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Ketosis, evidenced by hyperketonemia with elevated blood β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels, is a significant metabolic disorder of dairy cattle, typically diagnosed within the first 6 weeks post‐calving when high energy levels are essential to milk production. Our study aimed to identify genetic markers linked to hyperketonemia (HYK) patterns in Holstein cows during early lactation and compare these to HYK‐negative cows. We screened 964 cows for HYK using a threshold of BHB ≥1.2 mmol/L during the first 2 weeks postpartum (screening period, SP). Cows that tested negative initially were retested the following week. Cows were deemed HYK‐negative (CON group) if BHB levels were below 1.2 mmol/L in both tests, while those with BHB levels exceeding this threshold at any test were treated and classified as HYK‐positive (HYK+). Post‐treatment, HYK+ cows were monitored for two‐week follow‐up period (FP) and classified based on their recovery: cured (CUR; consistently low BHB), recurrent (REC; fluctuating BHB levels), severe (SEV; high initial BHB that decreased), or chronic (CHR; persistently high BHB). Using 489 cows that were genotyped, a GWAS was conducted using GCTA software, revealing significant associations of several SNPs across different HYK patterns when compared to the CON group. These SNPs were primarily linked to genes affecting milk traits and were enriched in biological pathways relevant to protein glycosylation, inflammatory response, glucose homeostasis, and fatty acid synthesis. Our findings highlight genomic regions, potential candidate genes, and biological pathways related to ketosis, underscoring potential targets for improving health management in dairy cattle. These insights could lead to better strategies for managing ketosis through genetic selection, ultimately enhancing dairy cattle welfare and productivity. Further research with a larger number of cows is recommended to validate these findings and help confirm the implicated SNPs and genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Regional Pastoral Livelihood Resilience Project Community-Based Breeding Programme (CBBP) was designed with the objective of increasing production and productivity of local Zebu cattle by introducing Sahiwal bulls among sedentary and agro-pastoral livestock farmers. This study mapped out actors, their roles and level of influence in the CBBP as well as the opportunities and challenges encountered during its implementation using the Process Net-Map tool. The results revealed that there were differences in number and type of influential actors between sedentary and agro-pastoral livestock farmers. The bull host and subcounty veterinary officer were the most influential actors among the sedentary livestock farmers whereas it was the herdsman, bull host, and Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) among the agro-pastoral farmers. The CBBP was associated with benefits such as increased market value for cattle, reduced chances for cattle rustling, increased cattle productivity in terms of milk and beef production volumes and ease of access to veterinary services. In contrast, the challenges encountered were related to both governance (limited availability of veterinarians, cattle rustling, exclusion of farmers in the planning phase of the CBBP, political interference and failure of collective action) and bull management (high costs of keeping and maintaining the bulls in terms of feeding, housing, watering and veterinary care, heavy bulls injuring or breaking the small cows, sexually transmitted reproductive diseases among others). Lastly, this paper recommends adoption of a combination of well-organized and facilitated Artificial Insemination (AI) programmes alongside the improved bull service scheme as each has capacity to address the challenges of another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Clostridial infections in cattle are a major veterinary concern in Brazil, significantly impacting the country's livestock industry. These infections are caused by various Clostridium species, which are anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria capable of producing powerful toxins. The main clostridial diseases affecting cattle in Brazil include botulism, tetanus, blackleg, malignant edema and enterotoxemia. Prevention and control measures of regular vaccination programs are crucial in preventing clostridial diseases. Ensuring proper hygiene, especially during surgical procedures, and minimizing injuries can help reduce the risk of infection. Surveillance and research are essential for understanding the epidemiology of these diseases and improving control strategies. Monitoring outbreaks and investigating new cases help in adapting vaccination protocols and management practices. The economic impact of clostridial infections causes significant economic losses in Brazil's cattle industry due to high mortality rates, decreased productivity, and the costs associated with vaccination and treatment. Effective prevention and control strategies are crucial to mitigate these losses and ensure the health and productivity of cattle herds. Clostridial infections in cattle are a significant concern for Brazilian livestock. These diseases are caused by various species of Clostridium, which are known for their ability to produce potent toxins. Botulism in cattle is a serious and often fatal condition caused by the ingestion of neurotoxins produced by C. botulinum. This bacterium thrives in decomposing organic matter, such as spoiled feed, carcasses, and contaminated water. Tetanus is less common, but it is a serious disease that follows the contamination of wounds with Clostridium tetani spores. It results in muscle stiffness, spasms, and often death due to respiratory failure. Blackleg (C. chauvoei) is a disease that primarily affects young cattle, leading to acute lameness, swelling, and high fever. Malignant edema (C. septicum and others) is characterized by rapid onset of swelling at wound sites, and it can occur after injuries or surgical procedures. Enterotoxemia is triggered by the rapid growth of C. perfringens in the gut following excessive carbohydrate intake. This leads to toxin production that causes sudden death. In conclusion, clostridial bovine infections remain a persistent challenge for Brazilian cattle farmers. With continued focus on vaccination, good management practices, and research, the impact of these diseases can be minimized, safeguarding the livestock industry's economic viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sub-Saharan Africa, cattle feedlots face a significant challenge in dealing with heat stress. However, there is a lack of inclusive strategies for resilience in these situations. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the strategies, challenges, and outcomes related to heat stress resilience in community-based cattle feedlots in sub-Saharan Africa. The PRISMA approach, which is a method for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, was used to identify, screen, and analyze 30 peer-reviewed articles published over the last 20 years from Google Scholar and Scopus. The review found that key strategies to mitigate heat stress include providing shade through natural and artificial means, ensuring constant access to cool, clean water using water spraying systems and cooling ponds, and implementing nutritional adjustments such as high-energy feeds and electrolyte supplements. Additionally, genetic selection for heat-tolerant breeds and management practices like adjusting feeding times and improving ventilation were found to be effective in dealing with heat stress. In particular, local germplasm and genetic traits of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa play a crucial role in heat stress resilience. Indigenous breeds, which have adapted to the region’s harsh climate over centuries, exhibit traits such as higher heat tolerance, better water-use efficiency, and improved feed conversion rates under heat stress conditions. This genetic resilience can be enhanced through targeted breeding programs aimed at amplifying these beneficial traits. Implementing these strategies resulted in improved cattle health and productivity, as evidenced by enhanced weight gain, better reproductive performance, and lower mortality rates. The socio-economic benefits of these strategies included reduced economic losses and increased farmer incomes, which in turn contributed to improved community health and nutrition. However, the review also identified significant challenges, including financial constraints, limited access to knowledge and training, and cultural resistance. To address these barriers, the review recommends increased investment in affordable cooling technologies, farmer education, and community-based initiatives. Additionally, leveraging the genetic strengths of local cattle breeds should be prioritized to maximize the effectiveness of heat stress resilience strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In mammals, serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine, 5-HT) is involved in many metabolic functions, including intestinal peristalsis, vasoconstriction, sleep, appetite, anxiety, and depression. The investigative hypothesis underlying this study was that different ages and productive aptitudes may affect 5-HT, thyroid hormones, and cortisol plasma concentrations and could explain possible interactions among them in cows. Our results showed significantly lower T3 concentrations in milk production aptitude cows than in meat production aptitude ones, a significant effect of age on T4 concentrations both in beef and dairy aptitude cows, and a positive and significant correlation for T4 with T3 and 5-HT in meat production-only cows. Monitoring of 5-HT, THs, and cortisol circulating concentrations could be a practical application to monitor the animal's physiological adaptation processes. Cattle productivity, whether in terms of meat yield or milk production, is intricately regulated by a multitude of factors. Among them, hormone concentrations play a significant role, reflecting the complex interplay between endocrine regulation and physiological processes that ultimately determine the efficiency and yield of production. High concentrations of 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT) are associated with a reduced metabolic load at the onset of lactation and a lower milk yield. Thyroid hormones (THs) and cortisol also affect several metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess if milk or meat aptitudes and age influence circulating 5-HT, THs, and cortisol concentrations, investigating the possible interactions among these parameters. The research was performed on 46 healthy cows of three different breeds. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were used to quantify circulating 5-HT and cortisol concentrations, and an immunochemiluminescent analyzer was used for THs. For parameters exhibiting non-normal distributions, an ANCOVA model using age, aptitude, and their interaction as fixed factors was applied. Significant lower T3 concentrations were recorded in dairy cows than in meat cows. Moreover, T4 significantly decreased with advancing age both in cows aimed at milk and meat production. Lastly, T4 was positively correlated with T3 and 5-HT in meat production-oriented cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread presence of Fusarium mycotoxins in animal feed is a global issue, not only for the health of livestock but also for ensure the safety of food as an end product. High concentrations of zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) have been detected in the diets of Japanese Black (JB) and Holstein Friesian (HF) breeding herds. Consequently, we monitored serum biochemical parameters over a long time in both herds, focusing on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and acute-phase inflammation. Additionally, urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and progesterone levels were measured in the HF herd. The JB herd, a ZEN-dominant model with low DON contamination, demonstrated ZEN levels that exceeded the Japanese limit in the purchased total mixed rations (TMR). Conversely, the HF herd, which primary consumes DON-dominant feed with low ZEN contamination, had high DON levels in the dent corn silage. Specifically, the JB herd's TMR contained 1.79 mg/kg ZEN and 0.58 mg/kg DON, whereas the HF herd's silage had 15.3 mg/kg DON (dried sample) and 0.1 mg/kg ZEN. Enzyme-linked immunoassay were used to measure urinary ZEN-DON levels following confirmation through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Urinary ZEN-DON levels measured were significantly correlated (p < 0.05, r > 0.6) in both herds. In the HF herd, AMH levels increased (p = 0.01) and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels decreased (p = 0.02) when contaminated and at the end of the monitoring period. Additionally, urinary ZEN and DON levels were significantly correlated with SAA levels (ZEN: p = 0.00, r = 0.46; DON: p = 0.03, r = 0.33), with an increase in ZEN and DON levels resulting in higher SAA levels. The JB herd showed no significant differences. Additionally, in the HF herd, 8-OHdG/Cre levels increased significantly during major contamination periods (p < 0.05). Clinical data from the HF herd indicated an increase in mastitis cases and treatment rates during periods of major contamination. Abortion rates in the HF herd decreased from 22.9% (before monitoring) to 8.9% (during the high contamination period) and finally to 1% (at the end of the monitoring period), with corresponding increases in progesterone levels. ZEN-DON contamination adversely affects breeding cattle's productivity, reproductive performance, and health. Therefore, monitoring urinary ZEN-DON is valuable for detecting contaminants and ensuring the safety of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Ethiopia, ticks are the major threat to cattle productivity and production, leading to considerable economic losses. The current study was designed to estimate the prevalence of ixodid tick infestation, identify species, assess major risk factors associated with tick infestation and assess public awareness. Methods: A cross‐sectional and questionnaire‐based study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2022 in the Aleltu district. The study animals were selected using a simple random sampling method. Results: Of the 400 cattle examined, 303 (75.8%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. Six species of ticks were identified that belonged to three genera: Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, and the subgenus Rhipicephalus (Boophilus). The most common tick species identified in terms of their prevalence and dominance were Rh. (Bo) decoloratus, Rh. evertsi, Am. variegatum, Hy. rufipes, Rh. bergeoni and Rh. praetextatus. In the present study, Rh. (Bo) decoloratus was the most prevalent (56.8%) in the study area. Among the risk factors considered, the prevalence of tick species had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association with the age, production systems and body condition of animals. Out of 110 people interviewed, 107 (97.3%) believed there was a tick infestation in their village, and almost all farmers 103(93.6%) in the study area were unaware that ticks serve as vectors. Conclusions: The present study provides preliminary information on the prevalence of tick infestation and the composition of ticks in the Aleltu district. Ticks are a major problem for the cattle in the study area. Therefore, the problem observed in the study area alarms the district and calls for a comprehensive control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Low fertility is the main cause of low productivity in beef cattle, and the non-conception of cows after fertilization is an important factor contributing to this phenomenon. miRNAs may exert unique metabolic and immune effects on the early gestation process in cattle. In this study, serum exosomes on the 0 th, 14 th, and 21 st days of the early gestation of cattle were obtained by simultaneous estrus technology, and the expression profile of exosomal miRNA was detected by RNA-seq technology. Among them, bta-miR-3604, bta-miR-2889, bta-miR-3432a, and bta-miR-409b are newly discovered miRNAs. This study can provide a theoretical reference for the screening of early pregnancy establishment and maternal pregnancy recognition (MRP) molecular markers in cattle. Low fertility is the main cause of the low productivity in beef cattle and is mainly associated with a lack of conception after fertilization. The establishment of early pregnancy in cattle is a complex physiological process, and embryo implantation is crucial for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Exosomal miRNAs play an important role in regulating mammalian embryo implantation and development. This study used synchronous estrus technology to extract exosomes from bovine serum at 0, 14, and 21 days of early pregnancy and analyzed the expression profile of exosomal miRNAs through RNA-seq technology. We identified 472 miRNA precursor sequences and 367 mature miRNA sequences in the three sample groups, with the majority of the miRNAs having high abundance. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were screened, and 20 DEmiRNAs were obtained. The differential expression analysis results show that compared to day 0, there were 15 DEmiRNAs in the serum on day 14 and 5 on day 21 of pregnancy. Compared to the 14th day of pregnancy, there were eight DEmiRNAs in the serum on the 21st day of pregnancy. Bioinformatics analysis shows that the target genes of DEmiRNAs regulated the signaling pathways closely related to early pregnancy, including the VEGF, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, the newly discovered miRNAs were bta-miR-3604, bta-miR-2889, bta-miR-3432a, and bta-miR-409b. These results provide a theoretical reference for screening the molecular markers for early pregnancy establishment and maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) in cattle and new ideas for shortening the calving interval in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), cattle are crucial for socioeconomic stability yet face numerous environmental stressors such as diseases, parasites, and extreme heat within pastoral and agropastoral systems. Despite their significance, gaps remain in understanding how genetic diversity and inbreeding influence traits essential for disease resistance and environmental adaptability. This study examines the genomic adaptations that enable SSA cattle to thrive under these conditions and assesses the impact of inbreeding on such adaptive traits. Methods: We analyzed genomic data from 113 cattle across four breeds--Kuri, N'dama, Zebu-Fulani, and Zebu-Bororo--employing Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) and Integrated Haplotype Score (iHS) analyses to identify historical and recent genetic selections. Strict quality controls using PLINK software ensured accurate genomic pattern identification related to adaptation and inbreeding. Results: ROH analysis revealed islands with genes such as RSAD2, CMPK2, and NOTCH1, which are involved in immune response and cellular stressmanagement, highlighting regions of historical selection that have likely provided adaptive advantages in overcoming environmental and pathogenic stresses. In contrast, iHS analysis identified genes under recent selection like HIPK1, involved in stress response regulation, and EPHA5, which plays a crucial role in neural development and synaptic functions, potentially equipping these breeds with novel adaptations to ongoing and emergent environmental challenges. Conclusion: This research confirms that selective pressures inherent in pastoral and agropastoral systems profoundly influence the genetic structure of SSA cattle. By delineating the genetic bases of key adaptive traits, our study offers crucial insights for targeted breeding programs to enhance cattle resilience and productivity. These findings provide a valuable framework for future genetic improvements and conservation strategies, crucial for sustainable livestock management and economic stability in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming is a major challenge to the sustainable and humane production of food because of the increased risk of livestock to heat stress. Here, the example of the prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene is used to demonstrate how gene editing can increase the resistance of cattle to heat stress by the introduction of mutations conferring thermotolerance. Several cattle populations in South and Central America possess natural mutations in PRLR that result in affected animals having short hair and being thermotolerant. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to introduce variants of PRLR in two thermosensitive breeds of cattle – Angus and Jersey. Gene‐edited animals exhibited superior ability to regulate vaginal temperature (heifers) and rectal temperature (bulls) compared to animals that were not gene‐edited. Moreover, gene‐edited animals exhibited superior growth characteristics and had larger scrotal circumference. There was no evidence for deleterious effects of the mutation on carcass characteristics or male reproductive function. These results indicate the potential for reducing heat stress in relevant environments to enhance cattle productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle mange causes extreme itchiness, and the associated stress is an animal welfare concern that leads to economic losses due to decreased cattle productivity and deworming costs. This study investigated the reason why Chorioptic mites, C. bovis and C. texanus, preferentially infest the tail root region (rTR) and performed histological and biochemical analysis focusing on the volatile components of host odors that serve as the starting point for infestation of parasitic arthropods. Skin samples were taken from the rTR, lateral abdominal, and central masseteric, with the latter two designated as comparison sites. The two and three-dimensional histological analysis measured each sebaceous and sweat gland percentage per unit volume. The q-PCR analyzed the expression levels of ALDH1A1 and LOC785756, which are genes associated with volatile odoriferous compounds that serve as repellency and attractive messengers for ticks. Immunohistochemistry stained three sites with anti-androgen binding protein beta-like (ABPβ-like), encoded by LOC785756, antibody. The three-dimensional analysis showed that sebaceous glands in the rTR tend to be more continuous and existed in larger masses than in other regions. The expression level of LOC785756 was significantly higher in the rTR, and immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of ABPβ-like in the sebaceous gland with strong positive signals in the rTR. These results suggest that C. bovis/ texanus selectively infests the rTR because that skin has well-developed sebaceous glands, including a large amount of ABPβ-like, which acts as a mite attractant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an analysis of milk production in Kazakhstan and identifies the reason for its low level, which is due to deficient feed, especially in small farms and in the private sector. The difficulty of saving the limited silage volume is due to the lack of preparation technology for preventing spoilage. The objective of this work is to complete the necessary equipment of a mobile tractor-trailer to reduce the specific energy consumption when preparing silage in flexible containers using a vacuum seal to increase the productivity of dairy cattle farming in smallholder and the private sector of the Republic. The basic rational parameters for sealing the silage by vacuum in the field on a mobile tractor-trailer for ease of transport and storage are obtained: silage weight in a flexible container - 769.6 kg, geometric dimensions of the sealed container by height (0.90 m), width (0.85 m) and length (0.85 m). The efficiency of the specific energy consumption of the proposed method for silage preparation is established at 35% compared with the traditional method. The recommended technology of silage preparation in flexible containers will be possible when conventional tractor-trailers are retrofitted with standard portable equipment (internal combustion engine-based (ICE) electric generator, vacuum pump, film welder). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: The dry season is the most challenging season for beef cattle grazing. Intensification during the dry season ensures that animal performance is maintained and allows for increases in productivity per area. Thus, the use of concentrated supplementation not only ensures the adjustment of limiting nutrients in the pasture but also allows for the manipulation of the individual and area gain curve. The effects of nutritional strategies associated with supplementation levels and protein sources on the performance, blood parameters, and forage composition of Nelore animals in the rearing phase during the dry period of the year were evaluated. Two protein sources (PS) (soybean meal—SBM and dry distillers grain with soluble—DDGS) and two levels of concentrate (LC) (higher and lower) were tested in the Mombaça grass pastures. Higher levels of concentrate ensure greater productivity for beef cattle grazing. The highest LC increased the total weight gain of beef cattle grazing by 50.5%, while a lower LC increased the leaf/stem ratio (L/S) and crude protein (CP) content of Mombasa grass. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional strategies on the intensification of beef cattle farming on pastures during the dry period of the year. Eighty male cattle (testers) were randomly allocated to 16 paddocks formed with Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus), totaling five animals (testers) per paddock. The strategies consisted of two LCs [10 and 16.7 g·kg−1 body weight (BW)] and two PSs with DDGS and SBM in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The chemical, structural, and productive characteristics of the forage were evaluated, as well as the performance, productivity, and serum parameters of the supplemented animals. The forage presented a greater L:C (p = 0.033) and CP content (p = 0.007) when the lowest LC was used. Animals that received the highest LC had the highest supplement intake (p < 0.001) and the lowest pasture intake (p < 0.001). The nutritional strategy with an LC of 16.7 g·kg−1 of body weight (BW) resulted in a greater increase in total BW, i.e., 200 kg·BW ha−1 more. Therefore, higher levels of concentrate ensure greater productivity for beef cattle grazing, and DDGS can replace SBM in supplements used in the intensive raising of beef cattle on pasture without compromising the performance and productivity of the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Bovine trypanosomosis produces significant economic losses due to anemia, loss of body condition, and emaciation. The disease is transmitted biologically by tsetse flies and mechanically by biting flies such as Tabanus and Stomoxys. Therefore, this research is aimed at estimating the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and the apparent density of its vectors in the Etang Special District. Methods. A cross‐sectional study was employed from November 2016 to April 2017 for the prevalence and entomological survey. Trypanosoma species were identified using buffy coat and Giemsa staining techniques. Besides, the entomological surveys were conducted using NGU, pyramidal, biconical, and monoconical traps. The vectors were identified to their genus level based on their morphological features like size, color, wing venation, and proboscis. Result. A total of 457 bovine blood samples were collected and tested, of these 16 (3.50%) animals were positive for trypanosomosis. Similarly, 13 T. vivax (81.25%) and 3 T. congolense (18.75%) were the trypanosome species detected. The prevalence in the young (2.56%) and adult (3.99%) age groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, there were significant (P < 0.05) differences in prevalence between body condition scores, where poor is 6.31%, medium is 1.30%, and good is 0%. Moreover, the difference in mean PCV values between the parasitemic (20.97) and aparasitemic (28.58) groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Glossina flies were not found, although 1756 Tabanus and 52 Stomoxys biting flies were gathered. Accordingly, the overall apparent density of Glossina flies was zero (0), with biting flies (20.54) recorded per trap per day. Moreover, the apparent density of Tabanus and 52 Stomoxys was 39.01 and 1.18, respectively. Conclusion. This study confirmed that trypanosomosis and abundant mechanical vectors continue to be problems in the study area, resulting in cattle productivity losses. As a result, strategic management and prevention methods for trypanosomosis and associated vectors should be prioritized. Further investigation of vector needs to be conducted to clear out tsetse presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent zoonotic disease known as "bovine tuberculosis" is brought on by the Mycobacterium bovis bacteria, which can infect both people and animals. The aim of this review article is to provide an explanation of the etiology, history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, transmission, risk factors, public health importance, economic impact, treatment, and control of bovine tuberculosis. Primarily, bovine tuberculosis affects cattle, but other animals may also be affected. Bovine tuberculosis is present throughout the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Cattle that contract bovine tuberculosis might suffer from a persistent, crippling illness. In the early stages of the disease, there are no symptoms. The tuberculin test is the primary method for detecting bovine tuberculosis in cows. Depending on its localized site in the infected animal, M. bovis can be found in respiratory secretions, milk, urine, feces, vaginal secretions, semen, feces, and exudates from lesions (such as lymph node drainage and some skin lesions). This illness generally lowers cattle productivity and could have a negative financial impact on the livestock business, particularly the dairy industry. The most effective first-line anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy consists of isoniazid, ethambutol, rifampin, and streptomycin. Second-line drugs used against bovine tuberculosis include ethionamide, capreomycin, thioacetazone, and cycloserine. To successfully control and eradicate bovine tuberculosis, developed nations have implemented routine testing and culling of infected animals under national mandatory programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The aim of any breeding process is to create a herd based on certain parameters that reflect an ideal animal vision. Targeted herding involves selecting the source of breeding material to be imported from another country. Therefore, there is a problem in selecting a breeding material importer to rapidly form a uterine canopy with the required properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of predictive milk productivity traits in Holstein cattle across countries. Materials and Methods: This research was based on records of 819,358 recorded animals from 28 countries born after January 1, 2018, from open databases. We used the Euclidean metric to construct dendrograms characterizing the similarity of countries according to the complex milk productivity traits of the daughters of bulls. The Ward method was used to minimize intracluster variance when forming clusters and constructing the corresponding diagrams. Principal component analysis was used to reduce dimensionality and eliminate the effect of multicollinearity. The principal components were selected using the Kaiser–Harris criteria. Results: A ranking of multidimensional complex milk productivity traits in different countries over the past 5 years was performed. A group of leading countries led by the USA was established according to the studied indicators, and the possible reasons for such a division into groups were described. Conclusion: The pressure of purposeful artificial selection prevails in comparison with the pressure of natural selection concerning milk productivity traits in a certain group of countries, which allows specialists to choose suppliers when buying breeding animals and materials. The findings are based solely on data from recorded animals, which may not represent the entire breed population within each country, especially in regions where record-keeping may be inconsistent. It is expected that further studies will include regional data from large enterprises not part of Interbull, with mandatory verification and validation. An important element of such work is seen as the ability to compare the milk productivity of populations from different countries using a different scale, as well as studying the differentiation of countries by other selection traits of dairy.

Paratuberculosis (PTB), or Johne's disease, is a disease with worldwide distribution caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) that leads to chronic enteritis, primarily in ruminants. Even subclinical infection significantly reduces the animals' performance, and consequences of the disease lead to high economic losses for the cattle industry. To estimate the economic burden of bovine PTB and to evaluate the benefits of a potential control program, accurate estimates of the production effects associated with the disease are required. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to provide a comprehensive overview of associations between MAP infection and production parameters in cattle. The studies were collected from three electronic databases. Of the total 1,605 identified studies, 1,432 did not meet the set criteria in the title and abstract screening and a further 106 were excluded during full-text review. Finally, data on 34 different production parameters were extracted from 67 publications. Results show that the magnitude of reported performance losses varies depending on several factors, such as the type of diagnostic test applied, disease status or number of lactations. Studies reported a reduction in milk yield, changes in milk quality (e.g., higher somatic cell count, lower amount of produced milk fat and protein), reduced fertility (e.g., prolonged calving interval and service period, higher abortion rate and calving difficulties), reduced weaning weight, slaughter weight and slaughter value, or a higher risk for mastitis. Results from the studies included in our review show a median decrease of milk yield per infected cow of -452 kg/lactation for raw and -405 kg/lactation for modeled data. Similarly, the amount of produced milk protein fell by a median of -14.41 kg/lactation for modeled data and the amount of produced milk fat by a median of -13.13 kg/lactation. The reviewed studies revealed a prolonged calving interval by around 30 days and a 1.5 to 3 times higher likeliness of culling per lactation in PTB positive animals. Results from this scoping review provide evidence-based inputs for the development of economic models aiming at the estimation of the costs and benefits associated with different disease control scenarios for PTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The aim of any breeding process is to create a herd based on certain parameters that reflect an ideal animal vision. Targeted herding involves selecting the source of breeding material to be imported from another country. Therefore, there is a problem in selecting a breeding material importer to rapidly form a uterine canopy with the required properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of predictive milk productivity traits in Holstein cattle across countries. Materials and Methods: This research was based on records of 819,358 recorded animals from 28 countries born after January 1, 2018, from open databases. We used the Euclidean metric to construct dendrograms characterizing the similarity of countries according to the complex milk productivity traits of the daughters of bulls. The Ward method was used to minimize intracluster variance when forming clusters and constructing the corresponding diagrams. Principal component analysis was used to reduce dimensionality and eliminate the effect of multicollinearity. The principal components were selected using the Kaiser--Harris criteria. Results: A ranking of multidimensional complex milk productivity traits in different countries over the past 5 years was performed. A group of leading countries led by the USA was established according to the studied indicators, and the possible reasons for such a division into groups were described. Conclusion: The pressure of purposeful artificial selection prevails in comparison with the pressure of natural selection concerning milk productivity traits in a certain group of countries, which allows specialists to choose suppliers when buying breeding animals and materials. The findings are based solely on data from recorded animals, which may not represent the entire breed population within each country, especially in regions where record-keeping may be inconsistent. It is expected that further studies will include regional data from large enterprises not part of Interbull, with mandatory verification and validation. An important element of such work is seen as the ability to compare the milk productivity of populations from different countries using a different scale, as well as studying the differentiation of countries by other selection traits of dairy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This present research work was designed for the validation of some SNPs of casein in Bos indicus (Sahiwal breed), previously reported for their association with milk yield in Bos taurus. This study indicated that these SNPs of casein genes (rs43703010, rs109500451, rs110079521, rs110323127, rs43703015, rs43703016 and rs43703017) significantly affected milk yield in Bos indicus of the Sahiwal breed. Animals with the genotype GG, having the SNP α S1 and aA S2 casein genes (rs43703010 and rs109500451), show high milk yield. For the SNPs of the κ casein genes (CSN3) (rs110079521, rs43703016 and rs43703017), animals with genotype AA were high milk producers. For the other two SNPs of the CSN3 gene (rs110323127 and rs43703015), animals with genotypes GG and CC produced a high milk yield. In light of these results, animal breeders may be able to make a more precise selection of the animals of Bos indicus (Sahiwal breed) with high milk yield. The aim of the present study was the validation of the already reported Bos taurus SNPs in the Sahiwal breed. A total of nine SNPs of the casein gene were studied. Out of nine, seven Bos taurus SNPs of casein protein genes were found to be significantly associated with milk productivity traits. The genomic DNA was extracted from the mammary alveolar endothelial cells of a flock of 80 purebred Sahiwal lactating dams available at Khizrabad Farm near Sargodha. New allele-specific primers were designed from the NCBI annotated sequence database of Bos taurus to obtain 100 nt-long PCR products. Each dam was tested separately for all the SNPs investigated. Animals with genotype GG for the SNPs rs43703010, rs10500451, and 110323127, respectively, exhibited high milk yield. Similarly, animals with genotype AA for the SNPs rs11079521, rs43703016, and rs43703017 showed high milk yield consistently. For the SNP rs43703015, animals with genotype CC showed high milk productivity. These above-mentioned SNPs have previously been reported to significantly up-regulate casein protein contents in Bos taurus. Our results indicated SNPs that significantly affect the milk protein contents may also significantly increase per capita milk yield. These finding suggest that the above-mentioned reported SNPs can also be used as genetic markers of milk productivity in Sahiwal cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme temperature during summer may lead to heat stress in cattle and compromise their productivity. It also poses detrimental impacts on the developmental capacity of bovine budding oocytes, which halt their fertility. To mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress, it is necessary to investigate the mechanisms through which it affects the developmental capacity of oocytes. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the impact of heat stress on the epigenetic modifications in bovine oocytes and embryos, as well as on oocyte developmental capacity, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, transzonal projections, and gene expression levels. Our results showed that heat stress significantly reduced the expression levels of the epigenetic modifications from histone H1, histone H2A, histone H2B, histone H4, DNA methylation, and DNA hydroxymethylation at all stages of the oocyte and embryo. Similarly, heat stress significantly reduced cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, oocyte mitochondrial-membrane potential level, adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) level, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and transzonal projection level. It was also found that heat stress affected mitochondrial distribution in oocytes and significantly increased reactive oxygen species, apoptosis levels and mitochondrial autophagy levels. Our findings suggest that heat stress significantly impacts the expression levels of genes related to oocyte developmental ability, the cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic modification, lowering their competence during the summer season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The rumen is a large organ unique to cattle and other ruminants and is essential for the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of large quantities of plant-based food. Cattle and likely all ruminants, however, are not born with a voluminous, functional rumen. There is remarkable postnatal growth and development in the rumen. This review summarizes the major postnatal changes in the structure and function of the bovine rumen, the major factors causing these changes, and, more importantly, the biological mechanisms underlying these changes. The rumen plays an essential role in the physiology and production of agriculturally important ruminants such as cattle. Functions of the rumen include fermentation, absorption, metabolism, and protection. Cattle are, however, not born with a functional rumen, and the rumen undergoes considerable changes in size, histology, physiology, and transcriptome from birth to adulthood. In this review, we discuss these changes in detail, the factors that affect these changes, and the potential molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate these changes. The introduction of solid feed to the rumen is essential for rumen growth and functional development in post-weaning calves. Increasing evidence suggests that solid feed stimulates rumen growth and functional development through butyric acid and other volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced by microbial fermentation of feed in the rumen and that VFAs stimulate rumen growth and functional development through hormones such as insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) or through direct actions on energy production, chromatin modification, and gene expression. Given the role of the rumen in ruminant physiology and performance, it is important to further study the cellular, molecular, genomic, and epigenomic mechanisms that control rumen growth and development in postnatal ruminants. A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to the development of novel strategies to enhance the growth and development of the rumen and thereby the productivity and health of cattle and other agriculturally important ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper presents the epidemiological data and clinical manifestations of blood parasitic infections in cattle. A total of 130 blood samples were collected from animals exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of blood parasitic infection. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed an overall infection rate of 46.2% among the examined cattle. Theileria sp. infections were found to be the most prevalent, with an overall prevalence of 40%. Babesia sp. infections had a lower overall prevalence of 6.2%, Microscopic examination also highlighted the intracellular localization of Theileria and Babesia parasites within red blood cells. The infected red blood cells exhibited morphological changes, appearing enlarged and distorted compared to unaffected cells. The study analyzed the risk factors for Theileria sp. and Babesia sp. infections in cattle, specifically focusing on age and gender. The prevalence of Theileria sp. infection was highest in cattle less than one year, with no significant difference observed among different age groups or genders. Similarly, there was no significant difference in Babesia sp. infection rates based on age or gender. These results provide valuable insights into the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of blood parasitic infections in cattle. The findings can contribute to the development of effective control and prevention strategies, highlighting the importance of regular surveillance and management practices in mitigating the impact of these infections on cattle health and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle production in Mexico is one of the main activities of the agriculture and livestock sector. The production, commercialization and fattening of steers that are sold for slaughtering represents an extended practice in rural communities, while changes in demographics and consumption habits in the population have an important demand for beef. The objective of this study was to characterize the links and identify the points of origin of production (cow-calf system), stockpiling, trading, fattening and sacrifice that make up the supply chain of cattle produced in the northern zone of the state of Veracruz, which supplies the demand for beef in the Metropolitan Area of the Mexican Valley. The methodology used was the design and application of semi-structured surveys with 180 young bull producers in 5 municipalities of the Huasteca Veracruzana region; 50 fatteners in the state of Hidalgo an in eastern State of Mexico; 2 Livestock Services Providers (Prestadores de Servicios Ganaderos, PSG); and 2 persons who introduce them to the slaughterhouses. A descriptive characterization of the supply chain was made with the information obtained. It was found that the main consumption center of meat obtained from the young bulls produced in the northern zone of Veracruz is Mexico City and State of Mexico; the animals produced in the Huasteca Veracruzana region are fattened in Hidalgo (Atotonilco el Grande, Ixmiquilpan and Metztitlan) and the eastern zone of State of Mexico (Otumba, Tepetlaoxtoc and Texcoco), where they are fattened, slaughtered, dressed, packaged, distributed and sold at retail to the final consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This review delves into key metabolic diseases affecting dairy cattle such as subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), ketosis, and hypocalcemia. The aim of this review was to examine each disease in terms of its etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment and prevention strategies. This review emphasizes early diagnosis and proactive management, so it can serve as a valuable resource for veterinarians, researchers, and dairy farmers, offering insights into the prevention and treatment of these prevalent metabolic diseases in dairy cattle. This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of three critical metabolic diseases affecting dairy cattle such as subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), ketosis, and hypocalcemia. SARA represents a disorder of ruminal fermentation that is characterized by extended periods of depressed ruminal pH below 5.5–5.6. In the long term, dairy herds experiencing SARA usually exhibit secondary signs of the disease, such as episodes of laminitis, weight loss and poor body condition despite adequate energy intake, and unexplained abscesses usually 3–6 months after an episode of SARA. Depressed milk-fat content is commonly used as a diagnostic tool for SARA. A normal milk-fat test in Holstein dairy cows is >4%, so a milk-fat test of <3% can indicate SARA. However, bulk tank testing of milk fat is inappropriate to diagnose SARA at the herd level, so when >4 cows out of 12 and <60 days in milk are suspected to have SARA it can be considered that the herd has a problem. The rapid or abrupt introduction of fresh cows to high-concentrate diets is the most common cause of SARA. Changes in ruminal bacterial populations when exposed to higher concentrate rations require at least about 3 weeks, and it is recommended that concentrate levels increase by no more than 400 g/day during this period to avoid SARA. Ketosis, a prevalent metabolic disorder in dairy cattle, is scrutinized with a focus on its etiological factors and the physiological changes leading to elevated ketone bodies. In total mix ration-fed herds, an increased risk of mastitis and reduced fertility are usually the first clinical signs of ketosis. All dairy cows in early lactation are at risk of ketosis, with most cases occurring in the first 2–4 weeks of lactation. Cows with a body condition score ≥3.75 on a 5-point scale at calving are at a greater risk of ketosis than those with lower body condition scores. The determination of serum or whole blood acetone, acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and liver biopsies is considered the best way to detect and monitor subclinical ketosis, while urine or milk cowside tests can also be used in on-farm monitoring programs. Concentrations >1.0 mmol/L or 1.4 mmol/L blood or serum BHB are considered diagnostic of subclinical ketosis. The standard threshold used for blood is 1.2 mmol/L, which corresponds to thresholds of 100 mcmol/L for milk and 15 mg/dL for urine. Oral administration of propylene glycol (250–400 g, every 24 h for 3–5 days) is the standard and most efficacious treatment, as well as additional therapy with bolus glucose treatment. Hypocalcemia is a disease of adult dairy cows in which acute hypocalcemia causes acute to peracute, afebrile, flaccid paralysis that occurs most commonly at or soon after parturition. Dairy cows are at considerable risk for hypocalcemia at the onset of lactation, when daily calcium excretion suddenly increases from about 10 g to 30 g per day. Cows with hypocalcemia have a more profound decrease in blood calcium concentration—typically below 5.5 mg/dL. The prevention of parturient paresis has been historically approached by feeding cows low-calcium diets during the dry period. Negative calcium balance triggers calcium mobilization before calving and better equips the cow to respond to the massive calcium needs at the onset of lactation. Calcium intake must be limited to <20 g per day for calcium restriction to be effective. The most practical and proven method for monitoring hypocalcemia is by feeding cows an acidogenic diet for ~3 weeks before calving. Throughout the review, emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis and proactive management strategies to mitigate the impact of these metabolic diseases on dairy cattle health and productivity. The comprehensive nature of this paper aims to serve as a valuable resource for veterinarians, researchers, and dairy farmers seeking a deeper understanding of these prevalent metabolic disorders in dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection based on DNA markers is a breeding technique grounded in the genomic selection value of animals. The aim of the research is to study the genotypic profile of cows of different breeds in Ukrainian breeding in relation to the genes LEP, CSN3, TG5, BLG, and Pit-1 and to identify the probability of using them as markers for reproductive traits in cows. During the study, the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to analyze the genes and determine their polymorphic characteristics. The obtained data indicated that the same gene variants have varying effects in the studied breeds due to their diverse influences on the genomic background. Specifically, the homozygous state of leptin genes (LEPCC) and pituitary-specific transcription factor (PIT-1BB) was observed to impact the reproductive characteristics of cows in the evaluated breeds. Meanwhile, for the genes casein (CSN3AB), thyroglobulin (TG5CT), and beta-lactoglobulin (BLGAB), the heterozygous state of alleles was found to influence the key reproductive traits of dairy cattle of Holstein origin. The polymorphism of the genes CSN3, γLG, TG, PIT-1, and LEP indicated the presence of genetic potential for the reproductive function of cows and can be utilized as molecular markers in selective breeding, providing significant progress in improving not only the traits of dairy cattle productivity but also reproductive function. Therefore, in the implementation of selective breeding work, it is advisable to consider genotyping for the genes CSN3, γLG, TG, PIT-1, and LEP as an additional criterion for the selection of animals to enhance both their milk and reproductive characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year, cattle producers must decide what to do with new calves. There are two options for the females: sell them as weaned heifers or keep them to raise as replacements to build the herd. There are benefits to both. Raising replacement heifers can be costly, so selling calves can seem like the most economical option if the producer is considering only short-term revenues. However, the lowered biosecurity risks (because outside cattle are not introduced to the herd) as well as the opportunity to build and enhance herd genetics can make raising heifers as replacements the more economical choice long term. The decision must be made again each year based on the cattle market and short- and long-term goals of the operation. To help producers decide, this publications describes and explains the Replacement Heifer Calculator, a free cost estimation tool cattle producers may use to aid in achieving their herd goals.

Background: Lameness has been associated with compromised animal welfare and reduced productivity in dairy cattle herds worldwide. However, little is known about the prevalence of claw lesions in the dairy buffalo population in Egypt. Furthermore, the optimum measurements for claw trimming in buffalo are unknown. A cross-sectional cadaver study was conducted where 135 pair buffalo hind feet were collected from 4 slaughterhouses and examined for the presence of claw lesions. The proportion and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) of each type of lesion were calculated. A separate set of healthy claws (n = 26) underwent ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). The agreement between US and CT measurements was assessed using Passing-Bablok regression and intraclass correlation coefficient. The CT measurements were used to calculate trimming recommendations. Results: At least one lesion was identified in 242 claws (89.6%, 95% CI = 85.4–93.0). In healthy claws, poor to moderate agreement was identified between US and CT measurements which could be due a sample size of the study. The average ± standard deviation (SD) minimum recommended external wall length of the lateral and medial claws in heifers was 7.1 ± 0.36 cm and 7.5 ± 0.35 cm, respectively. The average ± SD minimum recommended external wall length in buffaloes over five years of age was 8.2 ± 0.27 cm and 8.4 ± 0.39 cm for the lateral and medial claws, respectively. Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence of claw lesions in buffalo in Egypt, the clinical significance of which requires further elucidation. Recommended measurements will help guide claw trimming in buffalo to minimise lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Improved knowledge of the quality of the diet ingested by grazing cattle requires measurement of the diets selected, including in native pasture rangeland. Aims. The goal of the present study was to develop empirical equations to predict the intake, digestibility and protein concentration of the diet selected from faecal crude protein concentration of cattle grazing heterogeneous native grasslands through seasonal cycles in the Pampa biome of southern South America. Methods. In Experiment 1, cattle held in metabolism pens were fed native pasture at 15 and 22.5 g DM/kg bodyweight, or ad libitum. In Experiment 2, cattle also housed in metabolism pens were offered mixtures of the native pasture and Italian ryegrass at a proportion of 0.33 and 0.66 of the mixture, or pure ryegrass. Organic-matter intake (OMI), faecal crude protein excretion (fCP), faecal crude protein concentration (fCPc), OM digestibility (OMD) and diet crude protein concentration (dCPc) were measured in Experiments 1 and 2 and relationships were developed between the diet attributes and faecal crude protein (CP). In the Experiment 3, steers grazed native grasslands (NatG), or native grasslands overseeded with Italian ryegrass (NatG + RyeG). Intake and digestibility equations generated in Experiments 1 and 2 were then evaluated in Experiment 3 to estimate diet attributes from faecal protein measures. Key results. Three non-linear models (exponential, hyperbolic and mixed, i.e. exponential + hyperbolic) were examined to evaluate the OMD. The mixed model had the highest R2 value (0.74) and the lowest relative prediction error. OMI and dCPc were both linearly related to fCP. The OMD, OMI and dCPc equations were able to detect differences among diets in Experiment 3. Conclusions. It was verified that the faecal CP can be used to estimate key nutritional characteristics in cattle grazing heterogeneous grasslands in the Pampa biome in South America. Implications. Relationships between faecal CP and key diet attributes can be used to support further research and models for nutritional assessment of the diet and productivity of grazing cattle in the rangeland system examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Global warming challenges cattle productivity and welfare since it affects heat stress and scarce feed. The heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene is essential in cytoprotection against stressors, protecting cells from dysregulated gene expression and apoptosis. This study aimed to identify significant genetic markers of the HSP70.1 gene that can be leveraged genetically to enhance thermotolerance and production in Bali cattle further. Materials and Methods: Animals were sampled from three different rearing systems. In this study, 83 healthy adult male Bali cattle without abnormalities were utilized. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity associated with the physiological and physical traits of Bali cattle was assessed using SNPStat online software. Gene expression for putative SNPs and their genotypic groups was further evaluated. Results: There were 15 polymorphic SNPs (c.-185G>A, c.-69T>G, c.10G>C, c.19A>G, c.45C>T, c.101INS, c.115T>C, c.130T>C, c.136G>T, c.159G>C, c.164G>T, c.234G>A, c.303G>A, c.333C>A, and c.456C>T) identified, of which 12 were associated with the assessed trait. Nine SNPs were associated with physiological traits, while eight were with physical traits. The c.136G>T as a novel, high minor allele frequency, and associative SNP was selected for HSP70 gene expression. Individuals with the TT genotype have a trim physique, susceptible physiology, and high HSP70 mRNA expression. On the other hand, the GG genotype was significantly associated with larger physique, lower physiology, and low HSP70 mRNA expression. The higher expression may indicate that HSP70.1 is involved in mitigating the deleterious effects of stress. As a result, the animal experienced negative energy balance, decreasing body size. Conclusion: Single-nucleotide polymorphism c.136G>T is a candidate biomarker for heat resistance traits in Bali cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of hereditary anomalies in Holstein cattle populations presents a pressing issue, leading to concerns such as embryonic mortality and the birth of non‐viable offspring. This study addresses the urgency of managing harmful genetic mutations in Holstein cattle by developing alternative diagnostic methods. The research aims to devise effective means to diagnose fertility haplotypes HH1, HH3, HH5, HCD and BY and subfertility syndrome in cattle. To achieve this goal, a range of molecular genetic techniques were employed, including Tetra‐Primer ARMS‐PCR methods, PCR‐RFLP analysis and allele‐specific PCR. These methods facilitated the identification of heterozygous carriers of various fertility haplotypes and subfertility syndrome in Holstein cows and servicing bulls. The study reveals the prevalence of these genetic defects within the Republic of Kazakhstan's cattle population. HH1, HH3, HH5, HCD and BY fertility haplotypes were found to have occurrence rates ranging from 1.4% to 16.6%, with subfertility syndrome detected in 4.5% of Simmental bulls. The practical significance of this research lies in its contribution to genetic monitoring and management strategies for Holstein cattle populations. By introducing affordable, rapid and accurate diagnostic methods, such as the T‐ARMS‐PCR, the study provides a valuable tool for controlling and mitigating the spread of harmful genetic mutations, ultimately improving the overall genetic health and productivity of Holstein cattle in the region. This research addresses a critical need in the cattle breeding industry and underscores the importance of genetic monitoring to ensure the long‐term viability and sustainability of Holstein cattle populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agriculture / Poljoprivreda is the property of Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A study was undertaken to compare the rumen microbial community composition, methane yield, rumen fermentation, and CAZyme profiles between cattle and buffaloes. The primary aim of this study was to ascertain the impact of the host species on the above when diet and environmental factors are fixed. A total of 43 phyla, 200 orders, 458 families, and 1722 microbial genera were identified in the study. Bacteroidetes was the most prominent bacterial phylum and constituted >1/3rd of the ruminal microbiota; however, their abundances were comparable between cattle and buffaloes. Firmicutes were the second most abundant bacteria, found to be negatively correlated with the Bacteroidetes. The abundances of Firmicutes as well as the F/B ratio were not different between the two host species. In this study, archaea affiliated with the nine phyla were identified, with Euryarchaeota being the most prominent. Like bacterial phyla, the abundances of Euryarchaeota methanogens were also similar between the cattle and buffaloes. At the order level, Methanobacteriales dominated the archaea. Methanogens from the Methanosarcinales, Methanococcales, Methanomicrobiales, and Methanomassiliicoccales groups were also identified, but at a lower frequency. Methanobrevibacter was the most prevalent genus of methanogens, accounting for approximately three percent of the rumen metagenome. However, their distribution was not different between the two host species. CAZymes affiliated with five classes, namely CBM, CE, GH, GT, and PL, were identified in the metagenome, where the GH class was the most abundant and constituted ~70% of the total CAZymes. The protozoal numbers, including Entodiniomorphs and Holotrichs, were also comparable between the cattle and buffaloes. Results from the study did not reveal any significant difference in feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation between cattle and buffaloes fed on the same diet. As methane yield due to the similar diet composition, feed ingredients, rumen fermentation, and microbiota composition did not vary, these results indicate that the microbiota community structure and methane emissions are under the direct influence of the diet and environment, and the host species may play only a minor role until the productivity does not vary. More studies are warranted to investigate the effect of different diets and environments on microbiota composition and methane yield. Further, the impact of variable productivity on both the cattle and buffaloes when the diet and environmental factors are fixed needs to be ascertained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meat market has enormous importance for the world economy, and the quality of the product offered to the consumer is fundamental for the success of the sector. In this study, we analyzed a database which contained information on 2470 animals from a commercial farm in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Of this total, 2181 animals were genotyped, using 777,962 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After quality control analysis, 468,321 SNPs provided information on the number of genotyped animals. Genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) were performed for the characteristics of the rib eye area (REA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), shear force at 7 days' ageing (SF7), and intramuscular fat (IMF), with the aid of the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) method, with the purpose of identifying possible genomic windows (~1 Mb) responsible for explaining at least 0.5% of the genetic variance of the traits under analysis (≥0.5%). These genomic regions were used in a gene search and enrichment analyses using MeSH terms. The distributed heritability coefficients were 0.14, 0.20, 0.18, and 0.21 for REA, SFT, SF7, and IMF, respectively. The GWAS results indicated significant genomic windows for the traits of interest in a total of 17 chromosomes. Enrichment analyses showed the following significant terms (FDR ≤ 0.05) associated with the characteristics under study: for the REA, heat stress disorders and life cycle stages; for SFT, insulin and nonesterified fatty acids; for SF7, apoptosis and heat shock proteins (HSP27); and for IMF, metalloproteinase 2. In addition, KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) enrichment analysis allowed us to highlight important metabolic pathways related to the studied phenotypes, such as the growth hormone synthesis, insulin-signaling, fatty acid metabolism, and ABC transporter pathways. The results obtained provide a better understanding of the molecular processes involved in the expression of the studied characteristics and may contribute to the design of selection strategies and future studies aimed at improving the productivity of Nellore cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most dairy cattle breeds originate show an average generational inbreeding rate of 1%, which favors the occurrence of recessive defects associated with low reproductive performance. Aim: The objective of this study was to monitor recessive defects associated with low reproductive performance in dairy cattle. Methods: To monitor bulls carrying the Holstein Friesian haplotype (HH) 1, HH3, and HH4 haplotypes, we analyzed the records of 3,028 national and imported Holstein Friesian bulls from the 2021 updated sires' catalog published by "Evaluaciones Genéticas Lecheras"; and to determine the presence of these mentioned haplotypes, as well as Jersey haplotype (JH) 1 and complex vertebral malformation (CVM), were genotype with the GeneTitan® 2,500 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) bovine chip, estimate their frequencies and evaluate their impact on the fertility of 100 Holstein Friesian cows and 70 Holstein Friesian-Jersey crosses belonging to an experimental dairy. Results: From a total of 1,468 (48.5%) bulls with genetic information from the sires' catalog for HH1 and 1,471 (48.6%) for HH3 and HH4, we found 90 (6.1%) carriers for HH1, 60 (4.1%) for HH3, and 6 (0.4%) for HH4, respectively. By genotyping with the chip, we calculated the herd frequency of the mutant alleles and herd prevalence of carriers for HH1 and CVM as q = 0.003 and 0.022; 0.59% and 4.3% (call rate >0.99), respectively. No mutant alleles were found for HH3, HH4, and JH1 in the analyzed population. We examined reproductive data by observing the presence of CVM and HH1 mutant alleles in repeat cows with an average of four services to achieve pregnancy. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the presence of recessive defects associated with low reproductive performance in the analyzed population, which can affect the health and productivity of dairy cattle. Therefore, cows and bulls should be closely monitored through genetic testing to lower the incidence of recessive defects in dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: In conditions of industrial animal husbandry, it is necessary to pay attention to the immune system, which regulates metabolic processes in the body of animals. To do this, additives with adaptive properties attract attention. Aim: The aim is to define a way to increase productivity using adaptogens of plant and animal origin in feeding cattle. Methods: In the farms of the Orenburg region and the Republic of Bashkortostan, which differ in climatic conditions, scientific and economic experiments were done on Kazakh white-headed bulls and first-calf cows of black-and-white breed, whose diet was introduced in the form of tinctures (at the rate of 0.01 ml of tincture per 1 kg of body weight), adaptogen may change (for animals of the II experimental group), drone homogenate (experimental group III), and pantocrine (experimental group IV), while the animals of group I were assigned to the control group and did not receive additives. Results: The results of the evaluation of the live weight of bulls by age periods indicate that young animals consuming plant adaptogen exceeded control peers by 18 months of age by 18.60 kg (3.72%); animal origin--by 28.50 kg (5.71%; p < 0.05) and 21.00 kg (4.21%). A similar pattern was observed in cows, in which, against the background of the use of may chang, the milk yield for 305 days of lactation increased by 312 kg (5.61%; p < 0.05), drone homogenate--by 726.1 kg (13.04%; p < 0.001), pantocrine--by 494.4 kg (8.88%; p < 0.001). In all animals participating in the experiment, blood values were within the limits of physiological norms but with a slight increase toward the upper regulatory limits in the experimental samples. There is an improvement in the qualitative composition of the final livestock products. Thus, the indicator of the biological usefulness of beef was higher in samples taken from experimental animals by 0.18-0.36 units (p = 0.05). Conclusion: The most significant nutritional, biological, and energy value was characterized by milk obtained from cows, in whose diet drone homogenate was introduced. Thus, the results of complex studies indicate the effectiveness of introducing adaptogens of both plant and animal nature into the diet. Still, the best effect is obtained from drone homogenate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tropical theileriosis, Theileria annulata infection, is the most prevalent summer disease in Tunisia. It is transmitted by Hyalomma scupense, a two‐host tick known to be endophilic. Objectives: The present study aimed to estimate the infection prevalence of cattle by T. annulata in two districts from central Tunisia. Methods: Blood samples collected from 270 Holstein cattle from the Sidi Bouzid (140 samples) and Kasserine districts (130 samples) were analysed by Giemsa staining and T. annulata‐specific PCR. Results: In both regions, PCR revealed a prevalence of 32.6%. This was significantly higher than the 6.3% prevalence obtained by Giemsa staining blood smears (p < 0.001). Giemsa staining also revealed a low parasitaemia of 0.05%. The PCR‐based prevalence was not statistically different between the two districts (31.4 ± 0.04 and 33.8 ± 0.04% in Sidi Bouzid and Kasserine districts, respectively, p = 0.6). On the contrary, the results of blood smear examination (2.85 and 10% in Sidi Bouzid and Kasserine, respectively) differed significantly between the two sampling sites (p = 0.01). There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference between the overall molecular infection prevalence when the samples were segregated based on animals' age or gender (p = 0.1 and 0.2, respectively) and a similar trend was observed for Giemsa staining. Ten PCR amplicons of the Tams1 gene (721 bp) were subsequently sequenced from the two regions. The phylogenetic analyses showed 100% similarity between all sequences. The unique conserved Tams1 sequence was deposited in GenBank under the accession number OP428816 and used to infer its phylogenetic relationships with those available in the GenBank repository. Conclusions: This is the first report of the presence of T. annulata in this region of central Tunisia which has no history of tropical theileriosis. Priority areas for future studies include understanding the origin of these T. annulata‐positive animals in a region where the presence of a known natural vector tick, H. scupense, has not been reported. Given that the disease severely constrains cattle productivity, it would also be worthwhile to investigate if other potential vectors for T. annulata, such as Hyalomma dromedarii, are present in the arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the occurrence and risk factors associated with clinical mastitis within the Hardhenu cattle herd over a span of 14 years (2008–2021). A comprehensive analysis of 1515 lactation records was conducted to ascertain the incidence of clinical mastitis. The investigation determined an overall incidence rate of 26.80% in the studied population. A significant relationship between the year and clinical mastitis incidence was established through Chi‐square analysis (p <.05). Temporal variations in clinical mastitis odds were apparent, with the highest odds (ranging from 0.91 to 1.00) observed during the initial years of 2008–2009 and 2009–2010. Logistic regression revealed that odds values for clinical mastitis incidence were highest in 2008–2009 (1.00), succeeded by 2009–2010 (0.91), 2012–2013 (0.88), 2018–2019 (0.67) and reaching the lowest in 2021–2022 (0.35). Subsequent rankings included 2010–2011 (0.39), 2014–2015 (0.43) and 2019–2020 (0.45). Parity was found to be significantly associated with clinical mastitis occurrence. When compared to Parity 3, both Parity 1 (odds ratio: 1.516, 95% confidence interval: 0.881–2.612) and Parity 2 (odds ratio: 2.626, 95% confidence interval: 1.568–4.398) exhibited higher odds values for clinical mastitis incidence. While the period of calving did not exert a significant influence on clinical mastitis incidence, a heightened occurrence was observed during the rainy season within the targeted population. These findings offer valuable insights into the patterns of incidence, temporal fluctuations, and non‐genetic determinants impacting clinical mastitis within the Hardhenu cattle. The implications of this study can facilitate the development of targeted strategies and management protocols aimed at enhancing udder health and overall productivity in dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aimed to estimate the burden of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) among rural cattle-keeping households of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa using Productivity Adjusted Life Years (PALYs). We modified Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) equations for humans to PALYs to estimate the societal burden of tick-borne animal diseases. Whilst the World Health Organization has indicated the adaptability of DALYs to assess burden of animal diseases, nothing has been done in this regard. This could be due to several reasons including that the assessment of animal disease burden is often less of a priority compared to human diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where resources may be limited. As a result, less funding and attention may be given to developing and implementing PALYs for animal diseases. Furthermore, technical and conceptual challenges may be associated with applying DALYs equations to animal diseases, such as determining appropriate measures of productivity loss for different types and categories of animals and diseases. This motivated our study, which is focused on modelling the burden of ticks and TBDs in cattle (cows, oxen and bulls) reared in resource-poor settings. Method: We formulated a PALYs approach for cattle populations by adapting the DALYs approach to assess the burden of ticks and TBDs for cattle populations in 20 villages in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. PALYs is a measurement used to assess the burden of disease in cattle populations, quantifying the years of life lost due to premature mortality and disability. It encompasses years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLL) and years lost due to disability (YLD) caused by health conditions. PALYs provide a comprehensive perspective on the effective number of years lost due to disability and premature death in cattle populations. The PALYs model involves several parameters that are examined to understand their impact on the model's behavior. To illustrate this, we used a structured questionnaire to collect data on parameters that feed into PALY equations. We coded and entered data from questionnaires directly into Statistical Package of Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Version 20) and entered the estimated values of PALY parameters to calculate PALYs equations, which were to estimate the societal disease burden of ticks and TBDs in cattle. PALYs calculations were done in three categories; PALYs without discounting and age weighting, PALYs with only discounting, and PALYs with discounting and age weighting in a practical example to study how these parameters influence the outcomes of the PALYs model. Results: Our results revealed that the years of productivity lost by a cow, bull, and ox that suffered from ticks and TBDs could be estimated at various disability weights. Approximately 26%, 23% and 35% of the productivity years of a cow, ox and bull, respectively, reared by resource-poor livestock owners are lost due to the burden of ticks and TBDs in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. However, introducing tick control measures reduces the loss to approximately 3%, 2% and 3% of their lifespan productivity, an indication that tick control will save approximately 23%, 21% and 32% of years of the productive life of cows, oxen and bulls, respectively. Therefore, it is evident that using ticks and TBD prevention measures at an early age of cattle will improve cattle productivity and hence the socioeconomic welfare of resource-poor rural farming communities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Conclusion: The findings generated from the PALYs approach are helpful in projections for the future burden of any livestock disease. They may be used as a basis in policy formulation and decision-making by various stakeholders, and hence a priority in animal health economics. We recommend that a classification of livestock diseases of national economic importance should consider both the societal burden (non-monetary) and economic impact instead of the common practice of only considering the economic (monetary) impact. Adding a societal burden measure to existing economic measures provides a holistic understanding of the impact of a disease on society especially in resource-limited settings where the livestock value goes beyond monetary value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and effect of non‐genetic factors on reproductive disorders in the Hardhenu cattle population over a period of 11 years (2010–2021). The study included a total of 1340 cattle for calculating the incidence of reproductive disorders and analysed the occurrence of different reproductive disorders. In the present study, retention of placenta had highest frequency, accounting for approximately 18.36% of the incidence, followed by repeater cows (11.19%), metritis (6.27%), dystocia (0.60%), anestrus (0.45%) and prolapse (0.37%). Chi‐square analysis revealed a significant relationship between the year and the incidence of reproductive disorders (p <.05). Logistic regression analysis of temporal variability of reproductive disorders was also analysed, with an increase in the odds from 2014 to 2020, peaking in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. Logistic regression analysis showed that season and parity did not significantly influence the incidence of reproductive disorders. However, period of calving had a significant impact. Cows calving between 2008 and 2014 had a significantly lower odds ratio (0.13, 95% CI: 0.06–0.30), indicating a decreased risk, while those calving between 2014 and 2017 had a higher odds ratio (0.59, 95% CI: 0.38–0.90), suggesting an increased risk of reproductive disorders. Compared to parity 3, parity 1 (1.344, 95% CI: 0.869–2.08) and parity 2 (1.193, 95% CI: 0.768–1.851) showed highest odds ratio. Similarly, the odds ratio for winter (1.64, 95% CI: 0.93–2.89), summer (1.71, 95% CI: 0.89–3.26) and rainy season (1.64, 95% CI: 0.92–2.91) was higher as compared to autumn. The present results provided valuable insights into the incidence of various reproductive disorders and associated risk factors in Hardhenu cattle. These results can be utilized for targeted interventions to enhance reproductive health and overall productivity in dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production & Processing Technology / JurnalIlmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: This study aimed to characterize the thermal patterns of cattle raised in three different production systems during the transition period in the eastern Amazon, Brazil, using infrared thermography and by evaluating thermolytic responses. The evaluated systems were silvopastoral (with shade and no access to the bathing area), traditional (without shade and with no access to the bathing area), and integrated (with access to the shade and the bathing area). The thermographic images showed that the silvopastoral system, with shading, provided more favorable thermal conditions compared to the other systems. Physiological analyses revealed that the cattle maintained a rectal temperature within normal ranges in all systems. However, the respiratory rate was higher in the traditional system, indicating possible thermal stress in this environment. The thermal comfort indices indicated moderate stress conditions at times of greater solar intensity in all systems. In general, the results suggest that the silvopastoral system offers better thermal conditions for cattle, providing shade and reducing thermal stress. Thus, management practices aimed at animal welfare and productivity in production systems in the eastern Amazon region can be adopted by ranchers. In the Lower Amazon mesoregion, there are basically three types of production systems: the traditional (without shade and no bathing area), the silvopastoral (with shade and no bathing area), and the integrated (with shade and bathing area). It is considered that the type of production system influences the thermal comfort and productivity of cattle, so this research aims to evaluate the influence of these three types of production systems on the thermoregulation of Nellore cattle. The experiment was carried out on a rural property for raising cattle, located in Mojuí dos Campos, Pará, Brazil, during the transition period (June/July). Thirty bovine males (not castrated, aged between 18 and 20 months, average weight of 250 ± 36 kg, body condition score of 3.5, clinically healthy) were randomly divided into three groups: Silvopastoral System—SS (n = 10), Traditional System—TS (n = 10), and Integrated System—IS (n = 10). Climate variables were collected (air temperature (AT °C), relative humidity (RH %), wind speed (WS, m/s), solar radiation (SR), black globe temperature (BGT °C), and physiological parameters, such as respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT)) at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., 6 p.m., and 12 a.m. to determine the thermal comfort situation of the animals. Thermographic images of the environment and animals were captured in order to obtain the body surface temperature (BST) through infrared thermography. The Benezra Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI), Environmental Stress Index (ESI), Equivalent Temperature Index (ETI), and Iberian Heat Tolerance Index (Iberian HTI) were used. The results showed that the silvopastoral system, with shading by chestnut trees and an ample vegetative area, presented better thermal conditions, with an average of 28.98 °C, in comparison with the traditional system (35.93 °C) and the integrated one (34.11 °C). It was observed that the body surface temperature of cattle did not differ significantly between the anatomical regions of the body and the studied systems (p > 0.05). As for the respiratory rate, the traditional system registered higher values, with an average of 41 movements per minute, indicating possible thermal stress (p < 0.05). The thermal comfort indices revealed that all systems presented moderate stress conditions during times of higher solar intensity. It is concluded that the silvopastoral system proved to be more favorable for cattle, providing shade and reducing thermal stress, which may have a positive impact on animal welfare and productivity in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies to increase the population and productivity of beef cattle can be implemented through reproductive management, such as artificial insemination (AI) using frozen semen. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of frozen semen of Limousin bulls of different ages, which can still be used for insemination programs up to 12 years of age. This study used frozen semen of Limousin bulls ages 3, 8, and 12 years produced in 2021 at the Artificial Insemination Center in Singosari, East Java Province, Indonesia. Five bulls from each different age group were used for replication. Computer-assisted sperm analysis was used to determine sperm motility, viability, and abnormalities using eosin–nigrosine staining. Plasma membrane integrity was analyzed using the hypoosmotic swelling test. The acrosomes’ integrity was evaluated using FITCPNA-PI, protamine deficiency using chromomycin A3, and DNA fragmentation testing using the acridine orange fluorescent technique. The results showed that the parameters of sperm motility, viability, abnormality, plasma membrane integrity, and protamine deficiency showed no significant differences in all age groups. The kinematic parameters (straightness and beat cross frequency) of the 3-year-old group were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared with those of the other groups. Parameters of acrosome integrity showed a higher prevalence in the 3-year-old group compared with those of the other groups. Furthermore, the DNA fragmentation of the 12-year-old group was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared with that of the other groups. The research concludes that increasing the age of Limousin bulls can reduce acrosome integrity and DNA fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)