Pub Date : 2025-02-28DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100095
S. Mauny , J. Kwon , N.C. Friggens , C. Duvaux-Ponter , M. Taghipoor
This paper presents a dataset of accelerometer data and corresponding video-annotated behaviours from eight indoor dairy Alpine goats. Animals were equipped with 3D-accelerometers attached to their ears for 24 consecutive hours and recorded at a frequency of 5 Hz. Video recordings for this period were also obtained. Activities associated with positional, feeding and social behaviours were annotated over two daylight periods, for a total of 11 hours per goat, by a trained observer assuring high precision and consistency. This dataset can be used independently or complement an existing dataset for training supervised Machine Learning models for the detection of goat behaviour. It contributes to improving the robustness of such models by incorporating behavioural signals specific to indoor-housed goats.
{"title":"Data paper: A goat behaviour dataset combining labelled behaviours and accelerometer data for training Machine Learning detection models","authors":"S. Mauny , J. Kwon , N.C. Friggens , C. Duvaux-Ponter , M. Taghipoor","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a dataset of accelerometer data and corresponding video-annotated behaviours from eight indoor dairy Alpine goats. Animals were equipped with 3D-accelerometers attached to their ears for 24 consecutive hours and recorded at a frequency of 5 Hz. Video recordings for this period were also obtained. Activities associated with positional, feeding and social behaviours were annotated over two daylight periods, for a total of 11 hours per goat, by a trained observer assuring high precision and consistency. This dataset can be used independently or complement an existing dataset for training supervised Machine Learning models for the detection of goat behaviour. It contributes to improving the robustness of such models by incorporating behavioural signals specific to indoor-housed goats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100095"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143518858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-28DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100092
C. Rivoir , G.R. Mendina , M.L. Adrien , A. Meikle , P. Chilibroste
The transition period and its management affect how dairy cows face physiological challenges. Total mixed rations (TMR) have been shown as a strategy to address pasture-based system limitations and improve milk production, without consistent information about their use in short periods and residual responses. The study aimed to evaluate contrasting feeding management in the first 21 days postpartum on direct and residual milk production responses until 60 days in milk (DIM). Sixty-seven mixed parity Holstein dairy cows were used in a completely randomised block design in two treatments across two trials: MD-MD, cows fed a mixed diet (MD) with grazing and supplementation with mixed ration, from calving until 60 DIM, TMR-MD: confined cows with TMR provided ad libitum during the first 21 DIM in a compost-bedded pack barn and changed to MD at 22 until 60 DIM. During the first 21 DIM (direct response), cows fed TMR produced 11.7% more milk than those on MD-MD. Multiparous (M) TMR-MD obtained 18.6% higher milk yield than M MD-MD cows, but no significant differences were detected between primiparous (P) cows. After the switch at 22 DIM (residual response), no significant differences were detected between treatments in milk yield. However, the interaction between treatment and parity indicates that M TMR-MD cows exhibited 3.6% more milk than those in MD-MD, as a carryover effect. In contrast, P cows did not differ between treatments. In the first 21 DIM, TMR-MD cows achieved a higher fat concentration and protein yield than MD-MD. Fat yield tended to increase in TMR-MD compared to MD-MD, without treatment effect for lactose yield. In the residual period, TMR-MD cows had higher protein concentrations and tended towards higher fat concentrations than MD-MD cows. The interaction between treatments and parity showed that P TMR-MD cows had higher protein and exhibited a trend towards higher fat concentration than P MD-MD cows. The differential feeding management during the first 21 DIM did not generate differences in body condition score (BCS), between treatments or parities. In the residual period, TMR-MD cows achieved a higher BCS than MD-MD cows without differences between parities. No differences were found between treatments in grazing and ruminating time, reflecting a successful adaptation of TMR-MD cows. In conclusion, feeding TMR during the first 21 DIM is an effective strategy for increasing milk yield and achieving short-term carryover effects in M, but not in P cows.
{"title":"Contrasting feeding management in the first 21 days postpartum in Holstein dairy cows: direct and residual milk responses","authors":"C. Rivoir , G.R. Mendina , M.L. Adrien , A. Meikle , P. Chilibroste","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2025.100092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The transition period and its management affect how dairy cows face physiological challenges. Total mixed rations (<strong>TMR</strong>) have been shown as a strategy to address pasture-based system limitations and improve milk production, without consistent information about their use in short periods and residual responses. The study aimed to evaluate contrasting feeding management in the first 21 days <em>postpartum</em> on direct and residual milk production responses until 60 days in milk (<strong>DIM</strong>). Sixty-seven mixed parity Holstein dairy cows were used in a completely randomised block design in two treatments across two trials: MD-MD, cows fed a mixed diet (<strong>MD</strong>) with grazing and supplementation with mixed ration, from calving until 60 DIM, TMR-MD: confined cows with TMR provided <em>ad libitum</em> during the first 21 DIM in a compost-bedded pack barn and changed to MD at 22 until 60 DIM. During the first 21 DIM (direct response), cows fed TMR produced 11.7% more milk than those on MD-MD. Multiparous (<strong>M</strong>) TMR-MD obtained 18.6% higher milk yield than M MD-MD cows, but no significant differences were detected between primiparous (<strong>P</strong>) cows. After the switch at 22 DIM (residual response), no significant differences were detected between treatments in milk yield. However, the interaction between treatment and parity indicates that M TMR-MD cows exhibited 3.6% more milk than those in MD-MD, as a carryover effect. In contrast, P cows did not differ between treatments. In the first 21 DIM, TMR-MD cows achieved a higher fat concentration and protein yield than MD-MD. Fat yield tended to increase in TMR-MD compared to MD-MD, without treatment effect for lactose yield. In the residual period, TMR-MD cows had higher protein concentrations and tended towards higher fat concentrations than MD-MD cows. The interaction between treatments and parity showed that P TMR-MD cows had higher protein and exhibited a trend towards higher fat concentration than P MD-MD cows. The differential feeding management during the first 21 DIM did not generate differences in body condition score (<strong>BCS</strong>), between treatments or parities. In the residual period, TMR-MD cows achieved a higher BCS than MD-MD cows without differences between parities. No differences were found between treatments in grazing and ruminating time, reflecting a successful adaptation of TMR-MD cows. In conclusion, feeding TMR during the first 21 DIM is an effective strategy for increasing milk yield and achieving short-term carryover effects in M, but not in P cows.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100092"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143511059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100088
A. Desmarchais , S. Fréret , S. Uzbekova , V. Maillard , S. Elis
This dataset consists of raw data from an experimental design in the ovine model: zootechnical traits, biological indicators, oocyte collection and embryo production from ewes with contrasted metabolic status and submitted to chronic Bisphenol S (BPS) exposure. For 2 consecutive years, 120 primiparous ewes (60 different ewes for each year) were managed in a loose sheepfold, assigned to two diet groups − Restricted (R, n = 30) and Well-fed (WF, n = 30) − and supplemented with or without BPS (0, 4 or 50 μg/kg/day), generating six experimental groups named R-0, R-4, R-50, WF-0, WF-4, and WF-50 (n = 10 ewes/group). Oocyte collection was carried out during the breeding season of sheep between September and December. Diet management started in May and BPS treatment started in June, that is to say at least 3 months before oocyte collection. The dataset presents zootechnical traits (age, live weight, body condition score), metabolic indicators and hormones concentrations measured in plasma (non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, thyroid hormones, Anti-Mullerian hormone, progesterone, oestradiol and other steroids) as well as in follicular fluid for some of them (progesterone, oestradiol and others steroids), BPS and BPS-glucuronide concentrations in plasma and urine, data from follicular puncture and oocyte collection by ovum pick-up followed by in vitro embryo production (during the 2nd year of experiment). This large dataset can be re-used on the one hand by researchers working on reproductive physiology in interaction with energy metabolism in ruminants, to further investigate the effects of a restricted diet; on the other hand, by toxicologists and endocrinologists to investigate the effects of BPS (potential endocrine disruptor) on several hormones (i.e. steroids) and metabolites.
{"title":"Dataset of zootechnical, biological, oocyte and embryo production indicators, from ewes with contrasted metabolic status and submitted to chronic bisphenol S exposure","authors":"A. Desmarchais , S. Fréret , S. Uzbekova , V. Maillard , S. Elis","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This dataset consists of raw data from an experimental design in the ovine model: zootechnical traits, biological indicators, oocyte collection and embryo production from ewes with contrasted metabolic status and submitted to chronic Bisphenol S (<strong>BPS</strong>) exposure. For 2 consecutive years, 120 primiparous ewes (60 different ewes for each year) were managed in a loose sheepfold, assigned to two diet groups − Restricted (<strong>R</strong>, n = 30) and Well-fed (<strong>WF</strong>, n = 30) − and supplemented with or without BPS (0, 4 or 50 μg/kg/day), generating six experimental groups named R-0, R-4, R-50, WF-0, WF-4, and WF-50 (n = 10 ewes/group). Oocyte collection was carried out during the breeding season of sheep between September and December. Diet management started in May and BPS treatment started in June, that is to say at least 3 months before oocyte collection. The dataset presents zootechnical traits (age, live weight, body condition score), metabolic indicators and hormones concentrations measured in plasma (non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, thyroid hormones, Anti-Mullerian hormone, progesterone, oestradiol and other steroids) as well as in follicular fluid for some of them (progesterone, oestradiol and others steroids), BPS and BPS-glucuronide concentrations in plasma and urine, data from follicular puncture and oocyte collection by ovum pick-up followed by <em>in vitro</em> embryo production (during the 2nd year of experiment). This large dataset can be re-used on the one hand by researchers working on reproductive physiology in interaction with energy metabolism in ruminants, to further investigate the effects of a restricted diet; on the other hand, by toxicologists and endocrinologists to investigate the effects of BPS (potential endocrine disruptor) on several hormones (i.e. steroids) and metabolites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100088"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143182051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100090
A.M. Johnson , M.G. Anderson , M. Arguelles-Ramos , A.B.A. Ali
Essential oils can be used as an alternative to antibiotics for health promotion in livestock. The essential oil of oregano (EOO) can have positive effects on poultry. This study aimed to explore the effects of EOO on performance, blood lipid profile, antioxidant capacity, and egg quality in Hy-line Brown layers during the peak laying phase. A total of 270 hens at 24 weeks of age were given, at random, a corn-soybean-based control diet, or the diet supplemented with a commercial EOO product (275 mg/1 kg control diet). Feed and bird weights and egg quality were measured at 24, 30, 36, and 40 weeks while blood samples were taken at 24, 36, and 40 weeks. Differences were measured between treatments and across weeks using generalised linear mixed models and Tukey’s posthoc test for significant differences (α = 0.05) in R 3.3.1. Feed conversion ratio was lower in EOO at 30 and 40 weeks than in control birds (P < 0.05). At 24 and 36 weeks, certain blood lipids- triglycerides and cholesterol- were significantly lower while high-density lipoproteins were significantly higher in hens supplemented with EOO (P < 0.05). Antioxidant parameters, including total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes, were higher at all timepoints in the oregano group compared to the control at all timepoints (P < 0.05). The measure of lipid peroxidation was statistically lower at all timepoints in EOO birds (P < 0.05). Indicators of liver health were significantly lower at certain ages in the EOO group compared to the control group. Indicators of internal egg quality were significantly higher in eggs from the EOO group (P < 0.05), but no differences in external quality were identified. Lastly, levels of egg yolk lipid peroxidation were lower in EOO eggs compared to the control at all timepoints (P < 0.05). In conclusion, oregano essential oil has many benefits, and it may be one potential source of health enhancement in laying hens. Oregano essential oil may be a good option for producers to maximise their flock longevity and enhance potential profit from eggs.
{"title":"The effects of dietary oregano essential oil on production, blood parameters, and egg quality of laying hens during the early lay phase","authors":"A.M. Johnson , M.G. Anderson , M. Arguelles-Ramos , A.B.A. Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Essential oils can be used as an alternative to antibiotics for health promotion in livestock. The essential oil of oregano (<strong>EOO</strong>) can have positive effects on poultry. This study aimed to explore the effects of EOO on performance, blood lipid profile, antioxidant capacity, and egg quality in Hy-line Brown layers during the peak laying phase. A total of 270 hens at 24 weeks of age were given, at random, a corn-soybean-based control diet, or the diet supplemented with a commercial EOO product (275 mg/1 kg control diet). Feed and bird weights and egg quality were measured at 24, 30, 36, and 40 weeks while blood samples were taken at 24, 36, and 40 weeks. Differences were measured between treatments and across weeks using generalised linear mixed models and Tukey’s posthoc test for significant differences (α = 0.05) in R 3.3.1. Feed conversion ratio was lower in EOO at 30 and 40 weeks than in control birds (<em>P</em> < 0.05). At 24 and 36 weeks, certain blood lipids- triglycerides and cholesterol- were significantly lower while high-density lipoproteins were significantly higher in hens supplemented with EOO (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Antioxidant parameters, including total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes, were higher at all timepoints in the oregano group compared to the control at all timepoints (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The measure of lipid peroxidation was statistically lower at all timepoints in EOO birds (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Indicators of liver health were significantly lower at certain ages in the EOO group compared to the control group. Indicators of internal egg quality were significantly higher in eggs from the EOO group (<em>P</em> < 0.05), but no differences in external quality were identified. Lastly, levels of egg yolk lipid peroxidation were lower in EOO eggs compared to the control at all timepoints (<em>P</em> < 0.05). In conclusion, oregano essential oil has many benefits, and it may be one potential source of health enhancement in laying hens. Oregano essential oil may be a good option for producers to maximise their flock longevity and enhance potential profit from eggs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100090"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143182044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100089
C. Enevoldsen
Bovine somatic cell counts (SCCs) research and management programmes appear to neglect implications for decision−making of the substantial measurement error of SCC. Here, I suggest three frameworks for presenting somatic cell count values from routine collections of cow milk that circumvent possible managerial flaws or biases associated with the current use of a general threshold, such as 200 000 cells/mL, or a linear somatic cell score (SCS). The suggestions are applicable to any kind of dairy herd, require access to two consecutive SCC values from all cows in a homogeneous group, and apply standard statistical techniques. Suggestion #1 demonstrates the nature of pairs of SCC records with a simple assumption-free percentile analysis. Suggestion #2 presents the same data around an elliptical framework with 68 and 95% ellipsoidal prediction limits assuming that a bivariate normal distribution provides a valid description of paired log10-transformed SCC values from cows without mastitis or major udder infection. Visual inspection of the data cloud supports the identification of individual outliers, leverage points, or systematic trends in the study population. These deviations are plausible indications of new cases or the substantial reduction of udder inflammation at cow level, or systematic changes in SCC patterns within group. Suggestion #3 applies an errors-in-variables regression model to assess agreement between two consecutive log10-transformed SCCs at the cow level. This parametric model gives estimates of systematic deviation from perfect agreement (45° slope) at cow level, and automatically and objectively identifies likely outliers and leverage points by means of case-level residual diagnostics. Consequently, this third suggestion supplements visual inspection of the percentile and elliptical analyses with a tool for objectively ranking cow-level SCC deviations from a central (normal, random, or noisy) pattern of SCC changes and identifies distinct patterns (distributions) of SCCs. The three analytical frameworks all demonstrate that a dichotomising (single universal threshold) may not meaningfully identify distinct patterns of cow-level SCCs. Five categories seem sufficient and necessary to capture the main components of a complicated SCC pattern. An assumption of normal distribution may be valid for describing SCCs after log transformation in some herds, but the user must validate this assumption. Substantial upward and downward changes in SCCs (outliers) can be explained as new cases or reductions of udder inflammation, respectively, and such pathobiologically different mechanisms may not fit a single linear scale such as SCS. I discuss possible approaches to combine the three SCC frameworks with microbiological diagnoses.
{"title":"Method: How to avoid decision errors resulting from unjustified use of a general threshold or an invalid linear score to utilise somatic cell counts in dairy cows?","authors":"C. Enevoldsen","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine somatic cell counts (<strong>SCCs</strong>) research and management programmes appear to neglect implications for decision−making of the substantial measurement error of SCC. Here, I suggest three frameworks for presenting somatic cell count values from routine collections of cow milk that circumvent possible managerial flaws or biases associated with the current use of a general threshold, such as 200 000 cells/mL, or a linear somatic cell score (<strong>SCS</strong>). The suggestions are applicable to any kind of dairy herd, require access to two consecutive SCC values from all cows in a homogeneous group, and apply standard statistical techniques. Suggestion #1 demonstrates the nature of pairs of SCC records with a simple assumption-free percentile analysis. Suggestion #2 presents the same data around an elliptical framework with 68 and 95% ellipsoidal prediction limits assuming that a bivariate normal distribution provides a valid description of paired log10-transformed SCC values from cows without mastitis or major udder infection. Visual inspection of the data cloud supports the identification of individual outliers, leverage points, or systematic trends in the study population. These deviations are plausible indications of new cases or the substantial reduction of udder inflammation at cow level, or systematic changes in SCC patterns within group. Suggestion #3 applies an errors-in-variables regression model to assess agreement between two consecutive log10-transformed SCCs at the cow level. This parametric model gives estimates of systematic deviation from perfect agreement (45° slope) at cow level, and automatically and objectively identifies likely outliers and leverage points by means of case-level residual diagnostics. Consequently, this third suggestion supplements visual inspection of the percentile and elliptical analyses with a tool for objectively ranking cow-level SCC deviations from a central (normal, random, or noisy) pattern of SCC changes and identifies distinct patterns (distributions) of SCCs. The three analytical frameworks all demonstrate that a dichotomising (single universal threshold) may not meaningfully identify distinct patterns of cow-level SCCs. Five categories seem sufficient and necessary to capture the main components of a complicated SCC pattern. An assumption of normal distribution may be valid for describing SCCs after log transformation in some herds, but the user must validate this assumption. Substantial upward and downward changes in SCCs (outliers) can be explained as new cases or reductions of udder inflammation, respectively, and such pathobiologically different mechanisms may not fit a single linear scale such as SCS. I discuss possible approaches to combine the three SCC frameworks with microbiological diagnoses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100089"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143182052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100087
Xianming Wei , Jun Teng , Shixi Zhang , Changheng Zhao , Guilin Chen , Zhi Cao , Yan Chen , Jianbin Li , Chao Ning , Qin Zhang
In this study, we applied random regression test-day model for genomic prediction in the Holstein population in Shandong Province of China with respect to different reference populations, using either 150 k chip genotypes or imputed sequence genotypes. Three different reference populations were considered, i.e., the Shandong (SD) reference population consisting of 1 688 Holstein cows from Shandong Province, the Non-SD reference population consisting of 5 299 Holstein cows from other parts of China, and the combined population of the two. The SD reference resulted in higher prediction accuracy than the Non-SD reference, although the former was much smaller than the latter. The combined reference further increased the accuracy. These results indicate that the accuracy of genomic prediction cross-population within breed is low, even though the reference population is large. Using imputed sequence data may not significantly improve the cross-population prediction ability. However, the inclusion of data from other populations into the reference population can improve the accuracy of genomic selection.
{"title":"Genomic selection based on random regression test-day model in dairy cattle with respect to different reference populations","authors":"Xianming Wei , Jun Teng , Shixi Zhang , Changheng Zhao , Guilin Chen , Zhi Cao , Yan Chen , Jianbin Li , Chao Ning , Qin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we applied random regression test-day model for genomic prediction in the Holstein population in Shandong Province of China with respect to different reference populations, using either 150 k chip genotypes or imputed sequence genotypes. Three different reference populations were considered, i.e., the Shandong (<strong>SD</strong>) reference population consisting of 1 688 Holstein cows from Shandong Province, the Non-SD reference population consisting of 5 299 Holstein cows from other parts of China, and the combined population of the two. The SD reference resulted in higher prediction accuracy than the Non-SD reference, although the former was much smaller than the latter. The combined reference further increased the accuracy. These results indicate that the accuracy of genomic prediction cross-population within breed is low, even though the reference population is large. Using imputed sequence data may not significantly improve the cross-population prediction ability. However, the inclusion of data from other populations into the reference population can improve the accuracy of genomic selection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100087"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100083
A. Bigot, D. Savietto, S. Combes, L. Fortun-Lamothe, M. Gunia
The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the breed and the litter breed composition on the growth, survival, and health of rabbits. Two genetic types were compared: purebred INRA 1777 (INRA) and crossbreed ¾ Fauve-de-Bourgogne × ¼ INRA 1777 (Crossbreed). To study the effect of the litter breed composition, two cross-fostering strategies were used for suckled rabbits at birth: within-genetic type and between-genetic type, where the dam raised kits of the same or different genetic types. Litter composition was maintained after weaning. A total of 1 670 growing rabbits were monitored from birth to weaning (at 35 days of age), and then 1 030 rabbits were monitored from weaning to 64 days of age. Four cohorts were raised from September 2019 to April 2020. Health was evaluated using visual health scores and white blood cell counts. Crossbred rabbits had a higher survival rate in the preweaning period (+14.9% points; P < 0.001), and a higher percentage of healthy individuals at 64 days of age (+13.9% points; P < 0.001) than purebred rabbits, even though the survival rate was equivalent (92%) between the two genetic types in the postweaning period. Crossbred rabbits were lighter than INRA rabbits (−128 g at 64 days of age; P < 0.001). The between-genetic type cross-fostering strategy had a positive effect on survival in the preweaning period (+4.6% points for INRA and +13.3% points for Crossbreed; P < 0.001) compared to the within-genetic type cross-fostering strategy. No lasting effects of the litter breed composition on postweaning survival or health were observed. Mixing kits of different genetic types within litters may be a strategy to improve the overall herd health and help reduce the use of antibiotics in rabbit farming.
{"title":"Influence of the breed and litter breed composition on the growth, survival, and health of rabbits","authors":"A. Bigot, D. Savietto, S. Combes, L. Fortun-Lamothe, M. Gunia","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the breed and the litter breed composition on the growth, survival, and health of rabbits. Two genetic types were compared: purebred INRA 1777 (<strong>INRA</strong>) and crossbreed ¾ Fauve-de-Bourgogne × ¼ INRA 1777 (<strong>Crossbreed</strong>). To study the effect of the litter breed composition, two cross-fostering strategies were used for suckled rabbits at birth: within-genetic type and between-genetic type, where the dam raised kits of the same or different genetic types. Litter composition was maintained after weaning. A total of 1 670 growing rabbits were monitored from birth to weaning (at 35 days of age), and then 1 030 rabbits were monitored from weaning to 64 days of age. Four cohorts were raised from September 2019 to April 2020. Health was evaluated using visual health scores and white blood cell counts. Crossbred rabbits had a higher survival rate in the preweaning period (+14.9% points; <em>P</em> < 0.001), and a higher percentage of healthy individuals at 64 days of age (+13.9% points; <em>P</em> < 0.001) than purebred rabbits, even though the survival rate was equivalent (92%) between the two genetic types in the postweaning period. Crossbred rabbits were lighter than INRA rabbits (−128 g at 64 days of age; <em>P</em> < 0.001). The between-genetic type cross-fostering strategy had a positive effect on survival in the preweaning period (+4.6% points for INRA and +13.3% points for Crossbreed; <em>P</em> < 0.001) compared to the within-genetic type cross-fostering strategy. No lasting effects of the litter breed composition on postweaning survival or health were observed. Mixing kits of different genetic types within litters may be a strategy to improve the overall herd health and help reduce the use of antibiotics in rabbit farming.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100083"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142746160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100082
J.B. Thomas , M.C.G. Davies Morel , B. Lancaster
Reproductive performance is an important aspect of the equine industry. Breeders ideally want to increase the number of successful or valuable horses, whether these horses are racehorses, eventers, or show horses. This is especially important for breeds like the Clydesdale given the significant decline in breed numbers over the last century from over 20 000 registered horses in the 1920 s to less than 5 000 worldwide today. Mare age is a factor which has been shown to influence reproductive success in Thoroughbreds. However, limited work has been done on other breeds to investigate whether a similar association exists. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of mare age on (1) Day 20 pregnancy rates, (2) Day 40 pregnancy rates, and (3) live foal rates. Breeding records (n = 441) for 135 Clydesdale mares (aged 3–22) were reviewed. Generalised linear mixed models were used to determine the Day 20, Day 40, and live foal rates. Rates for country and farm were determined for live foal rates only. Mare was added as a random effect in all models to account for the fact that mares had multiple pregnancies. Mare age was categorised into four age groups: 3–6 years, 7–10 years, 11–14 years, >14 years and included as a fixed effect to look for differences across the age groups. Of the 441 pregnancies, 26 involved the use of hormone treatment. As a result, all models were re-run excluding any pregnancies where hormones were used to ensure consistency of results. The overall foaling rate (mean ± ) was 71% (66–76%). There was considerable variation in overall foal rate across farms (35% (13–65%) to 87% (66–96%)) but there was no significant difference (P = 0.177). Country was significant (P = 0.029). Mare age had a significant (P = 0.021) effect on live foaling rates. Mares aged over 14 years had a decrease of 65% in the odds of having a successful pregnancy compared to a horse 3–6 years of age. In conclusion, age was a significant factor for reproductive success in Clydesdales, with mares 14 years of age or younger having the highest reproductive success.
{"title":"The effect of age on D20, D40 and live foal rates in the Clydesdale mare","authors":"J.B. Thomas , M.C.G. Davies Morel , B. Lancaster","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100082","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100082","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reproductive performance is an important aspect of the equine industry. Breeders ideally want to increase the number of successful or valuable horses, whether these horses are racehorses, eventers, or show horses. This is especially important for breeds like the Clydesdale given the significant decline in breed numbers over the last century from over 20 000 registered horses in the 1920 s to less than 5 000 worldwide today. Mare age is a factor which has been shown to influence reproductive success in Thoroughbreds. However, limited work has been done on other breeds to investigate whether a similar association exists. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of mare age on (1) Day 20 pregnancy rates, (2) Day 40 pregnancy rates, and (3) live foal rates. Breeding records (n = 441) for 135 Clydesdale mares (aged 3–22) were reviewed. Generalised linear mixed models were used to determine the Day 20, Day 40, and live foal rates. Rates for country and farm were determined for live foal rates only. Mare was added as a random effect in all models to account for the fact that mares had multiple pregnancies. Mare age was categorised into four age groups: 3–6 years, 7–10 years, 11–14 years, >14 years and included as a fixed effect to look for differences across the age groups. Of the 441 pregnancies, 26 involved the use of hormone treatment. As a result, all models were re-run excluding any pregnancies where hormones were used to ensure consistency of results. The overall foaling rate (mean ± ) was 71% (66–76%). There was considerable variation in overall foal rate across farms (35% (13–65%) to 87% (66–96%)) but there was no significant difference (<em>P</em> = 0.177). Country was significant (<em>P</em> = 0.029). Mare age had a significant (<em>P</em> = 0.021) effect on live foaling rates. Mares aged over 14 years had a decrease of 65% in the odds of having a successful pregnancy compared to a horse 3–6 years of age. In conclusion, age was a significant factor for reproductive success in Clydesdales, with mares 14 years of age or younger having the highest reproductive success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100082"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142722811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100081
J. Philion , L. Laflamme-Michaud , D.E. Santschi , É.R. Paquet , É. Charbonneau
The whole milk or milk replacer (MR) intake by dairy heifers during their preweaning period is known to have an impact on their early and long-term development, growth, and productivity. The objective of this study was to assess whether providing ad libitum access to MR in comparison to the Canadian milk feeding recommendation would impact growth performance during the preweaning period, and if those impacts would be maintained in the postweaning period, near puberty at around 11 months of age. On a commercial farm located in Quebec, Canada, 179 Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to two treatments where they were offered (1) ad libitum access to MR (AdLib, n = 93) or (2) a maximum amount of MR corresponding to 20% of their birth weights as currently recommended by the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle (ReCan, n = 86). Weaning started at 52 and 64 d of age for AdLib and ReCan, respectively, and was completed at 76 d of age for both treatments. Milk replacer (28% CP, 16% fat, 15% DM) was offered using an automated feeding system, and the amount of MR was gradually reduced at weaning, over 24 and 12 d for AdLib and ReCan, respectively, with an identical program for the last 12 d. Data were collected for individual heifers to obtain live BW, heart girth circumference, withers height, hip height, and hip width during the preweaning (55 d) period and around puberty (around 11 mo). Mean MR intake at peak consumption between 46 d and 52 d was 11.8 L/d for AdLib vs 8.3 L/d for ReCan. Our results show that heifers on the AdLib treatment had significantly higher BW at 55 d of age and around puberty compared to heifers on the ReCan treatment. At weaning, no significant differences were observed for heart girth circumference, withers height, hip width, or average daily gain (ADG). Near puberty, the BW and hip height are significantly higher for the AdLib heifers and, when considering only heifers consuming a minimal amount of 7.5 L/d at the peak of consumption for the analysis, heart girth circumference, and ADG are significantly higher as well. Our results indicate that preweaning body conformation gains associated with an AdLib feeding program are maintained until puberty and this is even when compared to the current Canadian milk feeding recommendation of 20% of live weight in MR.
{"title":"Impact of the amount of milk replacer offers to Holstein dairy heifers on pre- and postweaning growth","authors":"J. Philion , L. Laflamme-Michaud , D.E. Santschi , É.R. Paquet , É. Charbonneau","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The whole milk or milk replacer (<strong>MR</strong>) intake by dairy heifers during their preweaning period is known to have an impact on their early and long-term development, growth, and productivity. The objective of this study was to assess whether providing <em>ad libitum</em> access to MR in comparison to the Canadian milk feeding recommendation would impact growth performance during the preweaning period, and if those impacts would be maintained in the postweaning period, near puberty at around 11 months of age. On a commercial farm located in Quebec, Canada, 179 Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to two treatments where they were offered (1) <em>ad libitum</em> access to MR (<strong>AdLib</strong>, n = 93) or (2) a maximum amount of MR corresponding to 20% of their birth weights as currently recommended by the Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle (<strong>ReCan</strong>, n = 86). Weaning started at 52 and 64 d of age for AdLib and ReCan, respectively, and was completed at 76 d of age for both treatments. Milk replacer (28% CP, 16% fat, 15% DM) was offered using an automated feeding system, and the amount of MR was gradually reduced at weaning, over 24 and 12 d for AdLib and ReCan, respectively, with an identical program for the last 12 d. Data were collected for individual heifers to obtain live BW, heart girth circumference, withers height, hip height, and hip width during the preweaning (55 d) period and around puberty (around 11 mo). Mean MR intake at peak consumption between 46 d and 52 d was 11.8 L/d for AdLib vs 8.3 L/d for ReCan. Our results show that heifers on the AdLib treatment had significantly higher BW at 55 d of age and around puberty compared to heifers on the ReCan treatment. At weaning, no significant differences were observed for heart girth circumference, withers height, hip width, or average daily gain (<strong>ADG</strong>). Near puberty, the BW and hip height are significantly higher for the AdLib heifers and, when considering only heifers consuming a minimal amount of 7.5 L/d at the peak of consumption for the analysis, heart girth circumference, and ADG are significantly higher as well. Our results indicate that preweaning body conformation gains associated with an AdLib feeding program are maintained until puberty and this is even when compared to the current Canadian milk feeding recommendation of 20% of live weight in MR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100081"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142655412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-12DOI: 10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100080
V. Gomes , B.P. Barros , D.I. Castro-Tardón , C.C. Martin , F.C.R. Santos , T. Knöbl , B.P. Santarosa , L.M. Padilha , D.J. Hurley
{"title":"Corrigendum to “The role of anti-E. coli antibody from maternal colostrum on the colonization of newborn dairy calves gut with Escherichia coli and the development of clinical diarrhea” [Animal Open Space 2 (2023) 100037]","authors":"V. Gomes , B.P. Barros , D.I. Castro-Tardón , C.C. Martin , F.C.R. Santos , T. Knöbl , B.P. Santarosa , L.M. Padilha , D.J. Hurley","doi":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100080","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":100083,"journal":{"name":"Animal - Open Space","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100080"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142422073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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