable alternative. The study also highlighted key sustainability issues not assessed by LCA, such as overfishing and ecosystem disruption, associated with fishmeal. Overall, insect meal appeared to be a strong replacement for soybean and fishmeal, with soy substitution proving key to reducing environmental burdens. Finally, the protein-based FU was more relevant given the study’s nutritional focus. Full article

Methane (CH₄) is the second largest greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ruminant production is an important source of CH₄ emissions. Among the six types of livestock animal species that produce GHGs, cattle (including beef cattle and dairy cows) are responsible for 62% of livestock-produced GHGs. Compared to beef cattle, continuous lactation in dairy cows requires sustained energy intake to drive rumen fermentation and CH₄ production, making it a key mitigation target for balancing dairy production and environmental sustainability. Determining how to safely and efficiently reduce CH₄ emissions from dairy cows is essential to promote the sustainable development of animal husbandry and environmental friendliness and plays an important role in improving feed conversion, reducing environmental pollution, and improving the performance of dairy cows. Combined with the factors influencing CH₄ emissions from dairy cows and previous research reports, this paper reviews the research progress on reducing the enteric CH₄ emissions (EMEs) of dairy cows from the perspectives of the CH₄ generation mechanism and emission reduction strategies, and it summarizes various measures for CH₄ emission reduction in dairy cows, mainly including accelerating genetic breeding, improving diet composition, optimizing feeding management, and improving fecal treatment. Future research should focus on optimizing the combination of strategies, explore more innovative methods, reduce EME without affecting the growth performance of dairy cows and milk safety, and scientifically and effectively promote the sustainable development of animal husbandry. Full article

The ‘head back’ posture is a pronounced and significant behavioral trait during bovine parturition, commonly interpreted as a natural response to the pain associated with parturition. Leveraging computer vision technology for real-time monitoring of parturition behaviors can provide timely assistance during calving and enhance animal welfare. This study initially evaluated the head back posture in cows of different types, finding that primiparous cows and those delivering calves weighing over 43 kg exhibited prolonged durations of both labor and head back posture. A model was developed using the YOLOv8 algorithm with 25,617 images to recognize and classify changes in head posture during parturition, including positions like lying with or without head back. The model demonstrated robust predictive performance with a precision (P) of 69.76%, recall (R) of 75.35%, average precision (AP) of 70.12%, and F₁ score of 0.71. Furthermore, the model’s capability to recognize postures from different camera angles and under varying environmental conditions was assessed. Notably, images captured from an abdominal angle achieved AP exceeding 90%, with consistent stability under varying lighting conditions, including sunny and overcast weather, during both daytime and nighttime. Behavioral analysis showed that the parturition duration and total duration of head back posture in primiparous cows were significantly higher than those in multiparous cows (p < 0.05), and the changing trends of motor performance between primiparous and multiparous cows were consistent across different parturition stages. Additionally, the correlation between calf birth weight and maternal behavior was stronger in primiparous cows than in multiparous cows, further indicating obvious differences in physiological and behavioral responses of cows during primiparous and multiparous parturition. This study underscores the potential of computer vision applications in enhancing real-time intervention and promoting welfare during bovine parturition. Full article

Food and nutritional insecurity, alongside poverty, remain formidable challenges within smallholder crop–livestock mixed farming systems, predominantly found in Asia and Africa, which are the primary focus of this review. Livestock stands as a crucial asset in these systems, providing food and income for families. However, livestock productivity is often constrained by poor-quality feed, predominantly composed of crop residues. This is compounded by limited access to high-quality forage seeds and the misconception that limited land and water resources should be devoted to cereal production. Furthermore, formal seed supply chains for forages are often underdeveloped or non-existent, making it difficult for farmers to access quality seed. The integration of high-quality legume forages into these systems offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for improving livestock productivity. These forages provide more nutritious feed and enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, helping to reduce farmers’ reliance on expensive commercial feeds and fertilizers. Success in the adoption of improved forage varieties hinges on participatory approaches that actively engage farmers in varietal selection and evaluation. Such collaboration leads to better adoption rates and increases on-farm productivity, facilitating the establishment of village-based forage seed enterprises (VBFSEs). These enterprises offer a reliable local seed supply of quality seeds, reducing farmers’ dependency on inconsistent national and international seed suppliers. These initiatives not only improve the production of high-quality forage and livestock productivity but also create opportunities for income diversification, contributing to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. By fostering collaboration and sustainable practices, policymakers and stakeholders, particularly farmers, can build more resilient agricultural systems that support food security and poverty alleviation in rural communities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human, animal, and environmental health. To tackle AMR in the livestock sector, there is a need to understand the antimicrobial use (AMU) practices of different stakeholders in order to target the common knowledge gaps and inappropriate practices with tailored interventions. In the Western Balkans, published evidence shows the presence of AMR in both humans and animals. Since studies on AMU have mainly been conducted in humans, there is a significant knowledge gap about AMU in the livestock sector. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of farmers, veterinarians, veterinary pharmacy personnel, and feed mill personnel related to AMU (focusing on antibiotics) and AMR in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo (References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)), Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Methods: Field interviews were conducted in 2022 with 2815 participants in selected regions of the countries. Results: The findings showed that farmers engaged in imprudent practices, including purchasing antimicrobials without a prescription, administering antimicrobials for growth promotion, and disposing of expired antimicrobials in the garbage. Farmers’ main knowledge gaps were related to the duration of antimicrobial treatment and the differentiation between AMR and antimicrobial residues. This study also revealed poor record-keeping on animal treatments and a lack of some biosecurity measures. In terms of the attitudes and practices of veterinarians and veterinary pharmacy personnel, the belief that antimicrobial drugs are important for growth promotion, and the common use and sales of highest priority critically important antimicrobials should be targets for future interventions. Conclusions: Despite significant ongoing efforts to tackle AMR, there is still a need for training, awareness-raising, and policy interventions to address the knowledge gaps identified by this study and optimize AMU in the livestock sector in the Western Balkans. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination in animal feed can cause acute or chronic adverse effects on growth, productivity, and immune function in livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of difructose anhydride III (DFA III) supplementation on serum biochemical parameters and intestinal environment in Japanese Black (JB) breeding cows under low-level chronic dietary exposure to zearalenone (ZEN). Using urinary ZEN concentration as an indicator of exposure, 25 JB cows were selected from a breeding farm with confirmed natural feed contamination. Blood samples were collected before DFA III supplementation (day 0), and on days 20 and 40 post-supplementation. Serum biochemical parameters and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were measured. During the studies, dietary ZEN concentration increased, yet improvements were observed in liver function, nutritional status, immune response, and inflammatory markers. Notably, serum butyrate concentration significantly increased following DFA III administration. These findings suggest that DFA III may positively influence intestinal microflora and enhance intestinal barrier function, which could contribute to improved health and nutritional status in cattle exposed to low-level chronic dietary ZEN contamination. DFA III supplementation may represent a promising strategy for mitigating the effects of low-level mycotoxin exposure in livestock production systems. Full article

Zinc is an essential trace mineral for livestock, but excessive use can contribute to ecotoxicity and antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different zinc oxide (ZnO) levels in diets for weaned pigs on growth performance, mortality, dietary zinc flow, and environmental impacts. A 6-week feeding trial with 432 weaned pigs assessed three dietary treatments: high ZnO (pharmaceutical levels), intermediate ZnO, and low ZnO (EU recommendation). Growth performance for the growing–finishing period was modeled using the NRC (2012), and dietary Zn intake and fecal Zn excretion were estimated. Environmental impacts were analyzed via life cycle assessment (LCA) using SimaPro LCA software. High ZnO improved growth performance and reduced mortality (p < 0.05), but increased nursery fecal zinc excretion, resulting in a total fecal Zn excretion per pig of 54,125 mg, 59,485 mg, and 106,043 mg for low-, intermediate-, and high-ZnO treatments, respectively. In the nursery phase, high-ZnO treatment had the greatest impact on environmental footprint, increasing freshwater ecotoxicity and marine ecotoxicity indicators by 59.6% and 57.9%, respectively. However, high-ZnO-fed pigs had a greater body weight at the end of the nursery phase and were predicted to achieve a higher growth rate per 130 kg market pig, with fewer days to market and by sparing feed. Therefore, high-ZnO-fed pigs had reduced environmental burdens, including global warming potential, ozone depletion, land use, and mineral resource depletion. These findings demonstrate how livestock nutritionists can apply integrated modeling approaches to link animal performance with environmental outcomes within a One Health framework. Full article

This review synthesizes advances in livestock genomics by examining the interplay between candidate genes, molecular markers (MMs), signatures of selection (SSs), and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in shaping economically vital traits across livestock species. By integrating advances in genomics, bioinformatics, and precision breeding, the study elucidates genetic mechanisms underlying productivity, reproduction, meat quality, milk yield, fibre characteristics, disease resistance, and climate resilience traits pivotal to meeting the projected 70% surge in global animal product demand by 2050. A critical synthesis of 1455 peer-reviewed studies reveals that targeted genetic markers (e.g., SNPs, Indels) and QTL regions (e.g., IGF2 for muscle development, DGAT1 for milk composition) enable precise selection for superior phenotypes. SSs, identified through genome-wide scans and haplotype-based analyses, provide insights into domestication history, adaptive evolution, and breed-specific traits, such as heat tolerance in tropical cattle or parasite resistance in sheep. Functional candidate genes, including leptin (LEP) for feed efficiency and myostatin (MSTN) for double-muscling, are highlighted as drivers of genetic gain in breeding programs. The review underscores the transformative role of high-throughput sequencing, genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and CRISPR-based editing in accelerating trait discovery and validation. However, challenges persist, such as gene interactions, genotype–environment interactions, and ethical concerns over genetic diversity loss. By advocating for a multidisciplinary framework that merges genomic data with phenomics, metabolomics, and advanced biostatistics, this work serves as a guide for researchers, breeders, and policymakers. For example, incorporating DGAT1 markers into dairy cattle programs could elevate milk fat content by 15-20%, directly improving farm profitability. The current analysis underscores the need to harmonize high-yield breeding with ethical practices, such as conserving heat-tolerant cattle breeds, like Sahiwal. Full article

As emerging pollutants, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been recognized as originating from diverse sources. Among these, the use of livestock feed and veterinary drugs was identified as the primary source of ARGs in livestock manure. ARGs were found to be widely distributed in global environments, particularly in agriculture-related soils, water bodies, and the atmosphere, posing potential threats to ecological environments and human health. This paper reviewed the degradation mechanisms of ARGs during aerobic composting of livestock manure and the safety evaluation of compost products. Aerobic composting was demonstrated to be an effective method for degrading ARGs, primarily through mechanisms such as high-temperature elimination of ARG-carrying microorganisms, reduction in host bacterial abundance, and inhibition of horizontal gene transfer. Factors including the physicochemical properties of the composting substrate, the use of additives, and the presence of antibiotic and heavy metal residues were shown to influence the degradation efficiency of ARGs, with compost temperature being the core factor. The safety of organic fertilizers encompassed multiple aspects, including heavy metal content, seed germination index, and risk assessments based on ARG residues. The analysis indicated that deficiencies existed in areas such as the persistence of thermotolerant bacteria carrying ARGs, the dissemination of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes (eARGs), and virus-mediated gene transfer. Future research should focus on (1) the removal of thermotolerant bacteria harboring ARGs; (2) the decomposition of eARGs or the blocking of their transmission pathways; (3) the optimization of ultra-high temperature composting parameters; and (4) the analysis of interactions between viruses and resistant hosts. This study reviews the mechanisms, influencing factors, and safety assessment of aerobic composting for degrading ARGs in livestock manure. It not only deepens the understanding of this important environmental biotechnology process but also provides a crucial knowledge base and practical guidance for effectively controlling ARG pollution, ensuring agricultural environmental safety, and protecting public health. Additionally, it clearly outlines the key paths for future technological optimization, thus holding significant implications for the environment, agriculture, and public health. Full article

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus species. Its extensive contamination of animal feed and human food poses significant health hazards to livestock and humans, with hepatotoxicity being a primary concern. This study investigated the protective effect of baicalin on AFB1-induced liver injury in ducklings. In the first experiment, ducklings were administered AFB1 at doses of 0, 6, 12, or 24 μg/kg body weight/day for 7 days to identify the optimal concentration for establishing a model of AFB1-induced growth performance and liver injury. Administration of AFB1, particularly at the higher doses (12 and 24 μg/kg body weight/day), significantly reduced growth performance and induced structural and functional liver injury (p < 0.05). In a second experiment, ducklings were administered AFB1 (12 μg/kg body weight/day) with or without baicalin (25–100 mg/kg body weight/day) for 7 days. Dietary baicalin significantly increased the serum albumin level; reduced the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels; improved growth performance; and ameliorated structural and functional liver injury in ducklings exposed to AFB1 (p < 0.05). The results indicate that dietary baicalin alleviates AFB1-induced liver injury and growth performance decline in ducklings. Hence, baicalin could serve as a potential feed additive to reduce the harmful effects of AFB1 in the poultry breeding industry. Full article

The success of optimal ruminant production relies heavily on feed efficiency to deliver the necessary nutrients to animals. Nutritional deficiencies in livestock pose a significant challenge in regions experiencing prolonged fluctuations in resource availability and quality. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the cumulative gas production (CGP) and in vitro degradability of silages made from spineless forage cactus (a native species) combined with high-fiber ingredients, to evaluate their viability as a sustainable, low-cost alternative to animal feed. The experiment involved ensiling spineless cactus genotypes with varying levels of sugarcane bagasse (0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 g/kg of dry matter) and a 1% urea–ammonium sulfate solution. The results indicated that for all genotypes studied, the CGP curves from silage composed solely of forage cactus differed significantly from those containing bagasse, which exhibited an initial phase characterized by little or no gas production. In vitro degradability was negatively influenced by the inclusion of bagasse at any level, resulting in decreased dry matter and organic matter degradability, as well as reduced CGP with increasing bagasse concentration. Therefore, the study demonstrated that the proposed combination of ingredients represents a promising sustainable feed supplement to enhance animal nutrition. Silage containing 150 g/kg of bagasse treated with urea offers a favorable balance between the energy required by rumen microflora and the benefits of fiber presence. Full article

Ruminant livestock production plays a crucial role in the agricultural systems of Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly supporting rural livelihoods through income generation, improved nutrition, and employment opportunities. Despite its importance, the sector continues to face substantial challenges, such as low feed quality, seasonal feed shortages, and climate-related stresses, all of which limit productivity and sustainability. Considering these challenges, the adoption of natural feed additives has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance animal performance, optimise nutrient utilisation, and mitigate environmental impacts, including the reduction of enteric methane emissions. This review underscores the significant potential of natural feed additives such as plant extracts, essential oils, probiotics, and mineral-based supplements such as fossil shell flour as sustainable alternatives to conventional growth promoters in ruminant production systems across the region. All available documented evidence on the topic from 2000 to 2024 was collated and synthesised through standardised methods of systematic review protocol—PRISMA. Out of 319 research papers downloaded, six were included and analysed directly or indirectly in this study. The results show that the addition of feed additives to ruminant diets in all the studies reviewed significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth parameters such as average daily growth (ADG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. However, no significant (p > 0.05) effect was found on cold carcass weight (CCW), meat percentage, fat percentage, bone percentage, or intramuscular fat (IMF%) compared to the control. The available evidence indicates that these additives can provide tangible benefits, including improved growth performance, better feed efficiency, enhanced immune responses, and superior meat quality, while also supporting environmental sustainability by reducing nitrogen excretion and decreasing dependence on antimicrobial agents. Full article

The modern livestock industry incorporates widely used antibiotic growth promoters into animal feed at sub-therapeutic levels to enhance growth performance and feed efficiency. However, this practice contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in livestock, which may be transmitted to humans through the food chain, thereby diminishing the efficacy of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. Current research explores the potential of essential oils from derived medicinal plants as alternative phytobiotics. This review examines modern encapsulation strategies that incorporate essential oils into natural-origin matrices to improve their stability and control their release both in vitro and in vivo. We discuss a range of encapsulation approaches utilizing polysaccharides, gums, proteins, and lipid-based carriers. This review highlights the increasing demand for antibiotic alternatives in animal nutrition driven by regulatory restrictions, and the potential benefits of essential oils in enhancing feed palatability and stabilizing the intestinal microbiome in monogastric animals and ruminants. Additionally, we address the economic viability and encapsulation efficiency of different matrix formulations. Full article