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Livestock excretions are crucial for nutrient cycling in pasture ecosystems. However, conventional methods based on field observations require significant human power and are time‐consuming. This study developed a model, 'Dung Detector (DD)', for detecting cattle dung in pastures from drone images using the You Only Look Once (YOLO) v5 algorithm. The DD model was trained using our custom dataset including 1,504 split images from drone orthomosaic images in five paddocks: Obihiro (OBH), Shintoku (STK), Minokamo (MNO), Miyota (MYT), and Yatsugatake (YGK). The detection accuracy was evaluated using ground‐truth data acquired in two quadrats within paddocks. The DD model performed well for OBH and STK (F‐score = 0.861 and 0.835) paddocks with simple grass species and low surface sward height (SSH). Although the MNO and MYT, with complex vegetation and high SSH, showed few false positives (precision >0.9), some cattle dung pats were undetectable, presumably due to grass height (Recall = 0.500 and 0.276). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: β-Carotene is an abundant carotenoid in plants that functions as an antioxidant and a primary precursor of vitamin A in cattle. In addition to its role as a vitamin A precursor, β-carotene affects reproduction. β-carotene supports reproductive function, especially luteal function, in cattle by protecting synthetic enzymes related to sex steroid hormone production from reactive oxygen species through its antioxidant properties. β-carotene supplementation supports the ovarian cycle in cows by suppressing oxidative stress and enhancing immune function. Future research and field applications should consider β-carotene sufficiency and the balance between β-carotene intake from roughage and β-carotene consumption in the body and possible factors affecting the effectiveness of β-carotene in cattle reproduction. β-carotene supplementation improves the reproductive performance of cattle. However, the research results on this topic have been inconsistent, and no clear conclusion has been reached. In previous reviews of this topic, the functional mechanism of β-carotene in reproduction remained unclear, but subsequent studies have shown that the antioxidant effects of β-carotene protect enzymes involved in ovarian sex steroid hormone production from the effects of oxygen radicals. This role consequently affects normal ovarian follicle dynamics, maintenance of luteal function, and the estrous cycle, and indirectly improves reproductive performance by preventing perinatal diseases and facilitating recovery from these diseases. Several factors must be considered in feeding management to determine whether β-carotene supplementation is effective for improving reproductive performance in cows. The same is true when the animal consumes a large amount of the antioxidant β-carotene due to lactation, aging, or season. Therefore, it is important to consider the balance between the supply and consumption of β-carotene and evaluate whether β-carotene supplementation has an effect on reproductive performance in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we characterized the effects of CT dietary inclusion at 2% (wt/wt) dry matter on the goat rumen metabolome and fermentation characteristics. Barley (BA) and corn (CN) were separately used as basal grain for the control rations, and rations supplemented with CT were BACT and CNCT, respectively. The rations were tested using eight Japanese Shiba × Saanen goats in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square arrangement (28 days for each period). Ruminal fluid was obtained on day 25 of each period, and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) analysis was performed. Metabolites from BACT against BA and CNCT against CN were mostly associated with purine metabolism. Moreover, BACT against BA showed intensified biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and CNCT against CN resulted in strengthened amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, strong correlations were observed between rumen NH3‐N and the copy number of total bacteria with most of the differential metabolites. The present paper provides a better understanding of the relationship between the rumen metabolome and fermentation characteristics and supports a shift in concern about using CT as a strategy to manipulate rumen metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled internal drug‐releasing (CIDR) devices are commonly used for superovulation in goats. However, such devices are unavailable in some countries, including Japan. In this technical note, we aimed to explore the efficacy of an alternative superovulation protocol using progesterone tablets in goats. We employed intravaginal progesterone tablets (LUTINAS® Vaginal Tablet 100 mg) following a standard superovulation protocol. Additionally, we assessed the ovarian dynamics using 3T‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 day preceding the progesterone treatment (Day "−1") and 3 days before the end of treatment (Days 11–13). The ovarian monitoring was successfully performed in the short tau inversion recovery T2‐weighted images of MRI, and ovulation was confirmed by the disappearance of follicles on Day 13 post‐administration of the tablets. Immediately after ovulation, oviduct flushing yielded a substantial number of oocytes (13.5 ± 1.8 oocytes per animal). These findings provide evidence that the administration of progesterone tablets can serve as a viable alternative for inducing. Additionally, our findings suggest that 3T‐MRI is a promising alternative to conventional ultrasonography for monitoring ovarian dynamics following superovulation in experimental goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yolk sac membranes of layer eggs were collected daily (n = 7–9) from day three of incubation to day three post-hatch, and mRNA expression and activities were quantified for key gluconeogenesis enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6- bisphosphatase, cytosolic and mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinases, and pyruvate carboxylase). Lactate, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, glycogen, and glucose in the yolk sac membrane, and blood glucose levels were also measured. The mRNA expression and activity were detected for all enzymes. Differences in expression levels and enzyme activities seemed to reflect the embryo’s developmental environment and physiological demands at different developmental stages. During the first week to the mid-second week of incubation, the expression and activity of gluconeogenic enzymes and lactate concentrations were high, suggesting an active period of gluconeogenesis from lactate, reflecting possible hypoxia in the embryo before completed formation of the chorioallantoic capillaries. From the mid-second week to mid-third week, when embryos were in an aerobic state, the triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid contents increased in the yolk sac. Triglycerides from yolk lipids are typically hydrolyzed to produce non-esterified fatty acids as an energy source, whereas the glycerol skeleton is used for gluconeogenesis. In the late third week, when embryos were considered to re-enter an anaerobic state, the mRNA expression and enzyme activity of only glucose-6-phosphatase were high and the amount of glycogen in the yolk sac was reduced. Therefore, it is suggested that gluconeogenesis activity is low during this period, and the carbohydrates stored in the yolk sac membrane are secreted into the blood as energy for hatching. This study confirmed the role of the yolk sac membrane as a vital gluconeogenic organ during chicken egg incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clarify the differences in ingestive behavior between goats and sheep at the bite scale. Animals were allowed to graze a feeding station of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) with two sward heights (short and tall) to two levels of bite depletion (20 and 40 bites). Ingestive behavior variables, which represent the rate and mass of bites and chews, intake rate, bite dimensions, and bite placement characteristics, were quantified. The interspecies difference in ingestive behavior became obvious at the short sward. Goats reduced the inter‐bite distance and maintained bite overlapping but took deeper bites than sheep at the short sward, resulting in slightly greater bite mass. These behavioral changes with efficient chewing may be helpful to maintain the intake rate at the short sward. Sheep maintained their inter‐bite distance regardless of the sward height and decreased overlapping bites at the short sward. These behavioral characteristics in sheep in response to sward height may partly compensate for the decrease in the bite mass at the short sward, although it may not always maintain the intake rate. Thus, the present study suggests that goats and sheep implement different bite scale ingestive behaviors, including bite placement, when they eat short swards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to reveal the potential impact of botanically diverse pasture on the nutritional, physiological, and immunological status of grazing cattle using multifaceted indices. Ten Japanese black beef cows (325.5 ± 40.6 kg of body weight [BW], 7.9 ± 3.8 years of age) were used in this experiment. Five of them grazed on a 1.8‐ha grassland (botanically diverse pasture: DP) that was composed of sown grassland and grazable forestland (approximately 34 plant species). The other five cows grazed on 1.0 ha of sown grassland with only a few plant species (botanically monotonous pasture: MP, approximately 5 plant species) for 2 months. Blood samples were collected approximately every 2 weeks. In DP cows, the hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, hematocrit (HCT) ratio, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased linearly after the start of grazing, as did plasma sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) concentrations. Urea nitrogen (UN) levels were higher in DP than in MP cows throughout the grazing period, whereas in MP cows, the red blood cell (RBC) count, HGB concentration, and HCT ratio decreased quadratically after the start of grazing. The DP cows gained more BW than the MP cows throughout the grazing period. Thus, the increased intake and/or the change in the ingested plant species in DP cows might have promoted the increase in the plasma UN concentration. In summary, the present study showed that grazing in botanically diverse pasture improved the nutritional and physiological status of cows; however, it aggravated the imbalance of protein and energy intake induced by grazing within 2 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colobine monkeys are known for the anatomical complexity of their stomachs, making them distinct within the primate order. Amongst foregut fermenters, they appear peculiar because of the occurrence of two different stomach types, having either three ('tripartite') or four ('quadripartite', adding the praesaccus) chambers. The functional differences between tri and quadripartite stomachs largely remain to be explained. In this study, we aim to compare the apparent digestibility (aD) in tripartite and quadripartite colobines. Hence, we measured the aD in two colobine species, Nasalis larvatus (quadripartite) and Trachypithecus cristatus (tripartite), in two zoos. We also included existing colobine literature data on the aD and analysed whether the aD of fibre components is different between the stomach types to test the hypothesis of whether quadripartite colobines show higher aD of fibre components than tripartite colobines did. Our captive N. larvatus specimen had a more distinctively varying nutrient intake across seasons with a larger seasonal variation in aD than that of a pair of T. cristatus, which mostly consumed commercial foods with a lower proportion of browse and less seasonal variation. We observed higher aD of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) in the N. larvatus specimen, suggesting a higher gut capacity of N. larvatus provided by the additional praesaccus forestomach chamber. Based on the analysis of literature data for aD, we also found that quadripartite species achieved higher fibre digestibility at similar dietary fibre levels compared with tripartite species, supporting the hypothesis that the additional gut capacity offered by the praesaccus facilitates a longer retention and hence more thorough microbial fermentation of plant fibre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of extensive grazingin a sown pasture with forestland on the health of beef cows by measuring multiple indicators. Ten Japanese Black beef cows were used in this experiment. Five of the ten cows were grazed for two months on a 1.8 ha field. The remaining cows were fed under confinement conditions. Behavioral assessments showed that grazing increased sternum lying with rumination of the cows. The grazing cows did not show any abnormal behaviors. There was a tendency for the numbers of red blood cells and lymphocytes to be lower in grazing cows than in confined cows, whereas the number of neutrophils in grazing cows was significantly higher than that in confined cows. In addition, grazing cows had a higher total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity than confined cows. These results suggest that extensive grazing in a sown pasture with forestland increases natural behaviors, decreases circulating red blood cells and lymphocytes and enhances neutrophil circulation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed is a primary factor affecting different milk components and creating a specific milk flavor. Dairy farms in different regions often depend on different feed resources and feeding regimens. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of completely different feeding regimens on the milk fatty acid (FA) profile and milk flavor. Eight lactating Holstein cows were assigned to one of two distinct feeding regimens, one grass silage‐based diet (GS) and one by‐product‐based diet (BP), using a switchback design with three periods of 28 days each. A sensory test of the pasteurized milk was conducted using the paired preference method. Dry matter, crude protein and total digestible energy intake were similar between the groups. There was also no difference in daily milk yields, milk fat, protein, lactose and solids‐not‐fat contents between the groups. Milk FA content with chain lengths C12–C14:1, C16 and C16:1cis and the saturated fatty acid (SFA) content were significantly higher in the GS group than in the BP group. In contrast, the milk FA content with chain lengths C18 and C18:1cis–C18:2 and the unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content, including mono‐UFA (MUFA) and poly‐UFA (PUFA), were significantly higher in the BP group than in the GS group. The different feeding regimens did not affect milk sensory properties, including aroma, palatability, aftertaste, texture, body and sweetness. Using food by‐products that contain relatively high levels of PUFAs resulted in PUFA‐rich milk. However, even if using a distinct feeding regimen based on conserved or by‐product feeds, it may be difficult to create characteristic milk with an original flavor that is clearly identified by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing goats have potential for use in managing abandoned fields. However, it is unclear how long‐term grazing affects goats as a result of vegetational changes in abandoned fields. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of vegetation quality and quantity and the nutritional status of goats for five years in an abandoned field at different stocking rates: high stocking rate (HS: 30–33 goats/ha) and low stocking rate (LS: 14 goats/ha). In five years, the dominant plant species changed from bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) to tufted grass species at the HS, whereas dwarf bamboo (Pleioblastus argenteostriatus) dominated throughout the five years at the LS. The annual plant biomass at both stocking rates was similar and varied from year to year. Crude protein content in the goats' diet did not show any seasonal or annual trend regardless of the stocking rate. Neutral detergent fiber content in the HS diet did not show any seasonal or annual trend; however, that in the LS diet linearly increased with the grazing year. The dry matter (DM) intake for goats at the LS decreased linearly with the grazing year (p < 0.05), whereas that for goats at the HS did not show any trend. The DM digestibility was higher for goats at the HS than for goats at the LS (p < 0.05). Serum parameters did not show a negative nutritional status of the goats over the study years. Annual daily gain was positive throughout the grazing years regardless of the stocking rate. Consequently, within the stocking rate range studied here, long‐term goat grazing changes the quality of vegetation in an abandoned field; however, goats can maintain their nutritional status and body weight for five years. Thus, goat grazing is a feasible way to control abandoned vegetation over the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to reveal the effects of direct exposure to cold weather under grazing in winter (GW) on the health of Japanese Black beef cattle, as assessed using physiological, immunological, and behavioral parameters. Ten Japanese Black beef cattle (328 ± 45 kg, 7.6 ± 3.4 years of age) were used in this experiment. In winter, five of the 10 cattle grazed for 2 months in a 1.8 ha pasture (GW), and the remaining cattle were fed under confined conditions with tethering (control [CT]). The two groups were fed similar feed during the experiment, except for the grazing forage. Blood samples were collected approximately every 2 weeks. The numbers of neutrophils and monocytes and antioxidant enzyme activity were higher in the GW group than in the CT group (p < 0.05). The proportions of CD4‐single‐positive cells were lower in GW cattle than in CT cattle (p = 0.06). This study showed that direct exposure of beef cattle to cold weather under GW enhanced the levels of circulating neutrophils and monocytes and contributed to the kinetic homeostasis of lymphocytes but also activated antioxidant enzymes due to an increase in oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early experience with low-quality roughage may induce adaptations in ruminants' metabolism. This study was conducted to explore the variation in the hepatic metabolomes of lambs fed low-quality roughage beginning early in life. Five lambs were fed Sudan grass hay (crude protein ( CP): 4.6% of the dry matter ( DM), neutral detergent fiber, 68.5% of DM) for 6 months during time periods P1, P2 and P3, which consisted of 2 months each. The metabolizable energy ( ME) and CP intake satisfied lambs' maintenance requirements in P1 and P2, but the ME intake was 78.5% of the maintenance ME requirement in P3. Liver metabolomics was carried out in P2 and P3 by the capillary electrophoresis and time-of-flight mass spectrometry system. Eight amino acids and six amino acid metabolism-related metabolites were altered between P2 and P3. Several intermediates of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis decreased, while nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate increased in P3. Taurocholic acid and taurine increased, while glycocholic acid decreased in P3. The results suggested that amino acid utilization and the efficiency of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis might be adjusted to accommodate the low-quality roughage fed to the lambs during early stages of life. The composition of bile acids might also be optimized to promote the efficiency of lipid absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tall grasses (>1 m tall) are an important forage resource for grazing ruminants. Understanding the ingestive behavior and short-term intake rate of cattle grazing on tall grasses will help facilitate grazing management of tall grass pastures. The aim of this study was to determine the allocation of jaw movements in grazing cattle in relation to tall grasses and to assess whether such allocations of jaw movements are effective for maintaining a short-term intake rate. Four plants were used as test plants: bahiagrass ( Paspalum notatum Flügge; a short grass), Sudangrass ( Sorghum × drummondii ; a typical tall grass) and two growth forms of a dwarf bamboo ( Sasa senanensis ; a semi-woody form of tall grass): a naturally growing form (NGDB, approximately 2 m tall) and a form that is under grazing (DBUG,<0.8 m). Four Japanese Black cows were allowed to graze each plant in random order. The grazing jaw movements and intake rate were measured using an integrated method with a microsward technique and acoustic monitoring. The cows performed the highest number of total bites (simple bites+chew-bites) for bahiagrass, an intermediate number of total bites for Sudangrass and DBUG and the lowest number of total bites for NGDB ( P <0.05). The total number of chews (simple chews+chew-bites) was similar among NGDB, DBUG, and Sudangrass, whereas the total number of chews for bahiagrass was less than that for dwarf bamboos. The number of observed chew-bites exhibited an order similar to that observed for the number of total bites. As a result of each jaw movement, cows ingesting the DBUG moved their jaws more frequently among the plants, and cows ingesting the bahiagrass performed the fewest grazing jaw movements. Bite mass was considerably greater in the cows ingesting NGDB than in the cows ingesting other plants. Conversely, the chew mass for bahiagrass was clearly greater than that for the two taller plants. Cows ingesting Sudangrass processed the least amount of forage with each chew ( P <0.05). The intake rate did not significantly differ among the plants ( P >0.05), except for Sudangrass. Cows ingested Sudangrass at a lower intake rate than observed for the other plants ( P <0.05). The results suggest that cattle were able to control their ingestive jaw movements depending on plant characteristics such as height, the spatial arrangement of the leaves and leaf morphology. However, the lower short-term intake rate for tall grasses implies that there is a limit to the adaptability of grazing jaw movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional status of cows grazing on a 120-ha public alpine forestland pasture dominated by the dwarf bamboo Sasa senanensis located in central Japan was evaluated over the course of 2 years. Data were collected during grazing seasons in three periods: early (June), mid- (August) and late (late September-early October) periods. During these periods, the number of experimental Japanese Black cows varied between three and six. With the exception of the dry matter (DM) intake in 2005 and the crude protein (CP) digestibility in 2006, the DM and CP intake and digestibility were lower in the mid- and late periods than in the early period for both years (P < 0.05). Metabolizable energy intake was slightly insufficient for the requirement of the cows in the late period of 2005; in the mid- and late periods of 2006, the metabolizable energy intake was 0.4 to 0.5 times the requirement. These results suggest that the energy intake of cows grazing on forestland pasture dominated by S. senanensis would not satisfy their requirements starting in the mid-period (August) grazing, even though the pasture had abundant herbage resources during these periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single pulse dose method may be one of the few practical techniques for estimating fecal output and herbage intake in animals in large scale free-ranging systems because the method reduces labor and time involved in capturing animals and collecting feces. This study aimed to evaluate the single pulse dose method using rare earth marker-labeled herbage for estimating fecal output and herbage intake by cattle, in comparison with the actual values and the continuous dose method using chromium oxide. In experiment 1, the fecal output and herbage intake estimated by the single pulse dose method (FOS and HIS) and by the continuous dose method (FOC and HIC) were compared with the actual values in the zero grazing condition. Six Japanese Black cows were kept in individual pens and fed fresh herbage ad libitum. Average FOS and HIS were 104% and 108% of the actual values, respectively, and were closer to the actual values than FOC and HIC (85% and 89%). However, the animal-to-animal variation represented by the standard deviation in the single pulse dose method was greater than that in the continuous dose method. In experiment 2, the single pulse dose and the continuous dose methods were compared in the grazing condition, using six Japanese Black cows grazing a 77-ha pasture. Although the differences of the mean fecal output and herbage intake between the two methods were greater than those in the zero grazing condition, the same tendency as that under the zero grazing condition was observed. The results suggest that the single pulse dose method slightly overestimates the herbage intake compared with the actual value and produces slightly less stable estimates than the continuous dose method. However, the method can be useful for estimating herbage intake by animals in large scale free-ranging systems where the use of other estimation methods is difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of forage selection on the quality of the diet ingested by beef cows grazed on a dwarf bamboo-dominated pasture. For 13 days each in spring, summer and autumn, eight Japanese Black cows were grazed on a 1.8-ha dwarf bamboo ( Pleioblastus argenteostriatus f. glaber)-dominant pasture during the day. The plant species and number of bites of each species ingested by the cows were recorded, and plant samples were hand plucked to imitate the behavior of the cows during the grazing time on the seventh and 13th days of each period. The botanical and chemical compositions of the available pasture were systematically estimated by sampling 28 plots. The cows slightly avoided dwarf bamboo and preferred grasses on the seventh day of each period. On the 13th day, the cows ate any available forage in the pasture. The selected forages were higher in crude protein and in vitro digestibility and had lower insoluble protein, neutral detergent fiber and lignin contents than the forages available in the pasture during a season. The frequency of the botanical groups selected by the cows was different in autumn from that in spring and summer, and a substantial increase in grasses and a decrease in P. argenteostriatus f. glaber among the selected forages were observed. Although the botanical groups selected by the cows were relatively different between the seasons, an increase in the levels of unavailable fractions such as lignin and insoluble protein and a decrease in in vitro digestibility were observed as the seasons progressed. Thus, the cows could not avoid a decrease in their diet quality in autumn. The selection of forage improved the nutrient intake of the beef cows in terms of chemical and digestible components; however, in a dwarf bamboo-dominated pasture, there is a substantial limitation in the effectiveness of forage selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dwarf bamboo is a significant but unique native forage for cattle grazing in Japan. A pasture dominated by Pleioblastus argenteostriatus f. glaber, a type of dwarf bamboo, was used to evaluate nutrient intake, digestibility of forage and nutritional status of grazing cows. Eight Japanese Black cows were grazed on the pasture, and six among the eight grazing cows were used for the experiment. This experiment consisted of three periods: spring (May), summer (July) and autumn (September–October) in 2002 and 2003. The nutrient intake and digestibility of the cows were estimated by the double indicator method with chromic oxide (Cr2O3) as the external indicator and acid detergent insoluble ash (ADIA) in forages as the internal indicator. The crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents of forage selected by the cows hardly changed during the grazing seasons in both years. Crude ash, acid detergent lignin (ADL), ADIA, and acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP) contents were the highest in autumn in both years. Nutrient intake of the cows was lower in autumn than in other seasons. Nutrient digestibility of the cows increased slightly from spring to summer and then decreased in autumn. Metabolizable energy (ME) intake satisfied the maintenance requirements of the cows in spring and summer; however, it was only 50%–70% of the maintenance in autumn for both years. Urea nitrogen concentration in plasma was always high, approximately 20 mg dL−1, during grazing periods. Inorganic phosphate (IP) concentration in plasma was lower than critical value (4.5 mg dL−1) in spring and autumn. Therefore, energy and phosphate supplementation are needed for the cows grazed on P. argenteostriatus f. glaber-dominated pasture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals serve as a shared energy source for both humans and feedlot animals. For producers, large incorporations of cereals in the ruminant diet have resulted in foreseeable profits from production. For ruminant nutritionists, improving the gastrointestinal utilization of cereals while minimizing drawbacks to health is a crucial concern. Over the past decade, studies have shown promising outcomes in ruminant performance using cereals treated with lactic acid (LA). These benefits are concentrated on enhanced production performance and reduced high cereal diet-induced health issues. However, inconsistencies in experimental conditions and the diversity of cereal cultivars used in these studies hindered the pace of reaching conclusive remarks. In this review, we summarize data about cereal nutrient variations induced by LA treatment and the underlying mechanisms involved in these variations. We also discuss how LA-treated cereals benefit ruminant gastrointestinal homeostasis and enhance overall health. We aimed to provide an overview of LA modifications on cereal nutrients and frame the functional role of LA-treated cereals on ruminant performance. We also propose research gaps, which are intended to stimulate future research. • LA treatment of cereals is a promising method to enhance ruminant performance. • Cereals treated with LA display nutrient variations. • Ruminant consumed LA-treated cereal showed enhanced health and production performance. • LA-treated cereal benefits ruminant via manipulating gastrointestinal fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Confinement conditions restrained the expression of normal behaviors in cows. • Sudden confinement may decrease Mg concentrations and increase anxiety in cows. • Antioxidant capacity was lower after cows were moved to confinement. • Changes in the feeding environment increased neutrophil and decreased monocyte. • Nutritional imbalance in grazing was solved within two weeks by a change in feed. Abstract Grazing is thought to contribute to animal health and welfare. However, cattle are often moved from grazing to confinement conditions at the end of the grazing season or due to their production stage. The aim of this study was to clarify the physiological, immunological, and behavioral responses that occur in cows when they are moved from grazing to confinement conditions. Ten Japanese black cows were used in this experiment. Five of the cows grazed on a 1.8-ha field composed of sown pasture and forest land, while the remaining cows were fed under confinement conditions with tethering for two months. Two months later, the grazing cows were moved to confinement conditions with tethering and for two weeks. They were exposed to the same conditions as the confined cows. Blood samples were collected from all cows, and complete blood cell count, leukocyte differentiation, biochemical analysis, and oxidative stress marker analysis were conducted. Behavioral observations were also carried out. The concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and magnesium (Mg) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were lower (P ≤ 0.05), while the numbers of red blood cells (RBCs) and lymphocytes, the hematocrit (HCT) percentage, and the concentration of hemoglobin (HGB) were higher after cows were moved to confinement conditions (P < 0.05). The number of monocytes was lower (P = 0.08), and the number of neutrophils decreased on day 3 before increasing on day 14 after the cows were moved to confinement conditions (P = 0.1). The results of the present study suggest that moving the cows from grazing conditions to confinement conditions induced temporary stress, resulting in a reduction in plasma Mg concentrations and eliminating the high levels of immune and antioxidant enzyme activities observed in grazing cows within two weeks. However, the change in feeding conditions recovered blood parameters, such as the number of RBCs and lymphocytes, the HCT percentage, and the concentration of HGB, and these changes were accompanied by improvement in protein and energy status in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]