Pub Date : 2025-08-05eCollection Date: 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100493
Pedro Melendez, Julian Bartolome, Gerardo Gonzalez, Gustavo Lastra-Duran, Pablo Pinedo
This study examined the association between energy metabolism-related variables and conception rate at first service (CRFS) in Holstein cows. It focused on identifying confounding relationships among key factors. Data came from a large dairy farm in Coahuila, Mexico. The dataset included 1056 lactations recorded in 2024. Of these, 419 were primiparous and 637 were multiparous cows. Only cows that completed a synchronization protocol and received timed artificial insemination (TAI) were included. A logistic regression model was used to predict CRFS. In the model, body condition score (BCS) at calving and postpartum diseases were not significant when subclinical ketosis (SCK) and BCS loss were included. This suggested confounding effects. Key associations were found: Cows with BCS ≥ 3.75 at calving were 5.55 times more likely to lose ≥ 0.75 BCS units by first breeding than cows with BCS ≤ 3.5. Cows with BCS ≤ 3.5 at calving were 0.45 times as likely to develop SCK compared to cows with BCS ≥ 3.75. Cows with postpartum diseases were 4.42 times more likely to develop SCK than healthy cows. Multicollinearity was observed between postpartum diseases and SCK and between BCS at calving and postpartum BCS loss. The best-fitting model for CRFS included: breeding season, milk yield at week 8 postpartum, parity, SCK, and postpartum BCS loss. SCK and BCS losses, as well as postpartum diseases, were key factors associated with CRFS and were also confounded by BCS at calving.
{"title":"Body condition score at calving, subclinical ketosis, postpartum body condition score losses, diseases, and fertility in Holstein cows: modelling confounding associations.","authors":"Pedro Melendez, Julian Bartolome, Gerardo Gonzalez, Gustavo Lastra-Duran, Pablo Pinedo","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100493","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the association between energy metabolism-related variables and conception rate at first service (CRFS) in Holstein cows. It focused on identifying confounding relationships among key factors. Data came from a large dairy farm in Coahuila, Mexico. The dataset included 1056 lactations recorded in 2024. Of these, 419 were primiparous and 637 were multiparous cows. Only cows that completed a synchronization protocol and received timed artificial insemination (TAI) were included. A logistic regression model was used to predict CRFS. In the model, body condition score (BCS) at calving and postpartum diseases were not significant when subclinical ketosis (SCK) and BCS loss were included. This suggested confounding effects. Key associations were found: Cows with BCS ≥ 3.75 at calving were 5.55 times more likely to lose ≥ 0.75 BCS units by first breeding than cows with BCS ≤ 3.5. Cows with BCS ≤ 3.5 at calving were 0.45 times as likely to develop SCK compared to cows with BCS ≥ 3.75. Cows with postpartum diseases were 4.42 times more likely to develop SCK than healthy cows. Multicollinearity was observed between postpartum diseases and SCK and between BCS at calving and postpartum BCS loss. The best-fitting model for CRFS included: breeding season, milk yield at week 8 postpartum, parity, SCK, and postpartum BCS loss. SCK and BCS losses, as well as postpartum diseases, were key factors associated with CRFS and were also confounded by BCS at calving.</p>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"100493"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12355486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875641","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 : 2025-07-30eCollection Date: 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100491
Julia Dezen Gomes, Bruna Pereira Martins da Silva, Stefano Francisco Pereira Duarte, Soraia Viana Ferreira, Vivian Vezzoni Almeida, Laura Woigt Pian, Fernanda Nery Ciconello, Cristina Tschorny Moncau Gadbem, Aline Silva Mello Cesar
Crossbreeding between Duroc and Pietrain breeds is widely applied in genetic improvement programs to enhance productivity and carcass quality, aligning with sustainability goals and consumer demands. Additionally, sex is a relevant factor influencing performance and carcass traits. This study evaluate performance, carcass characteristics, and primary cut weights in pigs from different genetic lines and sexes, as well as their interactions. A total of 600 pigs were evaluated across three sire lines: Line d- Duroc, Line H- Hybrid (Duroc and Pietrain), and Line P- Pietrain, including both females and immunocastrated males (ICM). At the end of the growing period, 120 animals with body weights closest to the pen average were selected for slaughter and carcass analysis. No significant interactions were observed between genetic line and sex (P ≤ 0.05). ICM showed superior average daily gain (ADG), final weight, feed conversion (FCR), and backfat thickness, while females had higher carcass yield and lean meat percentage. D and H lines outperformed P in carcass yield and weight, whereas P had greater backfat thickness but lower lean percentage and loin depth. For primary cuts, ICMs had heavier bellies, while females yielded more lean cuts. The results underscore the impact of genetic and sex-based selection on pork quality and sustainability.
{"title":"Productive performance and carcass quality of pigs from different sire lines under commercial production conditions.","authors":"Julia Dezen Gomes, Bruna Pereira Martins da Silva, Stefano Francisco Pereira Duarte, Soraia Viana Ferreira, Vivian Vezzoni Almeida, Laura Woigt Pian, Fernanda Nery Ciconello, Cristina Tschorny Moncau Gadbem, Aline Silva Mello Cesar","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100491","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100491","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Crossbreeding between Duroc and Pietrain breeds is widely applied in genetic improvement programs to enhance productivity and carcass quality, aligning with sustainability goals and consumer demands. Additionally, sex is a relevant factor influencing performance and carcass traits. This study evaluate performance, carcass characteristics, and primary cut weights in pigs from different genetic lines and sexes, as well as their interactions. A total of 600 pigs were evaluated across three sire lines: Line d- Duroc, Line H- Hybrid (Duroc and Pietrain), and Line P- Pietrain, including both females and immunocastrated males (ICM). At the end of the growing period, 120 animals with body weights closest to the pen average were selected for slaughter and carcass analysis. No significant interactions were observed between genetic line and sex (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.05). ICM showed superior average daily gain (ADG), final weight, feed conversion (FCR), and backfat thickness, while females had higher carcass yield and lean meat percentage. D and H lines outperformed P in carcass yield and weight, whereas P had greater backfat thickness but lower lean percentage and loin depth. For primary cuts, ICMs had heavier bellies, while females yielded more lean cuts. The results underscore the impact of genetic and sex-based selection on pork quality and sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"100491"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12355489/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875660","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 : 2025-07-27eCollection Date: 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100490
Rodrigue Ayagirwe, Martina Kyallo, Felix Meutchieye, Yacouba Manjeli, Valence Bwana Mutwedu, Yannick Mugumaarhahama, Patrick Baenyi, Shukuru Wasso, Patrick Bisimwa, Nasser Yao
Domesticated guinea pigs (cavies) are crucial in mixed crop-livestock farming systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), providing meat, income, and organic fertilizer. This research assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of guinea pig populations from South Kivu, North Kivu, Katanga, and Kinshasa. A total of 343 samples were screened using thirteen (13) polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The study identified 113 alleles across the four populations, with an average of 5.77 alleles per locus per population. South Kivu had the highest allele count (7.23), while Kinshasa had the lowest (4.69). The mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) were 0.34 and 0.58, respectively. Genetic analysis showed higher levels of inbreeding (FST=0.080, FIS=0.464) with observed heterozygosity (50.7%) lower than expected. Genetic diversity within populations was lower compared to between populations. South Kivu exhibited the lowest inbreeding rate among other African populations. The observed molecular variance suggests potential for selection within populations before crossbreeding, providing avenues for genetic enhancement. Phylogenetic analysis of the 343 individuals grouped them into three distinct clusters, indicating that DRC's cavy populations consist of three gene pools. This study on guinea pigs' molecular diversity offers valuable insights for breeding programs, facilitating the selection of genetically diverse parents to establish breeding populations aimed at improving and conserving guinea pigs.
{"title":"Genomic characterization and population structure of indigenous cavies from the Democratic Republic of Congo: Implications for breeding and conservation.","authors":"Rodrigue Ayagirwe, Martina Kyallo, Felix Meutchieye, Yacouba Manjeli, Valence Bwana Mutwedu, Yannick Mugumaarhahama, Patrick Baenyi, Shukuru Wasso, Patrick Bisimwa, Nasser Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100490","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100490","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Domesticated guinea pigs (cavies) are crucial in mixed crop-livestock farming systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), providing meat, income, and organic fertilizer. This research assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of guinea pig populations from South Kivu, North Kivu, Katanga, and Kinshasa. A total of 343 samples were screened using thirteen (13) polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The study identified 113 alleles across the four populations, with an average of 5.77 alleles per locus per population. South Kivu had the highest allele count (7.23), while Kinshasa had the lowest (4.69). The mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) were 0.34 and 0.58, respectively. Genetic analysis showed higher levels of inbreeding (FST=0.080, FIS=0.464) with observed heterozygosity (50.7%) lower than expected. Genetic diversity within populations was lower compared to between populations. South Kivu exhibited the lowest inbreeding rate among other African populations. The observed molecular variance suggests potential for selection within populations before crossbreeding, providing avenues for genetic enhancement. Phylogenetic analysis of the 343 individuals grouped them into three distinct clusters, indicating that DRC's cavy populations consist of three gene pools. This study on guinea pigs' molecular diversity offers valuable insights for breeding programs, facilitating the selection of genetically diverse parents to establish breeding populations aimed at improving and conserving guinea pigs.</p>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"100490"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12354967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875642","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 : 2025-07-25DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100484
S.H. Ryu , E. Forbes , B.S. Kim , K.T. Park
Five previously healthy horses in Korea, including a 19-year-old mixed-breed gelding, a 16-year-old mixed-breed mare, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, a 12-year-old Belgian warmblood mare, and a 12-year-old Andalusian mare, developed subcutaneous abscesses in the left neck after receiving intramuscular vaccination without prior skin disinfection. The vaccination used was Equivac® 2 in1, containing Clostridium tetani toxoid and Streptococcus equi cell-free extract.
Within one week, the horses developed localised swelling and/or abscessation at the injection site. One case involved a ruptured abscess, while the others presented with warm, mildly painful, and non-fluctuant swellings. No foreign bodies were palpable at the injection sites.
Both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were performed using 5 % defibrinated sheep blood agar, and the isolates were identified as Bacillus cereus, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Aerococcus viridans, Acinetobacter pseudolwoffii, Arthrobacter koreensis, and Paenarthrobacter aurescens, all of which were consistent with commensal or environmental flora. PCR testing was negative for Streptococcus equi.
In this cohort, post-injection abscesses occurred in 5 out of 70 horses (7.1 %) and were associated with commensal and environmental bacterial species, suggesting these cases likely resulted from procedural lapses rather than a direct vaccine-related reaction. Although the benefit of alcohol swabbing is debated in human medicine, this practice may offer important benefits under variable hygienic conditions in equine field settings. Accordingly, disinfecting the injection site with an alcohol- or disinfectant-soaked swab should be considered a routine precaution to minimise post-injection complications in horses.
{"title":"Injection site abscesses associated with commensal and environmental bacteria following intramuscular vaccination in horses","authors":"S.H. Ryu , E. Forbes , B.S. Kim , K.T. Park","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100484","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100484","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Five previously healthy horses in Korea, including a 19-year-old mixed-breed gelding, a 16-year-old mixed-breed mare, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, a 12-year-old Belgian warmblood mare, and a 12-year-old Andalusian mare, developed subcutaneous abscesses in the left neck after receiving intramuscular vaccination without prior skin disinfection. The vaccination used was Equivac® 2 in1, containing <em>Clostridium tetani</em> toxoid and <em>Streptococcus equi</em> cell-free extract.</div><div>Within one week, the horses developed localised swelling and/or abscessation at the injection site. One case involved a ruptured abscess, while the others presented with warm, mildly painful, and non-fluctuant swellings. No foreign bodies were palpable at the injection sites.</div><div>Both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were performed using 5 % defibrinated sheep blood agar, and the isolates were identified as <em>Bacillus cereus, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Aerococcus viridans, Acinetobacter pseudolwoffii, Arthrobacter koreensis,</em> and <em>Paenarthrobacter aurescens</em>, all of which were consistent with commensal or environmental flora. PCR testing was negative for <em>Streptococcus equi</em>.</div><div>In this cohort, post-injection abscesses occurred in 5 out of 70 horses (7.1 %) and were associated with commensal and environmental bacterial species, suggesting these cases likely resulted from procedural lapses rather than a direct vaccine-related reaction. Although the benefit of alcohol swabbing is debated in human medicine, this practice may offer important benefits under variable hygienic conditions in equine field settings. Accordingly, disinfecting the injection site with an alcohol- or disinfectant-soaked swab should be considered a routine precaution to minimise post-injection complications in horses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100484"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739730","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}
Pub Date : 2025-07-20DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100489
Md. Emran Hossain , Kona Adhikary , Priunka Bhowmik , Nasima Akter , Shilpi Islam , Md. Ahasanul Hoque
The study explores synergistic interplay of Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa to address the current gap of suboptimal feed conversion ratio and inadequate enrichment of ω-6 fatty acids (FAs) in the breast muscle of the broiler chicken. Total 288 Ross-308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed in a complete block design at 2 × 3 (Two different phytochemicals, i.e., A. indica, and C. longa at three different levels, i.e., 0, 0.063, and 0.125 % of the basal diet) factorial arrangement. Final live weight (FLW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics, cardio-pulmonary morphometry, haemato-biochemical indices, gut morphology, ileal nutrient digestibility, tibia morphometry, meat quality and FA profile were measured. Results indicated that, supplementation of A. indica leaf meal (AILM) improved 6.0 % FCR (P < 0.001), 35.9 % tibia calcium content (P = 0.007) and 9.6 % of the digestibility of CP (P < 0.001) at the expense of 14.9 % FLW (P < 0.001), 20.6 % ADFI (P < 0.001), 15.1 % ADG (P < 0.001), and 16.0 % right to total ventricular ratio (P = 0.022). Accordingly, C. longa powder (CLP) improved 2.1 % FCR (P = 0.021) at the expense of 5.9 % FLW (P = 0.031), 7.6 % ADFI (P < 0.001) and 5.3 % ADG (P = 0.017). The AILM substantially increased 52.4 % UFA (P < 0.001), 58.2 % MUFA (P = 0.005), 38.7 % ∑PUFA (P = 0.046), 41.7 % ∑ω-6 FAs (P = 0.013) and decreased 24.3 % ∑SFA (P < 0.001). Similarly, the CLP increased 8.1 % ∑UFA (P = 0.022), 21.6 % ∑PUFA (P = 0.015), 22.4 % ∑ω-6 FAs (P = 0.033) and decreased 4.3 % ∑SFA (P = 0.031). The AILM and CLP interacted to increase 35.3 % ∑UFA (P = 0.003) and to decrease 21.2 % ∑SFA (P = 0.008). It was concluded that A. indica and C. longa concomitantly improved FCR and meat quality without affecting gut morphology and haemato-biochemical indices of the broiler chicken.
{"title":"Synergistic interplay of Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa improves feed efficiency and ω-6 fatty acid content in the breast muscle of broiler chicken","authors":"Md. Emran Hossain , Kona Adhikary , Priunka Bhowmik , Nasima Akter , Shilpi Islam , Md. Ahasanul Hoque","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100489","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100489","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study explores synergistic interplay of <em>Azadirachta indica</em> and <em>Curcuma longa</em> to address the current gap of suboptimal feed conversion ratio and inadequate enrichment of ω-6 fatty acids (FAs) in the breast muscle of the broiler chicken. Total 288 Ross-308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed in a complete block design at 2 × 3 (Two different phytochemicals, i.e., <em>A. indica</em>, and <em>C. longa</em> at three different levels, i.e., 0, 0.063, and 0.125 % of the basal diet) factorial arrangement. Final live weight (FLW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics, cardio-pulmonary morphometry, haemato-biochemical indices, gut morphology, ileal nutrient digestibility, tibia morphometry, meat quality and FA profile were measured. Results indicated that, supplementation of <em>A. indica</em> leaf meal (AILM) improved 6.0 % FCR (<em>P < 0.001</em>), 35.9 % tibia calcium content (<em>P = 0.007</em>) and 9.6 % of the digestibility of CP (<em>P < 0.001</em>) at the expense of 14.9 % FLW (<em>P < 0.001</em>), 20.6 % ADFI (<em>P < 0.001</em>), 15.1 % ADG (<em>P < 0.001</em>), and 16.0 % right to total ventricular ratio (<em>P = 0.022</em>). Accordingly, <em>C. longa</em> powder (CLP) improved 2.1 % FCR (<em>P = 0.021</em>) at the expense of 5.9 % FLW (<em>P = 0.031</em>), 7.6 % ADFI (<em>P < 0.001</em>) and 5.3 % ADG (<em>P = 0.017</em>). The AILM substantially increased 52.4 % UFA (<em>P < 0.001</em>), 58.2 % MUFA (<em>P = 0.005</em>), 38.7 % ∑PUFA (<em>P = 0.046</em>), 41.7 % ∑ω-6 FAs (<em>P = 0.013</em>) and decreased 24.3 % ∑SFA (<em>P < 0.001</em>). Similarly, the CLP increased 8.1 % ∑UFA (<em>P = 0.022</em>), 21.6 % ∑PUFA (<em>P = 0.015</em>), 22.4 % ∑ω-6 FAs (<em>P = 0.033</em>) and decreased 4.3 % ∑SFA (<em>P = 0.031</em>). The AILM and CLP interacted to increase 35.3 % ∑UFA (<em>P = 0.003</em>) and to decrease 21.2 % ∑SFA (<em>P = 0.008</em>). It was concluded that <em>A. indica and C. longa</em> concomitantly improved FCR and meat quality without affecting gut morphology and haemato-biochemical indices of the broiler chicken.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100489"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704488","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}
Pub Date : 2025-07-17DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100483
Geraldo Balieiro Neto , Marcio Jorge , Acyr Wanderley de Paula Freitas , Gustavo Resende Siqueira , Rodolfo Maciel Fernandes (Master fellowship) , Saulo da Luz e Silva (Associate Professor)
The performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Jersey male calves in feedlots were evaluated to determine the optimal feeding program and weaning age for improved growth performance and meat quality. Jersey male calves were paired according to birth and weaned at either 30 or 60 days of age. They were then assigned to one of two feeding groups, both receiving high-energy, isonitrogenous total mixed rations (TMR): a high-grain diet containing 12% forage and 47 % neutral detergent fiber (NDF), or a forage-free diet with 0% forage and 17% NDF. Average Daily Gain (ADG) was evaluated for 265 days after TMR adaptation. All data were analyzed using a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, evaluating two main effects and their interaction. ADG was higher when steers were weaned later (0.923 vs. 0.829 kg/d, P < 0.05). Dry matter intake was higher in steers fed the high-grain diet compared to those fed the forage-free diet (3.21 vs. 2.71% BW, P < 0.05). Feed efficiency was higher in calves weaned at 30 days and fed the forage-free diet (0.27 vs. 0.21 kg/kg, P < 0.05). Tenderness of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, measured after 24 h at 2 °C using Warner–Bratzler shear force, tended to be improved in calves weaned at 60 days and fed the forage-free diet (3.91 vs. 4.27 kg, P < 0.10), as well as a trend for increased backfat thickness in calves weaned at 30 days and fed the forage-free diet (4.2 vs. 3.5 mm, P < 0.10). No significant effects of weaning age or diet were observed on dressing percentage, color parameters, marbling, cooking loss, or LMA (P > 0.10). Rump steak weight was significantly reduced in steers weaned at 30 days and fed a forage-free diet (1.606 vs 1.768 kg, P < 0.05), whereas no effect was observed in steers weaned at 60 days. In conclusion, male Jersey calves weaned at 60 days achieved average daily gains exceeding 0.900 kg, showed greater feed efficiency, and tended to produce more tender meat when fed a forage-free diet, which may result in improved overall meat quality.
通过对泽西雄性犊牛生产性能、胴体特性和肉品质的评价，确定提高泽西雄性犊牛生长性能和肉品质的最佳饲喂方案和断奶年龄。按出生配对，分别在30日龄和60日龄断奶。各组分别饲喂高能量等氮全混合日粮（TMR）：高粒饲粮（含12%饲料和47%中性洗涤纤维）和无饲料饲粮（含0%饲料和17%中性洗涤纤维）。TMR适应后265 d计算平均日增重（ADG）。所有数据采用2 × 2因子排列的完全随机设计进行分析，评估两个主要效应及其相互作用。断奶越晚，平均日增重越高(0.923 vs. 0.829 kg/d, P <；0.05)。高粒饲粮的干物质采食量高于无料饲粮（3.21比2.71%）。0.05)。饲喂无饲料日粮的30日龄断奶犊牛饲料效率较高(0.27 vs 0.21 kg/kg, P <；0.05)。使用Warner-Bratzler剪切力在2°C下加热24 h后测量的背最长肌压痛，在60天断奶并饲喂无饲料的犊牛中有改善的趋势(3.91比4.27 kg, P <；0.10)，以及30日龄断奶和饲喂无料日粮的犊牛背膘厚度增加的趋势(4.2 vs. 3.5 mm, P <；0.10)。断奶年龄或日粮对屠宰率、颜色参数、大理石花纹、蒸煮损失或LMA没有显著影响(P >；0.10)。30日龄断奶、饲喂无饲料日粮的阉牛臀肉重量显著降低(1.606 vs 1.768 kg, P <；0.05)，而对60日龄断奶的阉牛无影响。综上所述，60日龄断奶泽西雄性犊牛平均日增重超过0.900 kg，饲料效率更高，肉质更嫩，整体肉质可能得到改善。
{"title":"Improved growth performance and meat tenderness in jersey steers weaned at 60 days and fed a high-energy forage-free diets","authors":"Geraldo Balieiro Neto , Marcio Jorge , Acyr Wanderley de Paula Freitas , Gustavo Resende Siqueira , Rodolfo Maciel Fernandes (Master fellowship) , Saulo da Luz e Silva (Associate Professor)","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100483","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100483","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Jersey male calves in feedlots were evaluated to determine the optimal feeding program and weaning age for improved growth performance and meat quality. Jersey male calves were paired according to birth and weaned at either 30 or 60 days of age. They were then assigned to one of two feeding groups, both receiving high-energy, isonitrogenous total mixed rations (TMR): a high-grain diet containing 12% forage and 47 % neutral detergent fiber (NDF), or a forage-free diet with 0% forage and 17% NDF. Average Daily Gain (ADG) was evaluated for 265 days after TMR adaptation. All data were analyzed using a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, evaluating two main effects and their interaction. ADG was higher when steers were weaned later (0.923 vs. 0.829 kg/d, <em>P</em> < 0.05). Dry matter intake was higher in steers fed the high-grain diet compared to those fed the forage-free diet (3.21 vs. 2.71% BW, <em>P</em> < 0.05). Feed efficiency was higher in calves weaned at 30 days and fed the forage-free diet (0.27 vs. 0.21 kg/kg, <em>P</em> < 0.05). Tenderness of the <em>Longissimus dorsi</em> muscle, measured after 24 h at 2 °C using Warner–Bratzler shear force, tended to be improved in calves weaned at 60 days and fed the forage-free diet (3.91 vs. 4.27 kg, <em>P</em> < 0.10), as well as a trend for increased backfat thickness in calves weaned at 30 days and fed the forage-free diet (4.2 vs. 3.5 mm, <em>P</em> < 0.10). No significant effects of weaning age or diet were observed on dressing percentage, color parameters, marbling, cooking loss, or LMA (<em>P</em> > 0.10). Rump steak weight was significantly reduced in steers weaned at 30 days and fed a forage-free diet (1.606 vs 1.768 kg, <em>P</em> < 0.05), whereas no effect was observed in steers weaned at 60 days. In conclusion, male Jersey calves weaned at 60 days achieved average daily gains exceeding 0.900 kg, showed greater feed efficiency, and tended to produce more tender meat when fed a forage-free diet, which may result in improved overall meat quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100483"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144694488","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}
Pub Date : 2025-07-16DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100488
Alice Pontiggia , Mirjam Holinger , Andreas Münger , Stefanie Ammer , Frigga Dohme-Meier , Nina Maria Keil
We hypothesised that bringing full-time grazing dairy cows indoors during the hottest time of summer days could reduce heat stress if barns are cooler than outdoor. A 51-day pilot study on 19 pasture-based Swiss dairy farms revealed that, with daily mean ambient temperatures between 15 and 22 °C, barns were on average 2.5 °C cooler than pasture between 1000 and 1800 h. In an experiment over two summers, 38 Holstein dairy cows were investigated in 12 experimental periods of up to three consecutive days, with a mean daily comprehensive climate index between 23.6 and 28.5 °C. Cows experienced two treatments with a cross-over after each experimental period: half of the cows stayed on pasture full time except during milking, while the other half was brought inside the barn from 1130 h until afternoon milking and was supplemented with hay. During this time, barn conditions were cooler (mean and SD −2.9 ± 3.8 °C) than those on pasture. Between 0830 and 1100 h, when all cows were on pasture, no differences in physiological and behavioural indicators were detected in relation to treatment. Between 1200 and 1430 h, cows kept inside had lower vaginal temperature, reticular temperature, heart rate and respiration rate compared with those on pasture. Cows kept inside spent less time feeding and walking, but more time ruminating and lying down. These results suggest that bringing dairy cows inside during the hottest time of summer days reduces heat stress in grazing systems if barns are cooler than outdoors.
{"title":"Mitigating heat stress in full-time grazing dairy cows in temperate climates: The impact of indoor housing during the hottest time of day","authors":"Alice Pontiggia , Mirjam Holinger , Andreas Münger , Stefanie Ammer , Frigga Dohme-Meier , Nina Maria Keil","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100488","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100488","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We hypothesised that bringing full-time grazing dairy cows indoors during the hottest time of summer days could reduce heat stress if barns are cooler than outdoor. A 51-day pilot study on 19 pasture-based Swiss dairy farms revealed that, with daily mean ambient temperatures between 15 and 22 °C, barns were on average 2.5 °C cooler than pasture between 1000 and 1800 h. In an experiment over two summers, 38 Holstein dairy cows were investigated in 12 experimental periods of up to three consecutive days, with a mean daily comprehensive climate index between 23.6 and 28.5 °C. Cows experienced two treatments with a cross-over after each experimental period: half of the cows stayed on pasture full time except during milking, while the other half was brought inside the barn from 1130 h until afternoon milking and was supplemented with hay. During this time, barn conditions were cooler (mean and SD −2.9 ± 3.8 °C) than those on pasture. Between 0830 and 1100 h, when all cows were on pasture, no differences in physiological and behavioural indicators were detected in relation to treatment. Between 1200 and 1430 h, cows kept inside had lower vaginal temperature, reticular temperature, heart rate and respiration rate compared with those on pasture. Cows kept inside spent less time feeding and walking, but more time ruminating and lying down. These results suggest that bringing dairy cows inside during the hottest time of summer days reduces heat stress in grazing systems if barns are cooler than outdoors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100488"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144694576","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}
Pub Date : 2025-07-16DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100487
Ayman Abd El-Aziz , Mahmoud Abo Ghanima , Mahmoud Kamal , Ahmed K. Aldhalmi , Mohammad M.H. Khan , Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack
Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid widely distributed in vegetables, grains, and fruits, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Recently, it has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable and functional additive in animal nutrition. This review explores the existing understanding of the use of quercetin in poultry and rabbit diets, focusing on its impact on growth efficiency, intestinal health, antioxidant, immune function, and the quality of animal-derived foods. In rabbits, dietary supplementation with quercetin (25–100 mg/kg diet) has been associated with enhanced feed efficacy, meat composition, and gut microbial balance. In poultry, including broilers and laying hens, quercetin (up to 200 mg/kg) enhances growth under normal and heat stress conditions, improves meat and egg quality, and modulates oxidative stress markers and gut microbiota. These effects are connected to how quercetin helps control the activity of genes that deal with inflammation, antioxidant enzymes, and the immune system in the gut. Importantly, the review emphasizes the potential of quercetin to improve the nutritional and functional quality of meat and eggs, making it highly relevant for human health and food sustainability. Further studies are encouraged to define optimal dosages and explore synergistic effects with other natural additives. This review offers critical insights into how dietary quercetin can be utilized to support animal health, efficiency, and food product quality, aligning with the global shift toward natural, residue-free feed strategies.
{"title":"Quercetin as a bioactive feed additive: nutritional, antioxidant, and gut health implications in poultry and rabbits","authors":"Ayman Abd El-Aziz , Mahmoud Abo Ghanima , Mahmoud Kamal , Ahmed K. Aldhalmi , Mohammad M.H. Khan , Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100487","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid widely distributed in vegetables, grains, and fruits, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Recently, it has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable and functional additive in animal nutrition. This review explores the existing understanding of the use of quercetin in poultry and rabbit diets, focusing on its impact on growth efficiency, intestinal health, antioxidant, immune function, and the quality of animal-derived foods. In rabbits, dietary supplementation with quercetin (25–100 mg/kg diet) has been associated with enhanced feed efficacy, meat composition, and gut microbial balance. In poultry, including broilers and laying hens, quercetin (up to 200 mg/kg) enhances growth under normal and heat stress conditions, improves meat and egg quality, and modulates oxidative stress markers and gut microbiota. These effects are connected to how quercetin helps control the activity of genes that deal with inflammation, antioxidant enzymes, and the immune system in the gut. Importantly, the review emphasizes the potential of quercetin to improve the nutritional and functional quality of meat and eggs, making it highly relevant for human health and food sustainability. Further studies are encouraged to define optimal dosages and explore synergistic effects with other natural additives. This review offers critical insights into how dietary quercetin can be utilized to support animal health, efficiency, and food product quality, aligning with the global shift toward natural, residue-free feed strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100487"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144678775","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}
Extreme temperatures, whether excessively high or low, are critical environmental stressors for organisms, profoundly impacting cellular metabolism and homeostasis. The presented study addresses the effects of varying incubation conditions on the expression of key stress-related genes (HSP70, HSP90, and SOD1) during quail development. Quail eggs were incubated using three distinct methods: standard incubation at 38.2°C and preincubation at either 22°C or 30°C in both in ovo and ex ovo conditions. Results revealed a distinctive contrast in survival rates: embryos cultured ex ovo showed significantly lower viability (26.41 %) compared to the in ovo method (87.66 %). Among ex ovo groups, preincubation at 30°C yielded the highest survival rate (43.48 %), highlighting the critical role of optimal preincubation temperature. The preincubation period resulted in a notable increase in the total weight of embryos in the in ovo group when compared to the ex ovo group. Additionally, preincubation at 30°C resulted in increased weight of the heart and liver in the in ovo group. Gene expression analysis showed clear differences between incubation methods. While in ovo incubation led to uniformly increased gene expression across all examined organs (liver, heart, and breast muscle) at both preincubation temperatures, the ex ovo conditions exhibited mixed results: decreased gene expression in the liver (SOD1) and muscle (HSP70, SOD1) but notable increased in the liver (HSP70) and heart (SOD1). Our findings suggest that preincubating quail eggs at 30°C for 12 h is associated with improved survival under ex ovo conditions, providing insights into optimizing ex ovo incubation practices.
{"title":"Quail development in in ovo and ex ovo conditions: Preincubation influences stress proteins and antioxidants","authors":"Bronislava Pokorna , Slavomira Stefancova , Veronika Tauberova , Eva Petrovova , Lenka Luptakova","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100486","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100486","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extreme temperatures, whether excessively high or low, are critical environmental stressors for organisms, profoundly impacting cellular metabolism and homeostasis. The presented study addresses the effects of varying incubation conditions on the expression of key stress-related genes (HSP70, HSP90, and SOD1) during quail development. Quail eggs were incubated using three distinct methods: standard incubation at 38.2°C and preincubation at either 22°C or 30°C in both <em>in ovo</em> and <em>ex ovo</em> conditions. Results revealed a distinctive contrast in survival rates: embryos cultured <em>ex ovo</em> showed significantly lower viability (26.41 %) compared to the <em>in ovo</em> method (87.66 %). Among <em>ex ovo</em> groups, preincubation at 30°C yielded the highest survival rate (43.48 %), highlighting the critical role of optimal preincubation temperature. The preincubation period resulted in a notable increase in the total weight of embryos in the <em>in ovo</em> group when compared to the <em>ex ovo</em> group. Additionally, preincubation at 30°C resulted in increased weight of the heart and liver in the <em>in ovo</em> group. Gene expression analysis showed clear differences between incubation methods. While <em>in ovo</em> incubation led to uniformly increased gene expression across all examined organs (liver, heart, and breast muscle) at both preincubation temperatures, the <em>ex ovo</em> conditions exhibited mixed results: decreased gene expression in the liver (SOD1) and muscle (HSP70, SOD1) but notable increased in the liver (HSP70) and heart (SOD1). Our findings suggest that preincubating quail eggs at 30°C for 12 h is associated with improved survival under <em>ex ovo</em> conditions, providing insights into optimizing <em>ex ovo</em> incubation practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100486"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144678774","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}
Pub Date : 2025-07-15DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100485
Julian Andres Muñoz , Taiane da Silva Martins , Pollyana Leite Matioli Garbossa , Laura Barbosa Ferreira Pimentel , Caio Bertasi Barbalho , Monica Márcia da Silva , André Felipe de Arruda , Silvana Martinez Baraldi-Artoni , Cristiane Soares da Silva Araújo , Angélica Simone Cravo Pereira
Musculoskeletal disorders in broiler chickens are often related to immature connective tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with chondroitin sulfate (CS) and manganese (Mn) on performance, bone quality, and the optimal CS:Mn ratio for skeletal development in broilers. A total of 1152 male Cobb chicks were reared for 47 days in a completely randomized 4 × 3 factorial design comprising four CS levels (0.00, 0.06, 0.12, and 0.18 % w/w) and three Mn levels (0, 40, and 80 mg/kg), resulting in 12 treatments with eight replicates of 12 birds each. Supplementation with CS and Mn did not affect (P > 0.10) feed intake, body weight, weight gain, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, phosphorus and manganese levels, ash content, absolute bone weight, or diaphyseal perimeter of the tibiotarsus. A significant interaction between CS and Mn levels was observed for feed conversion (FC), which increased linearly with Mn inclusion in diets lacking CS (P = 0.003). In diets without Mn, CS levels exhibited a quadratic effect on FC (P= 0.003). Flock viability and productive efficiency index increased linearly with increasing CS inclusion. A significant CS × Mn interaction was also observed for maximum bone breaking strength, with a linear decrease with increasing Mn in diets containing 0.12 % CS (P= 0.019). CS had a quadratic effect on the Seedor index, bone area, and morphometric traits of the proximal and distal tibiotarsus, with 0.06–0.12 % CS yielding optimal outcomes. Mn supplementation showed quadratic effects on bone area (P= 0.09) and calcium content (P= 0.005), with peak values at 40 mg Mn/kg. The results suggest that supplementation with CS and the inclusion of 40 mg Mn/kg in broiler diets could be used as a nutritional strategy to improve tibiotarsal bone quality, particularly morphometric attributes, calcium content, and breaking strength. Furthermore, CS supplementation may contribute to reducing mortality and improving productivity metrics in broilers.
{"title":"Bone development of broiler chickens supplemented with chondroitin sulfate and manganese","authors":"Julian Andres Muñoz , Taiane da Silva Martins , Pollyana Leite Matioli Garbossa , Laura Barbosa Ferreira Pimentel , Caio Bertasi Barbalho , Monica Márcia da Silva , André Felipe de Arruda , Silvana Martinez Baraldi-Artoni , Cristiane Soares da Silva Araújo , Angélica Simone Cravo Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100485","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.vas.2025.100485","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Musculoskeletal disorders in broiler chickens are often related to immature connective tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with chondroitin sulfate (CS) and manganese (Mn) on performance, bone quality, and the optimal CS:Mn ratio for skeletal development in broilers. A total of 1152 male Cobb chicks were reared for 47 days in a completely randomized 4 × 3 factorial design comprising four CS levels (0.00, 0.06, 0.12, and 0.18 % w/w) and three Mn levels (0, 40, and 80 mg/kg), resulting in 12 treatments with eight replicates of 12 birds each. Supplementation with CS and Mn did not affect (<em>P</em> > 0.10) feed intake, body weight, weight gain, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, phosphorus and manganese levels, ash content, absolute bone weight, or diaphyseal perimeter of the tibiotarsus. A significant interaction between CS and Mn levels was observed for feed conversion (FC), which increased linearly with Mn inclusion in diets lacking CS (<em>P</em> = 0.003). In diets without Mn, CS levels exhibited a quadratic effect on FC (<em>P</em> <em>=</em> 0.003). Flock viability and productive efficiency index increased linearly with increasing CS inclusion. A significant CS × Mn interaction was also observed for maximum bone breaking strength, with a linear decrease with increasing Mn in diets containing 0.12 % CS (<em>P</em> <em>=</em> 0.019). CS had a quadratic effect on the Seedor index, bone area, and morphometric traits of the proximal and distal tibiotarsus, with 0.06–0.12 % CS yielding optimal outcomes. Mn supplementation showed quadratic effects on bone area (<em>P</em> <em>=</em> 0.09) and calcium content (<em>P</em> <em>=</em> 0.005), with peak values at 40 mg Mn/kg. The results suggest that supplementation with CS and the inclusion of 40 mg Mn/kg in broiler diets could be used as a nutritional strategy to improve tibiotarsal bone quality, particularly morphometric attributes, calcium content, and breaking strength. Furthermore, CS supplementation may contribute to reducing mortality and improving productivity metrics in broilers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37152,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary and Animal Science","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 100485"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144694489","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}
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