Search Results (843)

Livestock manure management remains a significant environmental challenge due to nutrient losses that may contribute to soil and water contamination. This study investigated nitrogen and phosphorus transformations, as well as organic matter stabilisation, in poultry manure subjected to microbial inoculation under controlled laboratory conditions (EI) and long-term field storage (EII). In the laboratory experiment, chicken and turkey manure were treated with denitrifying bacteria, conditioning bacteria, or their combination. The results indicate treatment-dependent differences in ammonium accumulation and nitrate formation in leachates, with the combined microbial inoculum suggesting reduced nutrient mobility compared with the untreated controls. In the field experiment, temporal changes in nitrogen fractions revealed an initial phase of intensive mineralisation, followed by gradual stabilisation of nitrogen forms. Phosphorus concentrations (total phosphorus—P_tot and orthophosphate—PO₄³⁻) decreased over time, suggesting reduced potential for leaching, although the underlying mechanisms likely include immobilisation and redistribution within the manure matrix. Differences in nutrient dynamics between chicken and turkey manure were observed. A humification stabilisation index (HSI) was applied to describe changes in organic matter quality during manure storage, indicating progressive transformation towards more stable forms. However, due to the limited replication and the lack of continuous monitoring of key process parameters, the results should be interpreted as indicative rather than conclusive. Overall, the study suggests that microbial inoculation may influence nutrient transformations and support manure stabilisation processes, highlighting its potential as a complementary strategy in environmentally oriented manure management strategies. Full article

Degraded rangelands in semi-arid pastoral systems are widely associated with declining vegetation, soil carbon loss, and worsening household livelihoods. However, the mechanisms linking rangeland degradation to household income remain poorly understood, particularly in a panel-data context. This study examines how rangeland condition, vegetation dynamics, and livestock by-product underutilization are related to household income in Öndörshireet Soum, Töv Aimag, Mongolia. The analysis is based on a multi-source panel dataset covering 2018 to 2024, combining Sentinel-2 NDVI time series, soil organic carbon measurements from 120 permanent plots, and a five-wave survey of 114 households. The results indicate widespread and persistent degradation. Nearly 90 percent of monitored plots are at least moderately degraded; NDVI shows a steady decline over time; and average soil carbon levels remain well below those observed at a managed reference site. Over the same period, real household income declined despite a gradual increase in herd size. Econometric estimates show that vegetation condition is positively associated with income, whereas higher levels of by-product waste are associated with lower income, even after accounting for precipitation variability. The interaction results further suggest that the benefits of herd expansion weaken when production losses remains high. Taken together, these findings indicate that ecological decline and low value capture from livestock operate simultaneously to constrain pastoral livelihoods. Improvements in pasture condition alone appear insufficient to offset these pressures when a substantial share of livestock value is not recovered. While the results offer useful insights for rangeland policy, further evidence from multiple sites would be needed to assess causality and the extent to which these patterns apply beyond a single soum. Full article

Ticks are major ectoparasites of livestock in India, causing substantial economic losses and transmitting a wide range of pathogens. Control strategies rely heavily on synthetic pyrethroid acaricides; however, resistance associated with mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene has been widely reported. Information on tick species diversity and molecular resistance status in Puducherry remains limited. This study investigated tick diversity, host-associated infestation patterns, and the presence of key VGSC knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations (C190A and G215T). A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 15 villages in Puducherry, where ticks were collected from cattle, goats, and dogs and identified using standard morpho-taxonomic keys. A total of 3779 ticks representing eight ixodid species were identified, showing clear host-associated infestation patterns. Individual ticks were selected from stratified pools (based on village, host, tick species, and sex) and processed individually for genomic DNA extraction. A fragment of the VGSC gene was amplified by PCR and analysed using Sanger sequencing. Molecular analysis of 62 high-quality VGSC sequences representing all eight species across the surveyed villages revealed no mutations at the investigated loci (C190A and G215T) in the analysed samples. All sequences exhibited the wild-type genotype at these positions. These findings provide baseline molecular information on the screened VGSC loci in ixodid ticks from Puducherry and highlight the importance of continued surveillance, phenotypic validation, and integrated tick management strategies. Full article

Hurricanes cause severe impacts on lives, livelihoods, and essential systems. Hurricane Melissa impacted Jamaica as a Category 5 cyclone, resulting in estimated losses of approximately 41% of national GDP (US$8.8 billion) and eliciting widespread damage to housing, healthcare, agriculture, and urban infrastructure. Agriculture sustained heavy losses, with 41,000 hectares of damaged farmland and the loss of more than 1 million livestock animals. These impacts resulted in exposed animal closures with biological hazards. Using systems thinking, the PESTHEEL framework, and a One Health lens, we argue for viewing Hurricane Melissa as series of cascading inter-related One Health threats of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, degraded indoor and outdoor air quality, chemical pollution, and shifting migration and border dynamics. These each unfold at different timings. A structured synthesis for Jamaica and other Caribbean Small Island Developing States is provided by integrating systems thinking, One Health, and the PESTHEEL framework. Immediate and lagged risk pathways are identified, and practical risk reduction actions are proposed to support anticipatory, multisectoral recovery: enhanced syndromic, laboratory, wastewater, vector, and rodent surveillance; resilient WASH and shelter systems; non-insecticidal and integrated vector management; biosecure aid and border protocols; environmental toxicology monitoring; and climate–health intelligence. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly transmissible viral infection of livestock that threatens food security and causes substantial economic losses in endemic regions. Despite its economic impact, the role of environmental viral load and wildlife reservoirs in sustaining FMD transmission remains poorly quantified. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which community viral load sustains FMD persistence and to identify key transmission drivers in a coupled livestock–wildlife–environment system. A Susceptible–Exposed–Infected (SEI) model with a free-living virus compartment was analyzed via the basic reproduction number ($R_0$) and solved numerically using a Nonstandard Finite Difference Method. Sensitivity analysis identified wild host population size, transmission rates, host recruitment, environmental viral decay, and viral load thresholds as major determinants of $R_0$. Results indicate that higher transmission rates accelerate susceptible depletion and increase exposed and infected classes, with wildlife dominating environmental viral contributions. Community viral load is central to sustaining outbreaks and informs targeted control strategies. Full article

The utilization of unconventional feed resources offers a sustainable strategy to mitigate feed shortages particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where access to conventional feeds is often limited. Among these, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is one of the world’s most aggressive aquatic weeds, which has drawn attention due to its dual role as a problematic invasive species and a potential livestock feed. This plant reduces water quality, contributes to biodiversity loss and causes economic damage in farming systems. At the same time, its high capacity for nutrient absorption makes it a viable source of protein and energy for ruminants when properly harvested and processed into forms such as hay, dried leaves, and silage. However, its utilization requires caution, as the plant can accumulate toxins and heavy metals from polluted water, which may harm animal health if unprocessed. This review focuses on the potential of water hyacinth to improve ruminant growth performance, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation. Including water hyacinth in ruminant diet safely can possibly improve animal productivity, contribute to sustainable weed management and also provide a practical strategy to alleviate feed shortage in dry seasons, thereby encouraging resilience and sustainable ruminant production. Full article

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) continue to impose substantial health and productivity losses in grazing ruminants, and the accelerating emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR) underscores the need for SWC strategies. Although multiple SWC approaches have been validated experimentally, their implementation across European livestock systems remains inconsistent, and limited evidence exists regarding the stakeholders’ perceptions that affect decision-making. This study conducted a multilingual cross-sectional survey of 1261 respondents, including farmers, veterinarians, advisors, and other professionals, across 13 European countries to evaluate perceived worm-control cost burdens and the economic feasibility of seven SWC strategies. Descriptive and regression analyses revealed that a majority of respondents (56.7%) considered diagnostic testing to be financially reasonable, although perceptions varied significantly between countries. Sustainable anthelmintic use, quarantine and strategic screening, and grazing management were perceived as the most viable strategies, whereas biological control and bioactive compound-based approaches elicited greater uncertainty. An aggregated SWC Attitude Score demonstrated systematically higher acceptance among veterinarians compared to farmers, while male and older respondents exhibited lower levels of agreement across practices. The overall findings suggest that economic considerations may not be perceived as the primary barrier to sustainable worm control adoption, but other practical factors may potentially limit implementation. Full article

Nematode-trapping fungi are saprophytic organisms that can transform their mycelium into a parasitic lifestyle, forming traps to capture and feed on nematodes. Although this transition is triggered by environmental conditions, the genetic regulation of this metabolic shift remains unclear. This study assessed the effects of nutritional stress on mycochemical synthesis, trap morphogenesis, and Aomae1 gene expression in Arthrobotrys oligospora and Arthrobotrys musiformis. Fungal biomass was subjected to the following three-stage successive culture model: (i) nutrient-rich (Czapek–Dox broth), (ii) nutritional stress (water), and (iii) media enriched with live prey (Haemonchus contortus Hc-L₃). Samples were taken for molecular analysis, and liquid culture filtrates (LCFs) were recovered for chromatographic identification of mycochemical groups. To assess trap formation (traps/cm²), mycelia from each culture model was transferred to water agar plates and defied with Hc-L₃. Results showed a significant bioenergetic trade-off. Both starvation and larval presence induced a downregulation of mycochemical synthesis, which resulted in the total loss of nematocidal activity in LCfs, while triggering a morphogenetic response. Arthrobotrys musiformis showed the most aggressive phenotype with 3.8-fold increase in trap formation and a massive 429.05-fold overexpression of Aomae1 under predatory challenge. While A. oligospora showed a similar but less pronounced trend (2.4-fold increase in trap formation and 44.48-fold Aomae1 overexpression), our findings suggest that Aomae1 expression plays a critical role in the metabolic switch that regulates and redirects energy resources, prioritizing mechanical trapping mechanisms over secondary metabolism during nutrient scarcity. These findings highlight Aomae1 as a possible key activator for virulence, which offers strategic targets for the optimization of biocontrol agents against gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock. Full article

Tick-borne diseases pose a significant threat to global cattle production, with species displacement between ticks compounding this issue. This narrative review synthesises the literature to examine the drivers behind the expansion of the invasive Rhipicephalus microplus and its displacement of the native Rhipicephalus decoloratus in Southern Africa. We analysed the biological, ecological, environmental, and anthropogenic factors by reviewing existing scientific studies and reports. Our findings indicate that R. microplus possesses a competitive advantage due to its shorter life cycle, higher reproductive output, and greater acaricide resistance. Furthermore, anthropogenic activities such as communal grazing practices, unregulated livestock movement, and land-use changes facilitate the spread of this parasite. Climate change and vegetation shifts also create more favourable habitats for this invasive species. The conclusion is that the displacement of R. decoloratus by R. microplus intensifies the burden of tick-borne diseases, leading to substantial economic losses. Effective mitigation requires an integrated tick management approach that combines chemical, biological, and ecological strategies, supported by improved surveillance and farmer education. Full article

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite with a broad geographical distribution and a complex life cycle. It can cause infectious abortions in a variety of animals in the major livestock-producing nations, resulting in huge economic losses to the livestock industry. Shanxi Province in north China is one of China’s important livestock-producing provinces, but the data on the prevalence of N. caninum in sheep and goats in this province was not available prior to the present investigation. To fulfill this gap in our knowledge, serum samples were collected from 504 sheep and 300 goats across 11 cities representing three distinct geographical regions of Shanxi Province. A commercially available indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) kit was used to determine the N. caninum prevalence by detecting N. caninum-specific IgG antibodies. Results showed that a total of 24 sheep (4.8%; 95% CI: 2.9–6.6) and 8 goat samples (2.7%; 95% CI: 0.8–4.5) tested positive for N. caninum antibodies. Geographical distribution was identified as the predominant risk factor influencing N. caninum infection in sheep and goats in Shanxi Province, with seroprevalence of N. caninum ranging from 0% to 16.7% across different sampling sites. This study reports the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in sheep and goats in Shanxi Province for the first time, providing baseline data for the prevention and control of N. caninum infection in this northern province of China. Full article

Bioaerosol emissions from biological treatment processes like composting, livestock operations, and wastewater plants pose notable occupational and environmental health risks. Biofiltration is a common mitigation measure for gaseous pollutants, but its effectiveness in controlling bioaerosols is less studied. This review synthesizes current evidence on biofiltration for the removal of bioaerosols. Findings indicate that biofiltration can significantly reduce emissions from waste-related biological processes, although results vary widely and depend heavily on design and operational factors. In composting, agricultural, and wastewater treatment contexts, fungal bioaerosols are consistently removed with high efficiency, often over 90%. Conversely, bacterial removal shows greater variability, from negligible to above 90%, influenced primarily by airflow rate, bed depth, and media stability. Systems with residence times of tens of seconds and bed depths of at least 1 m tend to reliably reduce bacterial counts, whereas undersized, high-flow systems experience marked efficiency losses. The choice of packing material is also crucial; mature, stable media maintain performance, whereas nutrient-rich or unstable substrates can lead to fungal emissions, turning the biofilter into a secondary source. Data on endotoxin removal are limited and remain insufficient for firm design recommendations. Overall, biofiltration’s effectiveness depends on complex interactions among physical retention, biological stability, and design. These insights emphasize the need for future research to focus on standardized, performance-based design criteria supported by consistent reporting and full-scale validation. Full article

Small ruminant lentiviruses are longstanding viral infections affecting sheep and goats worldwide, resulting in reduced efficiency and economic losses. In Portugal, updated epidemiological data are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors for SRLV in Portugal. The study was conducted in Portuguese flocks of ovine and caprine species. Flocks were randomly chosen, and producers were invited to answer a questionnaire. The indirect ELISA test, ID Screen^® MVV/CAEV Indirect, was made to detect infection. We collected samples from 59 flocks, of which 55.93% (CI 95%: 43.26–68.60%) had at least one positive animal. Of these flocks, 1302 individual samples presented a seroprevalence of 32.95% (CI 95%: 30.08–35.81%). Regarding the risk factor analysis, the multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model at the individual level identified variables with increased odds of SRLV seropositivity. Caprine species (OR = 2.47; CI 95%: 1.01–6.03), non-autochthonous breed (OR = 2.95; CI 95%: 1.23–7.06), animals older than two years old (OR = 1.95; CI 95%: 1.29–2.94), dairy aptitude (OR = 8.15; CI 95%: 2.53–26.24), unknown serostatus of newly acquired animals (OR = 9.41; CI 95%: 2.93–30.23) and participation in livestock competitions (OR = 4.25; CI 95%: 1.42–12.73) were significantly associated with increased odds of seropositivity. SRLV has been confirmed in both regions of Portugal studied, with a significant regional disparity that is likely attributable to differences in management practices. The identification of risk factors specific to each production system is crucial for the development and implementation of voluntary control programs. Full article

Addressing the persistent challenges of low resource utilization efficiency and the difficulty in quantifying hidden costs within the beef cattle sector, this study proposes an integrated diagnostic methodology that couples Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) with Value Stream Mapping (VSM). Using a cohort of 1623 beef cattle finished in 2024 at the case study farm in Heilongjiang Province, China, the full life-cycle accounting reveals that hidden costs constitute 6.43% of total inputs. Attribution analysis further pinpoints two critical nodes: feed loss and bedding consumption, which account for 33.14% and 35.77% of negative product costs, respectively. Based on these diagnostics, two optimization strategies were devised: refined feed supply chain management and a recycled bedding system centered on the aerobic fermentation of cattle manure. Empirical estimates indicate that upgrading hardware facilities could reduce the feed loss rate to under 2%, yielding annual savings of ¥485,200. Furthermore, the bedding recycling system not only achieves zero waste discharge but also generates an average annual displacement income of ¥3.504 million, with an investment payback period of just 0.54 years. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of the coupled MFCA-VSM model in identifying environmental costs and unlocking economic potential, thereby providing an actionable pathway for the livestock industry’s transition toward more intensive and circular practices. Full article

Automated detection and tracking of individual sheep are essential for precision livestock farming. However, existing approaches face significant challenges: (1) Limited dataset diversity with predominant aerial perspectives; (2) Detection failures under severe occlusions; (3) Frequent ID switches due to high appearance similarity. To address these challenges, our paper presents an integrated framework. Firstly, we construct a multi-scene indoor sheep dataset with diverse environmental conditions. Secondly, for detection, we propose an improved YOLOv8 incorporating SheepNMS and Flock-aware Localization Loss (FL-Loss) to handle crowded scenarios and occlusion. Finally, for tracking, we enhance BoT-SORT with a Flock Appearance Module (FAM) and Trajectory Correction Module (TCM) for robust association and drift mitigation. Extensive experiments demonstrate measurable improvements in detection accuracy, tracking consistency, and reductions in ID switches and fragmentations across diverse monitoring scenarios. Full article

Complex farming environments, breed variation, and the high cost of manual annotation remain major obstacles to robust pig detection, while cross-breed detection under few-shot conditions has been insufficiently explored in previous studies. To address this gap, we propose a few-shot pig detection framework that combines an improved YOLOv7 detector with CycleGAN-based pseudo-sample generation. The detector was enhanced through anchor optimization, Efficient Channel Attention (ECA), and Log-Sum-Exp (LSE) pooling to improve localization and feature discrimination in dense pigsty scenes. In addition, an optimized CycleGAN with perceptual loss was used to generate synthetic Duroc-like pig images to enrich the limited target-domain training set. The framework was evaluated using a two-dataset design: a White Pig Base Dataset was used to establish the source-domain detector and validate the architectural improvements, whereas a Duroc Pig Few-Shot Dataset was used to assess cross-breed adaptation under a 10-shot setting. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieved 98.16% mAP on the White pig dataset and 85.52% mAP on the Duroc Few-Shot Dataset. On the Duroc Few-Shot Dataset, the final framework outperformed Faster R-CNN, CenterNet, and YOLOv8, and also surpassed DCGAN- and SRGAN-based augmentation strategies. These results indicate that the proposed method provides an effective and practical solution for cross-breed few-shot pig detection, with potential value for intelligent livestock monitoring under annotation-limited conditions. Full article