Livestock Science最新文献_第2页

Carbon footprint of milk production systems in El Salvador: differences between specialized dairy and dual-purpose herds and mitigation opportunities 萨尔瓦多牛奶生产系统的碳足迹：专业化奶牛群与双重用途奶牛群之间的差异及减排机会

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105876

Joaquín Castro-Montoya , Erick Medina , Jacobo Arango , Ricardo González-Quintero

Cradle-to-farm-gate carbon footprint (CFP) of fat-and-protein-corrected milk (FPCM) across specialized dairy and dual-purpose production systems in El Salvador was studied, and mitigation scenarios based on current management were explored. On-farm (methane, nitrous oxide) and off-farm emissions (purchased feeds, fertilizers, fuels, transport) were estimated using data from farm surveys. Milk CFP averaged (±SE) 1.46 ± 0.35 and 2.61 ± 0.67 kg CO₂e kg^-1 FPCM in specialized dairies and dual-purpose herds, respectively. In specialized dairies, most CFP came from methane (55 ± 8.7 %) followed by feed production (37 ± 12.9 %), while in dual-purpose systems feed production was largest (49 ± 13.1 %) ahead of methane (42 ± 12.7 %).

In specialized dairies, increasing milk yield by 1.5 kg cow d^-1 lowered CFP by 0.10 kg CO₂e kg^-1 FPCM (−6.8 %); combining this with manure composting, a higher forage share (0.43→0.55), and a lower replacement rate (33 %→25 %) yielded an additional 0.18 kg CO₂ reduction; a replacement rate drop (25 %→20 %) had marginal effect. In dual-purpose herds, the same yield gain cut CFP by 0.27 kg CO₂e kg^-1 FPCM (−10.3%); adding manure composting, increasing forage proportion (0.62→0.70), and increasing average daily gain reduced CFP by a further 0.15 kg CO₂; shortening days open (−30 d) and age at first calving (−4 months) delivered a modest 0.05 kg CO₂ reduction.

At the national scale, weighting system-specific CFPs by their production shares suggests an average milk CFP of ∼2.44 kg CO₂e kg^-1 FPCM, close to the global mean. Priority mitigation levers include raising yields, improving forage quality, and manure composting. Future assessments should incorporate meat co-product allocation for dual-purpose and refinement of local emission factors.

研究了萨尔瓦多专业乳制品和双重用途生产系统中脂肪和蛋白质校正奶（FPCM）从摇篮到农场大门的碳足迹（CFP），并探讨了基于当前管理的缓解方案。农场内（甲烷、一氧化二氮）和农场外排放（购买的饲料、肥料、燃料、运输）使用农场调查数据进行估算。专业奶牛场和双用途牛场的牛奶CFP平均值（±SE）分别为1.46±0.35和2.61±0.67 kg CO₂e kg-1 FPCM。在专业奶牛场，CFP最多来自甲烷（55±8.7%），其次是饲料生产（37±12.9%），而在双重用途系统中，饲料生产最大（49±13.1%），其次是甲烷（42±12.7%）。在专业奶牛场，每增加1.5 kg奶牛d-1产奶量，CFP降低0.10 kg CO₂e / kg-1 FPCM (- 6.8%)；与粪便堆肥相结合，较高的饲料比例（0.43→0.55）和较低的替代率（33%→25%）可额外减少0.18 kg的CO₂；替代率下降（25%→20%）有边际效应。在双重用途畜群中，相同的产量增加使CFP降低0.27 kg CO₂/ kg-1 FPCM (- 10.3%)；添加粪肥堆肥，提高饲料比例（0.62→0.70），提高平均日增重，可使CFP进一步降低0.15 kg CO₂；缩短开放天数（- 30 d）和首次产犊年龄（- 4个月）可适度减少0.05 kg的CO₂。在全国范围内，按生产份额对系统特定CFP进行加权表明，牛奶的平均CFP为~ 2.44 kg CO₂e kg-1 FPCM，接近全球平均值。优先缓解措施包括提高产量、改善饲料质量和粪肥堆肥。未来的评估应纳入双重用途的肉类副产品分配和改进当地排放因素。

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引用次数: 0

Modelling the cost of ewe mortality in New Zealand sheep flocks 模拟新西兰羊群母羊死亡率的成本

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105877

Anne L Ridler , Rene A Corner-Thomas , Peter Tozer

CONTEXT

Reported ewe mortality rates in extensively farmed sheep flocks range from 2.9–12.8%. Most deaths occur over the lambing period, and many are potentially preventable or treatable. An understanding of the costs of ewe mortality would allow farmers to determine which interventions are most cost-effective.

OBJECTIVE

Use a dynamic bioeconomic model to investigate the impacts of ewe mortality on cash operating surplus for New Zealand sheep flocks.

METHODS

An existing dataset of 23 flocks was used which comprised data on ewe numbers throughout the year, ewe deaths, reproductive data and farm demographic data (location, size, topography and stock numbers). Each flock was modelled using economic data for the 2023 financial year. Cash operating surplus per ewe (COS/ewe) was generated for each flock using their actual death rates. For flocks with death rates >4%, the effects on COS/ewe were also modelled based on a reduction in ewe deaths by 20% or 50%.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Flocks with higher ewe death rates had lower COS/ewe, with an overall correlation of 0.58. Reducing deaths by 20% and 50% resulted in an increased COS/ewe of NZ$1.12 to $2.66/ewe and NZ$2.89 to $6.67/ewe, respectively. Multiplying these numbers by the total number of ewes in their flock provides guidance to producers on how much they could spend to reduce the death rate of their ewes.

SIGNIFICANCE

Producers can use the results, along with their flock-specific ewe mortality data, to determine cost-effective strategies to reduce ewe mortality.

在广泛养殖的羊群中，报告的母羊死亡率在2.9-12.8%之间。大多数死亡发生在产羔期，其中许多是可以预防或治疗的。了解母羊死亡的成本将使农民能够确定哪些干预措施最具成本效益。目的利用动态生物经济模型研究母羊死亡率对新西兰羊群现金经营盈余的影响。方法利用已有的23个羊群的数据集，包括全年母羊数量、母羊死亡、繁殖数据和农场人口统计数据（地点、规模、地形和存栏数）。每个鸟群都使用2023财政年度的经济数据进行建模。每只母羊的现金经营盈余（COS/母羊）是根据它们的实际死亡率计算的。对于死亡率为4%的羊群，对COS/母羊的影响也是基于母羊死亡率降低20%或50%来建模的。结果与结论母羊死亡率高的小区COS/母羊较低，总相关系数为0.58。减少20%和50%的死亡导致每只母羊的成本分别增加1.12新西兰元至2.66新西兰元和2.89新西兰元至6.67新西兰元。将这些数字乘以羊群中母羊的总数，可以指导生产者花多少钱来降低母羊的死亡率。生产者可以利用结果，连同其特定羊群母羊死亡率数据，来确定降低母羊死亡率的成本效益策略。

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引用次数: 0

Greenhouse gas intensity from beef systems grazing stockpiled intermediate wheatgrass in the late fall/early winter with impacts from fertilizer and legume integration 在肥料和豆科作物整合的影响下，牛肉系统放牧的温室气体强度在秋末/冬初储存了中间小麦草

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105879

M. Donnelly , K.H. Ominski , D.J. Cattani , R. Kroebel , S.J. Pogue , E.J. McGeough

To estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity and protein produced from a beef cow-calf operation in Manitoba, Canada, a partial life cycle assessment was conducted for 4 management systems incorporating: i) a grass/legume forage control (FORCON); ii) intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium; IWG) monoculture with no fertilizer (NFert); iii) IWG monoculture with 50 kg of nitrogen (N)/ha applied following grain harvest (Fert); and iv) an IWG-alsike clover intercrop (AL) for stockpiled forage grazing in the late fall/early winter. Emissions over an 8-yr cycle were estimated using Holos, a Canadian whole-farm model utilizing IPCC Tier 2 methodology. Greenhouse gas emission intensities across the 4 modeled systems ranged from 17.97 to 18.07 kg CO₂e/kg total liveweight sold, with enteric CH₄ contributing 57–58% of total emissions. Contributions from other emission sources included manure CH₄ (22%), direct N₂O (9–10%), indirect N₂O (6%), and farm energy CO₂ (5%). Grain, cattle, and forage production contributed 8–12, 28–37, and 55–63% of total protein, respectively. Cumulative GHG emissions per unit of protein (human and animal edible) per hectare of land were 28%, 34%, and 38% lower for the Fert system compared to AL, NFert, and FORCON, respectively, despite the added emissions from synthetic fertilizer. In conclusion, the productivity of IWG was comparable to a traditional perennial mixture for late season stockpile grazing, particularly when N fertilizer is applied post-grain harvest, with the demonstrated dual-purpose benefit of providing a grain crop for human consumption and late season cattle feed from the same land area and growing season.

为了估计加拿大马尼托巴省一个肉牛-小牛养殖场的温室气体（GHG）排放强度和产生的蛋白质，对4个管理系统进行了部分生命周期评估，包括：1)草/豆科饲料控制（FORCON）；ii)无施肥单作小麦草（Thinopyrum intermedium； IWG）；iii)单作，谷物收获后每公顷施用50公斤氮(N)；iv)在秋末/初冬放牧中，采用IWG-alsike三叶草间作（AL）。使用Holos（一种利用IPCC第2层方法的加拿大全农场模型）估算了8年周期内的排放量。4个模拟系统的温室气体排放强度范围为17.97 ~ 18.07 kg CO2e/kg总活重，其中肠道CH4占总排放量的57 ~ 58%。其他排放源的贡献包括粪便CH4（22%）、直接N2O（9-10%）、间接N2O（6%）和农场能源CO2（5%）。谷物、牛和饲料分别贡献了总蛋白质的8 - 12%、28 - 37%和55-63%。尽管合成肥料增加了排放，但与AL、NFert和FORCON相比，Fert系统每公顷土地上单位蛋白质（人类和动物食用）的累积温室气体排放量分别降低了28%、34%和38%。综上所述，IWG的生产力与传统的多年生混合晚季储备放牧相当，特别是在谷物收获后施用氮肥时，具有双重效益，既可以提供供人类消费的粮食作物，又可以从同一土地面积和生长季节提供晚季牛饲料。

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引用次数: 0

Short-term behavioural patterns of sheep under extensive solar grazing management with sun-tracking photovoltaic modules 绵羊在太阳跟踪光伏组件下的短期行为模式

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-19 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105880

Caroline Siede , Friederike Rethmeyer , Lisa Wilms , Lars Zinken , Franziska Kunz , Rahel Sutterlütti , Lena Weber , Masud Hamidi , Manfred Kayser , Johannes Isselstein , Dina Hamidi

Renewable energies, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, are becoming increasingly important in the context of climate change. PV systems on grassland with small ruminants, i.e., solar grazing, appears to be an effective combination of agricultural and energy production. A case study was conducted to analyse the effects of sun-tracking PV modules on the spatio-temporal behaviour pattern of sheep using GPS sensors. This was done during two grazing periods (June/ September, each 8 days) with (i) sheep experienced with solar grazing (period 1) and (ii) sheep naïve to solar grazing (period 2) in a PV system on grassland in Germany. The trial site consisted of two equal-sized sectors (with/ without PV modules) divided into 80 polygon grid cells (5 × 5 m). Herbage samples were taken in each sector and period for quality analysis. The sheep were free to move between the sectors. The amount of time the sheep spent in each sector varied between the grazing periods (with the experienced sheep spending more time from the beginning in the sector with PV modules) but appeared to be mainly influenced by the presence of the PV modules, the time of day and hourly air temperature. Herbage mass pre-grazing was greater in the sector with PV modules (period 1; p < 0.0001). In both sectors and periods, herbage mass, the concentrations of crude protein and metabolizable energy were sufficient for the nutritional maintenance of sheep. Our short-term study was effective in providing initial insights into the system of sheep husbandry in free-field PV systems.

可再生能源，如光伏（PV）系统，在气候变化的背景下变得越来越重要。在有小反刍动物的草地上建立光伏系统，即太阳能放牧，似乎是农业和能源生产的有效结合。利用GPS传感器分析了太阳跟踪光伏组件对绵羊时空行为模式的影响。这项研究分两个放牧期（6月/ 9月，每8天）进行，其中(i)羊经历了太阳能放牧（第1期），（ii）羊naïve经历了太阳能放牧（第2期），在德国的一个草地光伏系统中。试验场地由两个大小相等的扇区（带/不带光伏组件）组成，分为80个多边形网格单元（5 × 5米）。在每个部门和时期采集牧草样品进行质量分析。羊群可以自由地在各区之间移动。绵羊在每个区域的时间在放牧期间有所不同（经验丰富的绵羊从一开始就在有光伏组件的区域花费更多的时间），但似乎主要受光伏组件的存在，一天中的时间和每小时气温的影响。在有光伏组件的区域，牧草预放牧量更大（周期1；p < 0.0001）。无论在哪个阶段和哪个时期，牧草质量、粗蛋白质浓度和代谢能都足以维持绵羊的营养。我们的短期研究有效地为自由场光伏系统的牧羊系统提供了初步的见解。

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引用次数: 0

Assessing the carbon footprint of converting confinement dairy production to seasonal grazing in a dairy herd: a scenario study 评估奶牛群将封闭乳制品生产转化为季节性放牧的碳足迹：情景研究

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-19 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105881

Long Chen , Maike J. Brask , Lasse Sembach , Vivi M. Thorup , Søren Østergaard

Understanding how conversion from confinement to grazing systems affects dairy production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is essential for informed decision-making for emission mitigation in dairy production. Here, we combined a dairy herd simulation model with a farm GHG tool to assess the impact of converting a conventional confinement dairy farm to seasonal grazing on the carbon footprint (CF) of milk production. We hypothesized that the CF would decrease after conversion due to reduced enteric methane (CH₄) emissions and improved animal health on pasture. We modelled a 6-month grazing season with cows on pasture 6 h daily, where grazed grass made up 20 % of daily dry matter intake. Herd simulations were performed to assess the effect of grazing on animal health, and the resulting effects on feed intake, milk yield, and herd replacement. These outputs informed a farm GHG tool, which calculated CF from key emission sources including enteric fermentation, feed production, energy use, and manure management. Results for CF indicated that the benefits from grazing, including reduced enteric CH₄ emissions and improved animal health, were slightly outweighed by increased emissions from nitrogen fertilization. Consequently, the CF increased slightly, from 1.115 to 1.119 kg CO₂-eq per kg fat- and protein-corrected milk, marking a 0.3 % increase. Sensitivity analysis showed that longer walking distance, no health effect, purchased concentrated feed, and decreased pasture nitrogen fertilization changed CF by -1.1 to +1.4 % after conversion. Our findings suggest that a well-managed seasonal grazing system does not substantially change GHG emissions as compared to the same farm under confinement production. This indicates that grazing is neither a significant GHG mitigation strategy nor a major contributor to climate impact.

了解从圈养系统到放牧系统的转变如何影响乳制品生产和温室气体（GHG）排放，对于乳制品生产中减少排放的知情决策至关重要。在这里，我们将奶牛群模拟模型与农场温室气体工具相结合，以评估将传统的限制奶牛场转变为季节性放牧对牛奶生产碳足迹（CF）的影响。我们假设，由于肠道甲烷（CH4）排放减少和牧场动物健康改善，转化后的CF会下降。我们模拟了一个为期6个月的放牧季节，奶牛每天在牧场上放牧6小时，其中放牧的草占每日干物质摄入量的20%。畜群模拟评估放牧对动物健康的影响，以及由此产生的采食量、产奶量和畜群更替的影响。这些产出为农场温室气体工具提供了信息，该工具计算了肠道发酵、饲料生产、能源使用和粪肥管理等主要排放源的CF。CF的研究结果表明，放牧带来的好处，包括减少肠道CH - 4排放和改善动物健康，略大于氮肥排放的增加。因此，CF略有增加，从每公斤脂肪和蛋白质校正牛奶1.115公斤二氧化碳当量增加到1.119公斤二氧化碳当量，增加了0.3%。敏感性分析表明，较长的步行距离、无健康影响、购买浓缩饲料和减少牧场氮肥施用量使转化后的CF变化幅度为-1.1 ~ + 1.4%。我们的研究结果表明，与限制生产的同一农场相比，管理良好的季节性放牧系统不会实质性地改变温室气体排放。这表明，放牧既不是一项重要的温室气体缓解战略，也不是气候影响的主要因素。

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引用次数: 0

Assessing the effect of transitioning from tie-stalls to free-stalls with automatic milking system on dairy cattle welfare, milk production, and the environmental sustainability 评估自动挤奶系统从捆绑栏过渡到自由栏对奶牛福利、产奶量和环境可持续性的影响

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-19 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105878

Stefania Celozzi, Aldo Calcante, Maddalena Zucali, Martina Pavesi, Stefania Colombini, Silvana Mattiello, Monica Battini

This study evaluated the effects of transitioning from tie-stalls to free-stalls with an Automatic Milking System (AMS) on the welfare, productivity, feed consumption, and environmental impact of lactating Holstein Friesian cows over the course of one year in a small-scale farm. Cow welfare improved significantly after the transition, particularly for clinical indicators (e.g., 100 % reduction in hindquarter, neck/shoulder and back injuries), lying synchronization (+2.6 ± 9.27 %), and affiliative behaviours, such as social licking, which were observed exclusively in this system (0.09 events/cow). Daily milk production increased after the transition (+16 %); other production measures, including milk quality and reproductive performance, showed an improving trend, although not statistically significant, with the exception of milk fat content, which showed no improvement. Feeding behaviour differed before and after transition, with variations in the sorting index and concentrate proportions of the diet, though feed intake remained adequate. Energy consumption for milking ranged from 2.69 kWh per 100 kg of milk before the transition to an estimated 1.5–3 kWh after the transition, suggesting that AMS did not provide a significant energy-saving advantage. Importantly, the introduction of AMS played a key role in mitigating environmental impact, with a climate change mitigation of 27 %. This reduction was primarily associated with increased milk production, which diluted the system's overall environmental impact.

本研究评估了一个小型农场在一年的时间里，从拴栏过渡到配备自动挤奶系统（AMS）的自由栏对泌乳荷斯坦奶牛的福利、生产力、饲料消耗和环境影响的影响。转换后奶牛福利显著改善，特别是临床指标（例如，后腿、颈/肩和背部损伤100%减少），躺姿同步（+2.6±9.27%）和附属行为，如社交舔舐，在该系统中只观察到（0.09事件/头牛）。过渡后日产奶量增加（+ 16%）；其他生产指标，包括乳质和繁殖性能，都有改善的趋势，尽管统计上不显著，但乳脂含量没有改善。转换前后的摄食行为有所不同，尽管采食量仍然充足，但日粮的分选指数和精料比例有所不同。挤奶的能源消耗范围从过渡前的每100公斤牛奶2.69千瓦时到过渡后的估计1.5-3千瓦时，这表明AMS没有提供显着的节能优势。重要的是，AMS的引入在减轻环境影响方面发挥了关键作用，使气候变化缓解了27%。这种减少主要与牛奶产量的增加有关，这稀释了该系统对整体环境的影响。

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引用次数: 0

Cecal acidosis: an emergent digestive disorder in ruminants 盲肠酸中毒：反刍动物中一种突发性消化系统疾病

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-18 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105875

Pedro Henrique Cavalcante Ribeiro , Leandro Aparecido Ferreira da Silva , Daniel Moretto Casali , Ariany Faria de Toledo , Danilo Domingues Millen

The cecum harbors a microbiome adapted to synthesizing SCFA through the fermentation of post-ruminal substrates. Strategically shifting the site of partial or total digestion of specific dietary components from the rumen to the intestine affects the starch digestion rate in the GIT and the energy efficiency of the animals. However, due to its simpler epithelial structure compared to the rumen, the cecum is more sensitive to fluctuations in the luminal environment’s chemical composition. An increased fermentation rate, elevated SCFA synthesis, and reduced luminal pH can trigger cecal acidosis, leading to epithelial lesions and increased intestinal permeability that allows endotoxins to enter the bloodstream. Although the metabolic disturbance is similar to SARA, more intense disruptions are generally required to induce SARA than cecal acidosis. In contrast, disturbances in the cecum, located in the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tract, are typically more subclinical and less immediately detectable, especially in ruminants exposed to high-starch diets only during the finishing phase. In such cases, the duration of exposure may be insufficient to significantly impact productive performance or be associated with other metabolic disorders. However, when high-concentrate feeding strategies are adopted from the early stages of development or in long production phases, such as in dairy cattle, cecal acidosis may evolve into a more severe fermentative disorder, potentially compromising gut health and nutrient utilization efficiency.

盲肠拥有适合通过瘤胃后底物发酵合成短链脂肪酸的微生物群。有策略地将特定饲粮成分的部分或全部消化部位从瘤胃转移到肠道会影响胃肠道的淀粉消化率和动物的能量效率。然而，由于盲肠上皮结构较瘤胃简单，因此盲肠对腔内环境化学成分的波动更为敏感。发酵速率增加、SCFA合成升高和腔内pH值降低可引发盲肠酸中毒，导致上皮病变和肠道通透性增加，使内毒素进入血液。虽然代谢紊乱与SARA相似，但通常需要比盲肠酸中毒更强烈的紊乱才能诱发SARA。相比之下，位于胃肠道远端盲肠的紊乱通常是亚临床的，不易立即检测到，特别是在仅在育肥期暴露于高淀粉饮食的反刍动物中。在这种情况下，暴露时间可能不足以显著影响生产性能或与其他代谢紊乱有关。然而，当从发育早期或较长的生产阶段（如奶牛）采用高精料饲喂策略时，盲肠酸中毒可能演变为更严重的发酵障碍，可能损害肠道健康和营养物质利用效率。

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引用次数: 0

Adaptive farrowing: Piglet mortality and the lactation performance and welfare of sows 适应性产犊：仔猪死亡率与母猪泌乳性能及福利

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-15 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105874

Lauren Radtke , Marion Magnan , Ryan Clarkson , Honglin Rong , Katie McDermott

There is growing pressure to remove farrowing crates from pig production. This study aimed to provide robust, commercial-scale data on the effect of temporarily crating on reproductive success, behaviour and welfare of sows. This study involved 666 sows crated (JLF15) for 24 h before parturition (D0) and two days of lactation (C + 2, n = 166), 24 h before parturition and four days of lactation (C + 4, n = 167), loose for farrowing and lactation (L, n = 167) or farrowed loose and then crated for four days of lactation (L + 4, n = 166). Piglets were weighed at birth, D7 and weaning. Sows were scored for body condition, lameness, shoulder sores and cleanliness upon entering and exiting the farrowing house. From one batch (n = 50) CCTV footage for behaviour analysis (D1–8 of lactation) and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration (D-2, D0, D2, D4, D7, D14, D28) were collected. C + 4 sows showed 4.6 % lower piglet mortality than L sows (P < 0.01) and weaned 0.6 more piglets per litter (P = 0.009). Litters from L sows were approximately 4 kg heavier at weaning than C + 4 and L + 4 litters (P < 0.05). Activity increased in the mornings and after crate opening. Once released from the crate, sows showed a similar behavioural repertoire to loose housed sows, with increased exploration and positive contact with piglets. There was no lasting effect of crating on sow stress throughout lactation or differences in physical welfare indicators. Temporary crating for four days postpartum and one day pre-partum provides an alternative to improve sow welfare in an intensive production environment whilst maximising piglet survival.

从养猪生产中取消产仔箱的压力越来越大。本研究旨在提供可靠的、商业规模的数据，说明临时繁殖对母猪繁殖成功率、行为和福利的影响。本研究共纳入666头母猪（JLF15），分别为产前24 h （D0）泌乳2天（C + 2, n = 166）、产前24 h泌乳4天（C + 4, n = 167）、先产后泌乳（L, n = 167）或先产后泌乳4天（L + 4, n = 166）。仔猪在出生、7龄和断奶时称重。母猪在进入和离开产房时，对身体状况、跛行、肩痛和清洁度进行评分。收集1批次（n = 50） CCTV录像用于行为分析（哺乳期D1-8）和粪便糖皮质激素代谢物浓度（D-2、D0、D2、D4、D7、D14、D28）。C + 4母猪的仔猪死亡率比L母猪低4.6% (P < 0.01)，每窝断奶仔猪多0.6头（P = 0.009）。断奶时，L母猪产仔比C + 4和L + 4母猪产仔重约4 kg （P < 0.05）。在早晨和打开板条箱后，活动增加了。一旦从板条箱中释放出来，母猪表现出与松散饲养的母猪相似的行为，增加了探索和与仔猪的积极接触。在整个哺乳期，对母猪应激没有持久的影响，也没有生理福利指标的差异。产后4天和产前1天的临时板条箱提供了在集约化生产环境中改善母猪福利的另一种选择，同时最大限度地提高仔猪存活率。

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引用次数: 0

Impacts of black garlic powder on mitigating heat stress, augmenting antioxidant defenses, and enhancing broiler chicken performance 黑蒜粉对缓解热应激、增强抗氧化防御和提高肉鸡生产性能的影响

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-02 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105872

Mokhtar Fathi, Vahid Rezaee

This study investigated the effects of dietary black garlic powder (BGP) supplementation on growth performance, hematological and serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in broiler chickens subjected to heat stress (HS). A total of 500 one-day-old male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with five replicates of 20 birds per pen. One group (100 birds) was maintained under thermoneutral (negative control) conditions, while the remaining four groups (400 birds) were subjected to HS. Heat stress was induced by maintaining the temperature at 32–35 °C for eight hours daily from day 25–42. HS group’s birds exposed to HS fed diets containing 0 (positive control), 10, 20, or 30 g/kg of BGP (BGP-10, BGP-20, and BGP-30) from day 1 to 42. Exposure to HS markedly impaired performance and physiological status, as evidenced by reduced body weight gain, feed intake, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit, alongside elevated feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality rate, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), liver enzymes (ALT and AST), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. HS also suppressed immune responses by lowering serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels. Dietary BGP supplementation significantly mitigated these detrimental effects in a dose-dependent manner. Inclusion of 20 and 30 g/kg BGP improved growth performance by increasing final body weight and reducing FCR and mortality. Antioxidant status was enhanced, reflected by higher GPx activity and lower MDA levels. Hematological indicators, including hemoglobin and red blood cell counts, were restored, and liver enzyme activity was normalized. Additionally, BGP improved immune competence through elevated IgG and IgM levels. In conclusion, black garlic powder supplementation effectively alleviates the physiological and immunological disturbances induced by heat stress in broilers, highlighting its potential as a natural feed additive to improve poultry health and resilience under thermal stress conditions.

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加黑蒜粉（BGP）对热应激肉鸡生长性能、血液学和血清生化指标、抗氧化能力和免疫功能的影响。试验选用1日龄雄性罗斯308雏鸡500只，随机分为6个处理组，每组5个重复，每个栏20只。1组（100只）保持热中性（阴性对照）条件，其余4组（400只）进行HS处理。从第25-42天开始，将温度维持在32-35℃，每天8小时，诱导热应激。从第1天至第42天，HS组的鸡饲喂含有0（阳性对照）、10、20或30 g/kg BGP （BGP-10、BGP-20和BGP-30）的HS饲粮。暴露于HS会显著损害生产性能和生理状态，表现为体重增加、采食量、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GPx）活性、血红蛋白浓度和红细胞压积降低，同时饲料转化率（FCR）、死亡率、血清丙二醛（MDA）、肝酶（ALT和AST）、总胆固醇、甘油三酯和异嗜淋巴细胞比升高。HS还通过降低血清免疫球蛋白G （IgG）和免疫球蛋白M （IgM）水平来抑制免疫应答。膳食中补充BGP以剂量依赖的方式显著减轻了这些有害影响。添加20和30 g/kg BGP可提高末重，降低饲料转化率和死亡率，从而改善生长性能。抗氧化能力增强，表现为GPx活性升高和MDA水平降低。血液学指标，包括血红蛋白和红细胞计数恢复，肝酶活性恢复正常。此外，BGP通过提高IgG和IgM水平提高免疫能力。综上所述，饲粮中添加黑蒜粉可有效缓解热应激引起的肉鸡生理和免疫紊乱，具有作为一种天然饲料添加剂改善热应激条件下家禽健康和恢复能力的潜力。

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引用次数: 0

Impact of pre-slaughter stress on meat quality in beef cattle: A gene expression analysis 屠宰前应激对肉牛肉质的影响：基因表达分析

IF 1.9 3区农林科学 Q2 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Livestock Science

Pub Date : 2025-12-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105851

Zahra Roudbari , Abdolvahab Ebrahimpour Gorji , Krzysztof Dasiewicz , Tomasz Sadkowski

Pre-slaughter stress significantly affects beef quality traits such as tenderness, juiciness, and color, thereby influencing overall meat quality, consumer acceptance, and market value. This study investigates gene expression profiles in the Longissimus thoracis and Semitendinosus muscles of cattle exposed to moderate (MS) and limited stress (LS) conditions, aiming to identify molecular markers associated with pH regulation, water-holding capacity, and meat color. For this purpose, we analyzed transcriptomic data from the publicly available dataset GSE119912. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package in R, with a cutoff of |log2FC| > 0.3 and padj-value < 0.05. Seventy-one genes were common to both muscle types under MS and LS conditions. The pathway analysis revealed substantial activity in stress response, together with oxidative stress, alongside muscle development processes. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis disclosed FOS, SERPINE1, and ATF3 among the most important hub genes, and these proteins were substantiated by applying GGE biplot and polygon analysis. The investigated genes manifested their direct connection to key aspects of meat quality, which included pH regulation and both water-holding capacity and color variables. This research shows that the identified gene expression markers have the potential to function as predictors for meat quality assessment while revealing how beef quality changes because of stress. Combining stress-reducing methods and genetic selection of desirable traits will improve beef quality production.

屠宰前的压力会显著影响牛肉的品质特征，如嫩度、多汁性和颜色，从而影响整体肉质、消费者接受度和市场价值。本研究研究了暴露于中度（MS）和有限应激（LS）条件下的牛胸最长肌和半腱肌的基因表达谱，旨在鉴定与pH调节、持水能力和肉色相关的分子标记。为此，我们分析了来自公开数据集GSE119912的转录组学数据。差异表达基因（DEGs）用limma package在R中鉴定，截断值为|log2FC| >； 0.3, padj-value < 0.05。在MS和LS条件下，这两种肌肉类型共有71个基因。通路分析显示，在肌肉发育过程中，应激反应以及氧化应激具有实质性的活性。蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用（PPI）网络分析揭示了FOS、SERPINE1和ATF3是最重要的枢纽基因，并通过GGE双图和多边形分析证实了这些蛋白。所研究的基因表明，它们与肉品质的关键方面直接相关，包括pH调节、保水能力和颜色变量。该研究表明，鉴定的基因表达标记具有作为肉类质量评估的预测因子的潜力，同时揭示了牛肉质量如何因压力而变化。将减轻压力的方法与理想性状的遗传选择相结合，将提高牛肉品质生产。

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引用次数: 0