Animal - Open Space最新文献

{"title":"Data paper: Effects of hay pelleting, concentrate proportion, and intake level on digestibility, nitrogen balance, and gaseous exchange in lambs","authors":"M. Vermorel,&nbsp;J.C. Bouvier,&nbsp;J. Vernet,&nbsp;Y. Anglaret,&nbsp;I. Ortigues-Marty","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pelleting facilitates the storage and handling of forages but induces significant decreases in forage digestibility; the latter are partially compensated by reductions in urinary and methane energy losses, leading to an improvement in the efficiency of metabolisable energy utilisation, especially for fattening. Overall, the net energy content of forages is either unaltered or slightly improved, but net energy intake significantly increases. The present data address the interactions between pelleted forages and concentrate feeds on the utilisation of metabolisable energy in lambs.</div><div>Ninety-six crossbred male lambs, in four batches of 24 animals each, were fed eight diets at two feeding levels. The study was planned according to a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with three factors: physical form of forage (chopped, <strong>CH</strong>, or ground and pelleted, <strong>P</strong>, cocksfoot hay), percentage of concentrate feed (0, 20, 55, 85), and feeding level (above maintenance and 90% of <em>ad libitum</em>). Each lamb was given one diet (physical form of forage × percentage of concentrate feed) at both feeding levels. Animals were fed individually throughout the experiment. DM digestibility was measured over 10 days, with the individual animal as the experimental unit (n = 12/dietary treatment). Organic matter and energy digestibility (over 10 days) and N balance (over 6 days), as well as gas exchanges (over 4 days), were measured by groups of three lambs such that for those measurements, the experimental unit is the group (n = 4). Data on digestibility, N balance, and gas exchanges are available. DM intake averaged 63.86 ± 18.69 (SD) g per kg BW^0.75 across all treatments. Energy and N digestibility averaged 66.54 ± 7.94% and 66.17 ± 5.53%, respectively. Metabolisability and net energy values of diets, as well as digestive interactions, can be derived from the data.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methane emissions in pasture-based systems with contrasting intensification strategies in Uruguay in two periods: operational simplicity vs maximised productivity","authors":"C. Loza ,&nbsp;P. Chilibroste ,&nbsp;G. Menegazzi ,&nbsp;L. Gil-Zibil ,&nbsp;C. Dorao ,&nbsp;M. Carriquiry ,&nbsp;G. Ortega ,&nbsp;M.E. Cerón-Cucchi ,&nbsp;J.I. Gere","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Meeting the growing demand for high-quality animal protein while minimising environmental impact is a major challenge for dairy systems. In Uruguay, where livestock production accounts for roughly 73% of national greenhouse gas (<strong>GHG</strong>) emissions, mainly from enteric methane (<strong>CH₄</strong>), pasture-based dairy systems must adapt to align with sustainability goals. This study evaluated whether two pasture-based dairy systems with contrasting intensification strategies could maintain low CH₄ emissions while sustaining productive efficiency. A low-input, operationally simple system (<strong>OS</strong>) with a stocking rate of 1.8 livestock units per hectare (<strong>LU/ha</strong>) was compared with a higher-input, productivity-oriented system (<strong>HP</strong>) at 3.0 LU/ha. Both systems were based on perennial pastures of similar botanical composition and managed under structured rotational grazing. Enteric CH₄ emissions were measured during winter and spring 2023 in 24 Holstein and Holstein × Jersey cows (12 per system), using the sulphur hexafluoride (<strong>SF₆</strong>) gas-tracer technique. Milk yield and diet composition were also evaluated. Despite the higher stocking rate (<strong>SR</strong>) and greater annual milk yield in the HP system (10 106 vs 7 262 kg of milk per hectare), daily methane emissions per cow (280 g CH₄/cow per day) and CH₄ emission intensity corrected per kg of fat and protein corrected milk (<strong>FPCM</strong>) were similar between systems (11 g CH₄/kg FPCM, on average). However, CH₄ emissions per hectare were higher in the HP system (9.1 vs 6.8 kg CH₄/ha per day), reflecting the impact of the higher SR on total emissions. When compared with values commonly reported for pasture-based dairy systems (10 – 21 g CH₄/kg FPCM), both systems were at the lower end of this range for CH₄ intensity. These findings suggest that well-managed pasture-based dairy systems can sustain different intensification strategies without compromising environmental performance. However, continued efforts are needed to improve resource use efficiency and further reduce total greenhouse gas emissions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Data paper: Milk production, body weight and body condition score during lactation in dairy goats: time-series data and model-based curves from two French herds","authors":"N. Gafsi ,&nbsp;O. Martin ,&nbsp;F. Bidan ,&nbsp;B. Grimard ,&nbsp;L. Puillet","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100121","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100121","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We collected data from routine measurements carried out on two experimental farms: the MoSAR experimental farm (Yvelines, France) and the Le Pradel experimental farm (Ardèche, France). At MoSAR, milk yield (<strong>MY</strong>) was recorded at each milking using an automated system. BW was measured with a walk-over scale installed in the milking parlour, providing BW readings at each milking, which were then averaged to obtain daily BW values. Body condition score (<strong>BCS</strong>) was scored individually at the lumbar and sternal regions on a scale of 0–5. At Le Pradel, MY was recorded individually according to the national performance control method, while BW was measured using a standard scale. BCS assessments at this farm followed the same methodology as MoSAR. The dataset includes MY, BW, lumbar BCS (<strong>BCS_L</strong>) and sternal BCS (<strong>BCS_S</strong>) data collected from 1996 to 2020. Dataset 1 included 1 442 goats (1 132 Alpine and 310 Saanen) with a total of 4 068 lactations. After filtering outliers and selecting goats based on criteria established in a previous study, we obtained datasets 2–5. Dataset 2 contained 400 520 MY records from 3 421 lactations, while Dataset 3 contained 216 269 BW records from 2 925 lactations. Dataset 4 contained 18 848 BCS_L records from 1 462 lactations. Dataset 5 contained 20 510 BCS_S records from 1 630 lactations. Time series data for each lactation were modelled using different approaches tailored to record frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly), following a methodology developed in a previous study to characterise phenotypic dynamics. These historical data sets are unique due to their longitudinal nature, covering a large goat population. In particular, the MoSAR experimental farm provides high-frequency MY and BW measurements, making these datasets particularly valuable for precision livestock research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Method: Cold-storage temperature and dilution effects on kinematics of Brahman bull sperm patterns assessed with a Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis portable device","authors":"P. García ,&nbsp;F. Sevilla ,&nbsp;I. Araya-Zúñiga ,&nbsp;P. Cervantes-Acosta ,&nbsp;A. Hernández-Beltrán ,&nbsp;B. Domínguez-Mancera ,&nbsp;R. Molina-Montero ,&nbsp;M. Barrientos-Morales ,&nbsp;J. Rodríguez ,&nbsp;A. Salamanca-Carreño ,&nbsp;A. Valverde","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Beef cattle profitability depends on bull fertility. To replace traditional subjective bull quality ratings, a portable Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (<strong>CASA</strong>) device can be used to generate objective results. The device requires careful control of temperature, dilution rate, and other methodological variables. This work provides a bovine semen analysis adapted methodology using a CASA portable device. It considers the effects of dilution, cooling times, and temperature in farms, where CASA evaluations of sperm quality, motility, and kinematics are frequently carried out. Fifteen ejaculates from five Brahman bulls were collected by electro-ejaculation. Aliquots were extended in Optixcell at 1:1 or 1:40 (v:v), stored at 5 °C and 17 °C, and evaluated after 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h. Motility and kinematics were measured with iSperm®, and viability with an eosin–nigrosine stain. An ANOVA determined the effects of dilution rate, temperature, and cooling times, as well as interactions of the same. When effects proved statistically significant, mean comparisons ± SEM were carried out using the Bonferroni test (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The 1:1 dilution precluded CASA tracking, whereas the 1:40 dilution (∼90 × 10⁶ mL⁻¹) produced reliable outputs.</div><div>Total and progressive motility declined with storage time (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), occurring after 8 h at 17 °C and 6 h at 5 °C. Cooling reduced curvilinear, average-path, and straight-line velocities; yet at 5 °C, the highest absolute speeds were observed, whereas 17 °C yielded the most progressive trajectories, with higher LIN and STR indices. Membrane integrity dropped sharply between 48 and 72 h. Dilution to 1:40 and storage at 17 °C conserved more progressive motility, viability, and membrane integrity for up to 24 h than 5 °C. The protocol is useful for developing field guidelines to preserve sperm quality traits that could be associated with fertility during short-term storage in beef systems using fresh artificial insemination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-designing sustainability assessment indicators for sheep farming in West Africa using a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats analysis approach","authors":"C.M.E.H. Medenou ,&nbsp;E. Schlecht ,&nbsp;L.H. Dossa","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sustainability assessments of livestock systems in Africa often rely on frameworks developed in the Global North, which may not adequately capture local realities and stakeholder priorities. This study aimed to co-design context-specific sustainability indicators for urban and peri-urban sheep farming in southern Benin. Using a participatory approach, 100 farmers representing three distinct farming systems, specialised sheep fattening (<strong>SSF</strong>), emerging sheep farms (<strong>ESFs</strong>), and traditional sheep farms (<strong>TSFs</strong>), were surveyed through open-ended questions based on a <strong>SWOT</strong> (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework. Responses were analyzed using structural topic modelling to identify key sustainability factors, which were subsequently translated into measurable indicators. Twenty-four indicators were developed: 13 economic, four environmental, and seven social. Economic indicators dominated, reflecting farmers’ prioritisation of economic viability, while environmental aspects were underrepresented, indicating limited awareness of ecological impacts. These findings underscore the importance of integrating farmer perspectives with expert input to achieve balanced sustainability frameworks. The proposed indicators lay a foundation for the development of a practical decision-support tool for farmers, extension services, and policymakers, while also contributing conceptually to participatory sustainability assessment models tailored to local livestock systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary supplementation of dried and microbially fermented ginger improves feed efficiency, digestibility and cecal Lactobacillus in broiler","authors":"Priunka Bhowmik ,&nbsp;Jannatara Khatun,&nbsp;Md. Manirul Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2026.100127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2026.100127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One hundred and twenty unsexed day-old Cobb 500™ commercial broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five dietary treatments, and each treatment had three replications with 8 birds per replication in a completely randomized design for a five-week trial. The five dietary groups were as follows: G₀ (control group), G₁ {basal diet+0.5% dried ginger (<strong>DG</strong>)}, G₂ {basal diet+1% DG}, G₃ {basal diet+0.5% fermented ginger (<strong>FG</strong>)} and G₄ {basal diet+1% FG}. The results demonstrated substantial (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio (<strong>FCR</strong>) at the G₁ birds, and average daily feed intake (<strong>ADFI</strong>) was significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) higher in G3 group during the 3rd week of age. Throughout the experiment, dietary treatments had no significant effect on the average daily gain (<strong>ADG</strong>) of birds. Significantly higher (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) dressed weight, breast meat weight, and spleen weight were found in all the dietary supplemented birds compared with the control. Dietary treatments did not significantly affect p^H, drip loss, and cooking loss percentage of breast meat. The G3 group showed significantly higher (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) dry matter <strong>(DM</strong>%) and ether extract (<strong>EE</strong>%), as well as G1 group showed a substantial increase in DM% of the breast meat. Meat Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (<strong>TBARS</strong>) were significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) suppressed in DG and FG supplemented birds than control during the 10th day of meat storage. Serum high-density lipoprotein (<strong>HDL</strong>) levels were significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) inclined in G₂ and G₄ groups but declined in G₃ group. Apparent ileal digestibility (<strong>AID</strong>) for DM, CP, EE and ash was significantly improved (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) in the G₃ group. The <em>Lactobacilli</em> populations in cecal contents were significantly higher (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), whereas lower levels of <em>Escherichia.coli</em> were found in DG and FG supplemented birds. Therefore, the study recommends supplementation of 0.5% DG, and both 0.5 and 1% FG have a beneficial effect on growth performance and serum lipid indices, nutrient digestibility with healthier gut environment of broiler.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Method: Modelling resource acquisition and allocation – extension and calibration of a cow model to a sheep","authors":"L.S. Kierkegaard ,&nbsp;N.C. Friggens ,&nbsp;B.A. Åby ,&nbsp;G. Steinheim ,&nbsp;L. Puillet","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Simulation models are suitable to investigate how complex systems respond to changes. This is of particular interest regarding animal feed efficiency as this trait must be evaluated throughout the entire lifetime and thus is affected by trade-offs between physiological functions. The aim was to extend and calibrate the dynamic, mechanistic simulation model “Acquisition and Allocation” (<strong>AQAL</strong>) from dairy cows to reproductive ewes. This model was originally developed for investigating the effects of resource acquisition and allocation potentials on feed efficiency but also allows investigation of trade-offs between life functions. The model represents an individual female from birth to death or herd exit and uses four input parameters to describe the resource acquisition ability and allocation potential. The obtained energy is split between life functions such as maintenance, growth, reproduction and lactation. By including reproductive management rules, it allows for shifts between physiological stages, which then feedback and affect the current acquisition ability and resource allocation. To adapt the model to a reproductive ewe, we have included a litter size effect, an acquisition capacity linked to gestation, and a seasonal conception probability. The litter size is influenced by the proportion of fat in empty body weight at conception, and it affects the acquisition linked to gestation, the allocation to gestation and the allocation to lactation. We also incorporated the energetic costs of the gravid uterus depending on litter size. We use three different acquisition-allocation profiles to test the consistency of the litter size effect. We show that the model simulates consistent lifetime trajectories of reproductive ewes and that the effect of litter size adequately reflects the demands of increased litter size within the different acquisition/allocation profiles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Data paper: Experimental data from a controlled feeding trial evaluating methane reduction and performance enhancement in crossbred male sheep","authors":"A.G. Jones ,&nbsp;A.A. Khan ,&nbsp;T.T. Akpensuen ,&nbsp;P.D.M. Filho ,&nbsp;S.P. Márquez ,&nbsp;T. Darch ,&nbsp;M.J. Rivero","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents enteric emissions data, coupled with feed intake and biophysical measurements from 20 indoor-housed, castrated male sheep. Animals were fed either a control diet or supplemented with a novel enteric methane−suppressing feed additive (NuAdvent+) and were housed for 71 days within BioControl Controlling and Recording Feed Intake pens, providing continuous feed intake monitoring data for the duration of the trial. Methane and CO₂ measurements were also obtained for individual animals during this period, using GreenFeed Emissions Monitoring units. Blood variable measurements were obtained on day 71, alongside bodyweight and body-condition measurements taken periodically throughout. For all variables tested, differences between control and treatment groups were determined using a <em>t</em>-test. This high-resolution dataset thus offers a robust basis for evaluating methane mitigation strategies, validating and refining predictive models for methane emissions, and linking emissions with animal performance. The dataset can also contribute to national GHG inventories by providing detailed, region-specific data.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100115"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Data paper: 2D and 3D images of pork carcasses associated with carcass and cut weights","authors":"I.P. Siqueira,&nbsp;E.B. Schultz,&nbsp;P.C.S. Oliveira,&nbsp;C.L.C. Nunes,&nbsp;J. Barcellos,&nbsp;M.I. Hannas,&nbsp;M.L. Chizzotti","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Data from 39 pork right half-carcasses that demonstrate the relationship between 2D and 3D images and carcass and cut weights are presented. All half carcasses were weighed after slaughter. Following 24 h of chilling, they were separated into primal cuts and individually weighed. Each half carcass was scanned by a portable 3D scanner, providing a raw 3D model. The 2D images were obtained by capturing screenshots of the lateral and dorsal views of the 3D models. In both 2D and 3D images, it is possible to extract information related to shape, colour, and texture. These features can be employed in the development of predictive models for half-carcass weight, individual cut weights, and the total yield of primary cuts. Moreover, such models hold potential applications in robotic systems for slaughterhouses as well as in educational settings. All data are being used to prepare a publication, but they may be reused and analysed using alternative methodologies and for different purposes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impacts of Cryptosporidium parvum Incidence during the first days of life on health and performance of dairy calves","authors":"JA. Lombardelli ,&nbsp;MR. Rivero ,&nbsp;ML. Tomazic ,&nbsp;D. McIntosh ,&nbsp;KI. Tiranti","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em> is a common enteropathogen causing neonatal diarrhoea in dairy calves worldwide. This condition reduces growth rates and normal development, leading to economic losses for dairy farmers. This cohort study investigated the impact of calf and dam-related factors on <em>C. parvum</em> incidence and evaluated the effects of early-life infection on health and growth. One hundred and forty calves were monitored from birth to 60 days of age. A high incidence of <em>C. parvum</em> was observed at 13 days of age. Calves that experienced difficult calving and had serum total protein levels &lt;5.5 g/dl had a fourfold higher risk of <em>C. parvum</em> infection compared to those without these conditions. Early-life infection (≤8 days) significantly increased the risk of experiencing diarrhoea by four times and having diarrhoea lasting more than three days by three times. Additionally, calves infected within the first 8 days of life were nearly eight times more likely to gain less than 500 g of BW per day. This study highlights that difficult calving and inadequate immunoglobulin absorption increase the likelihood of early-life <em>C. parvum</em> infection, impacting calf health and growth. The impact of infection acquired during the first days of life represents a significant negative risk to calf health and growth, underscoring the importance of implementing management strategies to enhance animal welfare and reduce environmental contamination with <em>Cryptosporidium</em> oocysts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}