Impact of residual antibiotics on microbial decomposition of livestock manures in Eutric Regosol: Implications for sustainable nutrient recycling and soil carbon sequestration.

The land application of livestock manure has been widely acknowledged as a beneficial approach for nutrient recycling and environmental protection. However, the impact of residual antibiotics, a common contaminant of manure, on the degradation of organic compounds and nutrient release in Eutric Regosol is not well understood. Here, we studied, how oxytetracycline (OTC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) affect the decomposition, microbial community structure, extracellular enzyme activities and nutrient release from cattle and pig manure using litterbag incubation experiments. Results showed that OTC and CIP greatly inhibited livestock manure decomposition, causing a decreased rate of carbon (28%-87%), nitrogen (15%-44%) and phosphorus (26%-43%) release. The relative abundance of gram-negative (G-) bacteria was reduced by 4.0%-13% while fungi increased by 7.0%-71% during a 28-day incubation period. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that antibiotic exposure disrupted microbial interactions, particularly among G- bacteria, G+ bacteria, and actinomycetes. These changes in microbial community structure and function resulted in decreased activity of urease, ß-1,4-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, alkaline protease, chitinase, and catalase, causing reduced decomposition and nutrient release in cattle and pig manures. These findings advance our understanding of decomposition and nutrient recycling from manure-contaminated antibiotics, which will help facilitate sustainable agricultural production and soil carbon sequestration.

Comparison of Whey N-Glycoproteins in Yak Colostrum and Mature Milk Based on 4D Label-Free Technology.

Whey proteins are N-glycosylated proteins that play important roles in a variety of biological processes including immune defense. However, the N-glycosylation of yak colostrum (YC) and mature milk (YM) whey proteins is unknown. Therefore, this study systematically compared and analyzed YC and YM whey N-glycoproteomes using the 4D label-free technique. We identified 162 glycoproteins, 222 glycosylated peptides, and 234 glycosylation sites in YC and YM, of which 59 glycoproteins were differentially expressed in YC and YM. According to gene ontology annotation and KEGG pathway metabolism analysis, the differentially expressed N-glycoproteins were highly enriched in "cell adhesion", "extracellular region", and "calcium binding", and were mainly involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathway. The immunity-related N-glycoproteins, such as platelet glycoprotein 4 (CD36) and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), were observed to be different between YC and YM. The results revealed the glycosylation sites, composition, and biological functions of YC and YM whey N-glycoprotein, which supplemented our understanding of the N-glycosylation of yak whey proteins.

Patterns of variation and relationships among fat, protein, and milk yield of individual dairy cattle in a Thai multibreed population.

This study systematically examines the patterns of milk yield (MY, kg), fat (FAT, %), and protein (PROT, %) in a diverse population of Thai multibreed dairy cattle, considering the tropical environment's impact on lactating cows. Using a dataset of 47,205 monthly test-day records from 4,440 first-lactation cows across 446 farms, we analyze variations and interrelationships through mathematical averaging and introduce the fat-to-protein ratio (FPR) to assess acidosis (FPR < 1.1) and ketosis (FPR > 1.5) risks during lactation. Pearson correlation analysis elucidated trait associations. The findings, aligned with established lactation norms, indicate peak production at 297 days in milk (DIM) for FAT (4.08%; SD = 0.96%), PROT (3.43%; SD = 0.47%), and 52 DIM for MY (18.09 kg; SD = 4.91 kg). Nadirs are observed at 72 DIM for FAT (3.27%; SD = 0.74%), 47 DIM for PROT (2.86%; SD = 0.36%), and 299 DIM for MY (9.05 kg; SD = 2.95 kg). FPR variations highlight acidosis (46.48%), normal (43.66%), and ketosis (9.86%), especially during early lactation (100 DIM). Significant negative correlations emerge between MY, FAT, and PROT (P < 0.05), while a positive correlation is identified between FAT and PROT (P < 0.01), with robust correlations during early lactation. This study contributes to understanding tailored nutritional strategies for dairy cows' holistic health and sustainability in tropical environments, guiding efficient production practices and mitigating health-related productivity impediments.

The bubbly life and death of animal and plant milk foams.

Milk foams are fragile objects, readily prepared for frothy cappuccinos and lattes using bovine milk. However, evolving consumer preferences driven by health, climate change, veganism, and sustainability have created a substantial demand for creating frothy beverages using plant-based milk alternatives or plant milks. In this contribution, we characterize maximum foam volume and half-lifetime as metrics for foamability and foam stability and drainage kinetics of two animal milks (cow and goat) and compared them to those of the six most popular, commercially available plant milks: almond, oat, soy, pea, coconut, and rice. We used three set-ups: an electric frother with cold (10 °C) and hot (65 °C) settings to emulate the real-life application of creating foam for cappuccinos, a commercial device called a dynamic foam analyzer or DFA and fizzics-scope, a bespoke device we built. Fizzics-scope visualizes foam creation, evolution, and destruction using an extended prism-based imaging system facilitating the capture of spatiotemporal variation in foam microstructure over a broader range of heights and liquid fractions. Among the chosen eight milks, oat produces the longest-lasting foams, and rice has the lowest amount and stability of foam. Using the hot settings, animal milks produce more foam volume using an electric frother than the top three plant milks in terms of foamability (oat, pea, and soy). Using the cold settings, oat, soy, and almond outperform cow milk in terms of foam volume and lifetime for foams made with the frother and sparging. Most plant milks have higher viscosity due to added polysaccharide thickeners, and in some, lecithin and saponin can supplement globular proteins as emulsifiers. Our studies combining foam creation by frothing or sparging with imaging protocols to track global foam volume and local bubble size changes present opportunities for contrasting the physicochemical properties and functional attributes of animal and plant-based milk and ingredients for engineering better alternatives.

Beyond conventional antibiotics approaches: Global perspectives on alternative therapeutics including herbal prevention, and proactive management strategies in bovine mastitis.

Mastitis, an intramammary inflammation resulting from microbial infectious agents, continues to pose a significant challenge within the dairy sector, adversely affecting animal well-being and leading to substantial economic losses. These losses are attributed to decreased milk production, heightened culling rates, and the expenses related to diagnostics, veterinary care, medication, and labor. Moreover, additional costs emerge due to reduced forthcoming milk yields, compromised reproductive health, and increased susceptibility to various illnesses. Identifying the responsible agents is crucial for disease management and the implementation of antimicrobial treatments. Despite the prevalent use of antibiotic treatment, the pressing need for new therapeutic alternatives to combat bovine mastitis arises from limitations, including low cure rates, rising resistance, and the presence of antibiotic residues in milk. This review explores the potential application of herbal extracts and essential oils known for their antimicrobial properties as alternative options for managing pathogens in mastitis treatment. It examines various treatment methods and management strategies, particularly emphasizing the progress of herbal remedies and natural therapeutics in addressing mastitis, a significant concern in bovine populations and dairy herds.

Folic acids promote in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes by inhibition of ferroptosis via upregulated glutathione and downregulated Fe2+ accumulation.

Bovine embryos by in vitro fertilization have become the primary source of commercial embryo transfers globally. However, the developmental capacity of in vitro maturation (IVM) oocytes is considerably lower than that of in vivo maturation (IVO) oocytes, owing to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via mitochondrial metabolism, which was higher in IVM oocytes than in IVO oocytes. To avoid the negative effects of ROS on embryo quality, folic acid (FA) was supplemented directly into the IVM medium to antagonize ROS production, however, the mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, five levels of FA (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µM) were supplemented into the bovine oocyte culture medium. The maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates increased by 8.95 %, 6.94 %, and 4.36 %, respectively, in the 50 µM group compared to the 0 µM group. Moreover, 7904 differential genes were identified between 0 µM and 50 µM groups by transcriptome sequencing, and they were mainly enriched in 8 pathways. The glutathione, ROS, and Fe2+ levels in oocytes were found to be associated with ferroptosis. Our results revealed that 50 µM FA promoted the IVM of bovine oocytes and affected the expression of genes involved in the ferroptosis pathway. The downregulation of TFR1 and STEAP3 led to a decrease in intracellular Fe2+ accumulation, and the upregulation of GCL increased oocyte GSH levels, thereby reducing the production of ROS in the ferroptosis pathway. Our study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanisms by which FA promotes bovine oocyte development in vitro.

Role of vitamin E on bovine skeletal-muscle-derived cells from Korean native cattle under heat treatment.

Our study aimed to evaluate the dualistic effect of heat stress on muscle differentiation at different temperatures, and whether vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, could offset any negative effects, using bovine skeletal-muscle-derived cells (BSMCs) with myogenic properties. The BSMCs were extracted from the skeletal muscle of 30-mo-old Korean native cattle and subjected to myogenic differentiation under 3 heat exposure conditions: 37 °C (control; CON), 39 °C (mild heat stress; MHS), and 41 °C (severe heat stress; SHS) for 24 h with or without vitamin E treatment (NE or VE). After 24 h treatments, the cells were returned to 37 °C incubators and differentiated until day 6. On day 1, because of the heat exposure, the gene expression of MYOG was the highest in MHS (P = 0.047), suggesting a promotive effect of mild heat stress on myogenic differentiation, while on day 6, compared with CON and MHS, MYOD (P = 0.013) and MYOG (P = 0.029) were the lowest in SHS. Vitamin E treatment also lowered MYOG (P = 0.097), regardless of heat exposure. On day 1, HSPB1 (P = 0.001) and HSP70 (P < 0.001) were the highest in SHS, and an interaction between heat exposure and vitamin E treatment was found on day 6 (P < 0.027). BCL-2 was also the highest on day 1 in SHS (P = 0.05), and an interaction of heat exposure and vitamin E treatment was found on day 1 on BAX expression (P = 0.038). For antioxidant genes, SOD1 (P = 0.002) and GPX1 (P < 0.001) were affected by heat exposure, with the highest levels being observed in SHS, and on day 6, GPX1 was still the highest in SHS (P = 0.027). The fusion index was also affected by heat exposure, showing a decrease in SHS and an increase in MHS compared with CON (P < 0.001). Significant effects were noted from heat exposure (P < 0.001), vitamin E treatment (P < 0.001), and the interaction of heat exposure and vitamin E treatment (P = 0.002) on the protein content. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that vitamin E could ameliorate the harmful effects of heat exposure by modulating heat shock proteins and apoptosis regulators, improving the protein synthesis of BSMCs during myogenic differentiation. These results suggest that vitamin E supplementation could potentially protect muscle development in beef cattle under summer heat stress.

Our research explored how heat affects muscle cell development and whether vitamin E could ameliorate any potential adverse effects on beef production. The study used muscle cells derived from 30-mo-old Korean native cattle. We conducted the experiments by exposing these cells to 3 different temperatures, 37 °C (CON), 39 °C (MHS), and 41 °C (SHS), for a day during myogenic differentiation and under different vitamin E treatments (NE or VE). After this heat exposure, all cells were kept under normal conditions for 6 d to observe differentiation and gene expression. Indicated by the increased expression of a myogenic gene (MYOG) and increased protein accumulation, we revealed that MHS helped the development of bovine skeletal-muscle-derived cells. However, SHS appeared to hinder muscle growth, reducing the levels of muscle-specific genes, MYOD and MYOG, compared with CON and MHS. Interestingly, vitamin E seemed to reduce the negative impact of heat by modulating heat-stress proteins (HSPB1 and HSP70) and the genes involved in cell death (BCL-2 and BAX). Additionally, cells under SHS showed the highest expression of antioxidant genes (SOD1 and GPX1). Taken together, these findings suggest that vitamin E could be beneficial in environments where cells are exposed to heat conditions, helping them to maintain better cellular function and growth.

Exploring the impact of fatty acid composition on carcass and meat quality in Bos taurus indicus influenced cattle.

The study of fatty acid (FA) and mineral content in beef is crucial for bridging health and taste. Understanding these components is essential for catering to consumer preferences for nutritious and tasty food, in line with current dietary trends and health recommendations. This holistic view of beef quality is key to helping both producers and consumers make more knowledgeable and health-oriented decisions in meat consumption. The objectives of this study were to 1) characterize the FA composition and mineral concentration of beef from Brangus cattle; 2) estimate their heritability; and 3) calculate the genetic and phenotypic correlations of carcass and meat quality traits to FA composition and mineral concentrations. Brangus steers were evaluated for meat quality and sampled for nutritional content measurements. Brangus cattle had palmitic acid levels as low as 21%, and stearic acid levels as high as 26%, which is notable since stearic acid is considered to have a neutral or potentially beneficial impact on cholesterol levels, unlike other saturated fats. Additionally, Brangus cattle had oleic acid levels as high as 53%, a beneficial monounsaturated fat, and linoleic acid concentrations as high as 12%, an essential omega-6 FA. Saturated FA showed weak negative correlations (-0.06 to -0.15) with hot carcass weight, marbling, and fat over ribeye, similar to polyunsaturated FA which had moderate negative correlations (-0.19 to -0.37) with these traits. Conversely, monounsaturated FA was positively correlated (0.16 to 0.34) with these traits, suggesting that higher levels of monounsaturated FA, particularly oleic acid, are associated with improved meat quality and consumer-desirable traits such as increased marbling. This relationship where higher marbling is linked with increased monounsaturated FA and decreased saturated FA is unique in Brangus cattle, differing from other breeds where increased intramuscular fat typically raises FA saturation levels. The variation in FA observed in Brangus cattle highlights the breed's potential to provide nutritionally enriched beef. With selective breeding, it may be possible to improve both the nutritional value and marbling of the meat, meeting consumer demand for healthier, tastier options. Overall, the study underscores the intricate relationships between FA composition, mineral content, and meat quality, with implications for breeding and nutrition strategies aimed at improving meat quality and healthfulness.

The fat composition and mineral content of beef influences both its taste and nutritional value. This study seeks to understand the relationship between meat quality and the nutritional value of beef from Brangus cattle. Animals varied greatly in their levels of essential omega-6 and monounsaturated fat. Higher levels of these fatty acids have been shown to improve the flavor of beef in addition to having a beneficial impact on cholesterol levels. Brangus cattle also exhibited a unique relationship between monounsaturated fat and meat quality, where higher levels of monounsaturated fat were associated with desirable traits such as increased marbling. Regarding mineral content, iron and zinc showed weak negative correlations with monounsaturated fat and moderate positive correlations with polyunsaturated fat. This study sheds light on the complex relations between fat profiles, mineral content, and meat quality. This understanding can inform breeding and management strategies to promote the production of meat that is not only palatable but also beneficial for consumer's health.

Effects of various levels of coated cysteamine hydrochloride in the diet on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and blood metabolites in growing Charolais crossbred cattle.

This study investigated the impact of different levels of coated cysteamine hydrochloride (CSH) supplementation on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites in Charolais cross bulls. Twelve bulls were allotted to three feeding treatments in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design: 0% CSH (control), 0.5% CSH, and 1.0% CSH in concentrate. Animals were fed concentrate at 1.5% of body weight. Dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI as a percentage of body weight showed no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.10). Nutrient digestibility was consistent across treatments, except for a slight decrease in NDF digestibility with 1% CSH (p = 0.07). Ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acid (VFA) proportions, and total VFA concentration were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). Total bacteria, fungal zoospores, and protozoa populations in the rumen did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). Blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations remained stable (p > 0.05), while blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were higher in CSH-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating CSH levels ranging from 0.5% to 1.0% into the diet did not adversely affect feed intake, ruminal fermentation, or microbial populations. Additionally, 1.0% CSH improved BUN concentration in growing Charolais cross bulls.

Cyclodextrin-Cholesterol Alone or in Combination With Cyclodextrin-Vitamin E Improves Bull Sperm Cryopreservation in a Soybean Lecithin Extender.

Combining cholesterol-loaded methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CD-CHL) with vitamin E-loaded methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CD-Vit E) to combat cold shock and oxidative stress during sperm cryopreservation in soybean lecithin extenders remains unexplored. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of treating bull sperm with CD-CHL and CD-Vit E prior to cryopreservation in a soybean lecithin extender. Sperm collected from eight fertile bulls were pooled and split into six aliquots. Five aliquots were treated, in a Tris-based extender, with CD-CHL (2 mg/120 × 106 cells/mL) and either 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2 mg CD-Vit E/120 × 106 cells/mL. The control aliquot was diluted in a Tris-based extender without further supplementation. After incubation at 22°C for 15 min and addition of a soybean lecithin extender, all aliquots were equilibrated for 2 h at 4°C and then cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to explore the different sperm motility parameters, hypo-osmotic swelling test to determine membrane functionality and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Aeachis hypogaea (peanut) agglutinin (FITC-PNA) to quantify acrosome integrity. The effect of oxidative stress on the sperm membrane was assessed through lipid peroxidation measurement. Compared to control, CD-CHL alone improved significantly (p < 0.05) all CASA motility parameters, membrane functionality and acrosome integrity of thawed sperm. The membrane functionality was more significantly (p < 0.05) improved when 0.5 mg CD-Vit E was combined with CD-CHL. Concerning lipid peroxidation, no significant differences (p > 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were registered between groups. In conclusion, the combination of CD-CHL and CD-Vit E demonstrated a significant positive effect on the cryopreservation of bull sperm in a soybean lecithin extender.

Linseed oil supplementation alters milk fatty acid profile, mitigates heat stress, and improves summer milk yield in grazing dairy cows.

Dietary supplementation of fat can be an important source of energy to compensate for the reduction in dry matter intake in dairy cows during heat stress periods. Studies have reported that supplementing dairy cow diets with linseed oil (LO) can increase milk yield and enhance the levels of beneficial fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in the milk. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of LO supplementation on milk fatty acids profile, milk yield and composition, and physiological parameters of grazing cows. The study was conducted in two seasons, one in spring and one in summer. A 2 × 2 Latin square design was used in each experiment. Twelve Holstein and crossbred Holstein x Jersey cows were involved in each season. Cows were divided into two groups: control (TC) with no supplementation and treatment (TL) supplemented with 400 g/day of LO. The results showed that LO supplementation altered the milk fatty acid profile: decreased concentrations of short and medium-chain fatty acids (C10:0 - C17:1) except for C13:0 and increased concentrations of long-chain fatty acids (C18, C18:1 (both trans and cis isomers), C18:2 (specific conjugated linoleic acid - CLA isomers), and C18:3 n3 (omega-3)). Additionally, milk yield increased by 1.5 l per day during summer in LO-supplemented cows, while milk fat, protein, and casein content decreased. Milk stability increased by 2.2% in the LO-supplemented group. LO-supplemented cows reduced internal body temperature and heart frequency in the afternoon and increased daily rumination time by 20 min. In conclusion, LO supplementation can be an effective strategy to improve the nutritional profile of milk by altering fatty acid composition towards potentially healthier fats, mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on grazing cows during summer, as evidenced by reduced body temperature and heart frequency and increase milk yield.

Impact of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on spindle morphology and reactive oxygen species in vitrified/warmed in vitro matured bovine oocytes.

Low developmental potential of vitrified in vitro matured (IVM) bovine oocytes is frequently attributed to high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and abnormal spindle assembly. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a cell-permeating antioxidant, added to IVM medium in reducing ROS and preserving spindle configuration of vitrified/warmed IVM bovine oocytes. Oocytes collected from abattoir ovaries were either cultured in IVM medium or in IVM medium supplemented with 1 mM NAC for the initial 8 h of IVM. Half of the oocytes of each group were vitrified/warmed, and spindle morphology and ROS production were assessed at 24 h of IVM. Results indicated that fresh oocytes IVM with NAC improved spindle configuration, with significantly lower ROS levels compared to the control group. Vitrification resulted in lower percentages of bovine oocytes reaching the metaphase II stage but similar ROS levels to non-vitrified oocytes, regardless of NAC supplementation. However, the supplementation of NAC during maturation had no effect on spindle or chromosome configuration of vitrified oocytes. These findings emphasize NAC's potential in enhancing the quality of IVM bovine oocytes but its addition at 1 mM for 8 h to IVM medium did not decrease levels of ROS nor improve spindle assembly after vitrification.

Effect of type of anticoagulant, transportation time, and glucose in the culture media on neutrophil viability and function test results in dairy cattle.

In dairy cattle research, in vitro assessment of innate immune function is commonly evaluated by flow cytometry via the quantitative analysis of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) functionalities specifically focusing on the capacities for phagocytosis (PC) and oxidative burst (OB). Variations in these PMN functions, however, may not only be influenced by the health status of the animals but also by technical, non-animal related factors. Our objectives were to assess the PMN viability, PC and OB capacities from blood samples collected in tubes coated with different anticoagulants (acid citrate dextrose (ACD) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)) and stored for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h at 4°C (to mimic transportation timeframe). Furthermore, we evaluated the PMN functionalities (PC and OB) in samples incubated in culture medium with glucose (7.2 mM) versus no glucose. Over five replicates, coccygeal blood samples were collected from three nulliparous Holstein heifers (5 ACD and 5 EDTA per heifer) and allocated in a refrigerated container (4°C) for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h. At each time point, PMN were isolated using gradient centrifugation. Immunolabeled PMN (CH138A) were subjected to a tricolor fluorescent staining to evaluate their viability (viable, apoptotic, and necrotic PMN). Phagocytosis and OB were assessed by incubating PMN with fluorescent beads and by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation, respectively. The effects of anticoagulant type, storage time, and presence of glucose in the culture medium on PMN viability and function parameters were fitted in mixed linear regression models. The proportion of viable PMN at 0 h was similar for ACD and EDTA (92 ± 4.6% and 93 ± 4.6%, respectively) but it decreased to 78 ± 4.6% for ACD and 79 ± 4.6% for EDTA after 6 h of storage. The proportion of viable PMN was not different between ACD and EDTA at any time point. The proportion of PMN that engulfed beads (PC percentage) and the PC median fluorescence intensity (MFI) reached their highest value after 3 h of storage compared with the other time points. However, the anticoagulant type (ACD versus EDTA) and the presence of glucose in the culture medium did not influence these PC parameters. Oxidative burst MFI was higher in PMN incubated in glucose-supplemented culture medium versus no glucose. We demonstrated that technical factors interfere with the evaluation of PMN viability and functionality, which can potentially lead to bias in the findings of a research hypothesis. To conclude, the present study showed that the optimal timeframe for performing PMN function analyses is within 3 hours after blood sampling. Furthermore, the presence of 7.2 mM glucose in the culture medium, a common concentration in formulation of cell culture medium, increases the in vitro OB capacity, potentially masking any impairments in in vivo PMN dysfunctionality.

Effects of propolis extract administration on immune parameters, faecal consistency scores, and growth performance of Holstein-Friesian calves.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Ethanolic Extract of Propolis (EEP) administration on immune parameters, faecal consistency scores, growth performance, and feed efficiency of Holstein Friesian calves. A total of 24 calves were divided into two different groups, control (n = 12) and EEP (n = 12). Both groups consisted of 6 male and 6 female calves. The calves were fed milk amounting to 10% of their birth weight each day until they reached 60 days of age. Additionally, they were given starter feed and dry hay once a day. Calves assigned to the EEP group received 4 ml of EEP daily. Use of EEP increased (P < 0.05) the serum IgG and IgM levels at 2 months of age compared to the control group. EEP also showed efficacy (P < 0.01) in reducing faecal consistency in calves throughout the study. The levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB expression in calves treated with EEP were lower (P < 0.05) throughout the EEP application period. On the other hand, IGF-1 mRNA transcript levels were (P < 0.01) higher in EEP group calves than in the control group. Furthermore, EEP-fed calves consumed less dry matter for 1 kg of live weight gain during the weaning-4 months (P < 0.01) and birth-4 months (P < 0.05) periods. These results indicate that EEP supplementation, through its immunostimulatory effects, plays a crucial role in the control of neonatal calf diarrhoea. Growth and development as well as IGF-1, which stimulates growth in almost all somatic cells, was also significantly increased by EEP supplementation. The combined effect of the rich bioactive compounds found in EEP appears to have a significant impact on health and well-being, resulting in improved early life performance in dairy calves.

Investigating the regulatory effect of Shen Qi Bu Qi powder on the gastrointestinal flora and serum metabolites in calves.

Object: To investigate the effects of Shen Qi Bu Qi Powder (SQBQP) on the average daily gain, blood indexes, gastrointestinal microflora, and serum metabolites of calves. Methods: A total of 105 calves were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 35 per group): the control group (C, fed with a basal diet for 21 days) and two treatment groups (SQBQP-L and SQBQP-H, fed with the basal diet supplemented with 15 and 30 g/kg of SQBQP), respectively for 21 days. The active components of SQBQP were identified using LC-MS/MS. Serum digestive enzymes and antioxidant indices were determined by ELISA kits and biochemical kits, respectively. Serum differential metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), while flora in rumen fluid and fecal were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Further correlation analysis of gastrointestinal flora and serum metabolites of SQBQP-H and C groups were performed with Spearman's correlation. Results: The principal active components of SQBQP mainly includes polysaccharides, flavonoids, and organic acids. Compared to the control group (C), calves in the SQBQP-H (high dose) and SQBQP-L (low dose) groups showed a significant increase in serum amylase (AMS) levels (P<0.001), while lipase content significantly decreased (P<0.05). Additionally, the average daily gain, T-AOC, and cellulase content of calves in the SQBQP-H group significantly increased (P<0.05). Proteobacteria and Succinivibrio in the rumen flora of the SQBQP-H group was significantly lower than that of the C group (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Candidatus_Saccharibacteria, Deinococcus_Thermus, Cyanobacteria, and Succinivibrio in the SQBQP-H group was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Tenericutes and Oscillibacter was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum metabolomics analysis revealed 20 differential metabolites, mainly enriched in amino acid biosynthesis, ß-alanine metabolism, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis metabolic pathways (P<0.05). Correlation analysis results showed that Butyrivibrio in rumen flora and Oscillibacter_valericigenes in intestinal flora were significantly positively correlated with average daily gain, serum biochemical indexes, and differential metabolite (-)-Epigallocatechin (R>0.58, P<0.05). Conclusion: SQBQP can promote calves weight gain and enhance health by modulating gastrointestinal flora and metabolic processes in the body.

The use of microencapsulated banana flower powder pellet on in vitro ruminal fermentation, digestibility, microbial diversity, and methane production.

Ruminant animals constitute major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and play an important part in sustainable agricultural systems. A bioactive compound (BC) with antibacterial properties was utilized to inhibit rumen methanogens and decrease ruminant methane emissions. The bio efficacy of ruminant nutrition was frequently employed using a new technology through microencapsulation technique to produce stable products. The microencapsulated banana flower powder pellet (mBAFLOP) powder was used as a BC in the diets. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of mBAFLOP supplementation on in vitro gas production kinetics, rumen fermentation, microbial population, and methane production. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used to randomly assign respective treatments at 0, 1, 2, and 3% of the total dry matter (DM) substrate. Ruminal pH, in vitro dry matter degradability and volatile fatty acid profile both at 12, and 24 h were not negatively affected by supplementation with mBAFLOP. The supplemented mBAFLOP (3% of total DM substrate) resulting in ruminal ammonia-nitrogen concentrations was linearly increased (P < 0.01) different among treatments, while methane production was reduced when compared with other treatment (quadratic effect, P < 0.05). Moreover, Ruminococcus flavefaciens was increased when the proportion of mBAFLOP supplement was increased. Furthermore, there was a linear effect (P < 0.05) of decreasing Methanobacteriales in the rumen with increased levels of mBAFLOP supplementation. Based on this study, the use of mBAFLOP at 3% could enhance NH3N concentration and cellulolytic bacteria especially Ruminococcus flavefaciens was increased. Furthermore, supplementation with mBAFLOP decreased methane production. Therefore, a possible dietary plant-based bioactive compound, mBAFLOP supplementation cloud enhances rumen fermentation and mitigates methane production.

Rethinking livestock encroachment at a protected area boundary.

The presence of livestock inside protected areas, or "livestock encroachment," is a global conservation concern because livestock is broadly thought to negatively affect wildlife. The Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR), Kenya, exemplifies this tension as livestock is believed to have resulted in the declining wildlife populations, contributing to the strict and sometimes violent exclusion measures targeting Maasai pastoralists. However, research embedded in the real-world setting that draws insights from the social-ecological contexts is lacking. In this study, we conducted 19 mo of ecological monitoring covering 60 sites in MMNR and found that cattle presence inside the reserve did not significantly impact most co-occurring wild herbivores at the current intensity. Using the Hierarchical Modeling of Species Communities and Gaussian copula graphic models, we showed that cattle had no direct associations-neither negative nor positive-with nearly all wild herbivores despite frequently sharing the same space. Moreover, we did not detect resource degradation correlated with cattle presence near the MMNR boundary. Given the colonial legacy and land use history of Mara, entering MMNR becomes the only viable option for many herders. These results corroborate the emerging perspective that the ecological impacts of extensively herded livestock on wildlife might be more nuanced than previously thought. To effectively balance the needs of people, livestock, and wildlife, the current rigid livestock exclusion measures need to be reassessed to holistically consider herbivore ecology, local land use history, and modern politics of protected area management.

Ubiquitination and De-Ubiquitination in the Synthesis of Cow Milk Fat: Reality and Prospects.

Ubiquitination modifications permit the degradation of labelled target proteins with the assistance of proteasomes and lysosomes, which is the main protein degradation pathway in eukaryotic cells. Polyubiquitination modifications of proteins can also affect their functions. De-ubiquitinating enzymes reverse the process of ubiquitination via cleavage of the ubiquitin molecule, which is known as a de-ubiquitination. It was demonstrated that ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination play key regulatory roles in fatty acid transport, de novo synthesis, and desaturation in dairy mammary epithelial cells. In addition, natural plant extracts, such as stigmasterol, promote milk fat synthesis in epithelial cells via the ubiquitination pathway. This paper reviews the current research on ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination in dairy milk fat production, with a view to providing a reference for subsequent research on milk fat and exploring new directions for the improvement of milk quality.

Early postmortem beef muscle proteome and metabolome variations due to supranutritional zinc and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation.

It was hypothesized that the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle proteome, phosphoproteome, and metabolome could explain postmortem metabolism and tenderness differences in muscle from cattle supplemented zinc (Zn) and/or ractopamine hydrochloride (RH). High percentage Angus steers (N = 20) were fed in a 2 × 2 factorial assigned to Zn and RH treatments: control (CON; n = 10; analyzed 36 mg Zn/kg dry matter [DM]) or supranutritional Zn supplementation (SUPZN; n = 10; control diet + 60 mg Zn/kg DM [from ZnSO4] + 60 mg Zn/kg DM [from Zn-amino acid complex]) for the entire 89-d trial. During the 28 d before harvest, steers were blocked by body weight within Zn treatments to RH treatments of 0 (NO; n = 10) or 300 mg (RAC; n = 10) per steer per day. Steers were harvested at the Iowa State Meat Laboratory, where pH decline (1, 3, 6, and 24 h postmortem) was measured. At 24 h postmortem, LT muscle sections were removed from carcasses, and steaks were analyzed for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values at 1, 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem. Muscle samples were taken at 1 h, 1, 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem for the following analysis: troponin-T degradation (1, 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem), myosin heavy chain analysis (1 h postmortem), sarcoplasmic proteome analysis through tandem mass tagging analysis (1 h and 1 d postmortem), metabolome analysis (1 h and 1 d postmortem), and phosphoproteome analysis (1 h postmortem). SUPZN-NO tended to have a lower (P = 0.06) pH at 6 h postmortem and a lower WBSF value (P = 0.06) at 1 d postmortem. CON-RAC had a higher (P = 0.04) pH at 6 h postmortem and WBSF value (P < 0.01) at 1 d postmortem. A lower pH at 6 h postmortem and lower WBSF value at 1 d postmortem in the SUPZN-NO treatment was accompanied by more sorbitol and fructose at 1 d postmortem, and less myosin regulatory light chain 2 at 1 h postmortem, and less adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 (AMPD1) at 1 d postmortem than all other treatments. A higher pH at 6 h postmortem and higher WBSF value at 1 d postmortem in CON-RAC and SUPZN-RAC was accompanied by more soluble structural proteins (troponin-T and myosin-7) at 1 h postmortem than CON-NO. At 1 h postmortem, CON-RAC had more glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase than CON-NO or SUPZN-RAC. Differences in energy metabolism enzymes, metabolites, and structural proteins may affect ATP production, rigor development, and lactate buildup which may explain the differences in postmortem metabolism and tenderness development at 1 d postmortem.

There is significant interest in improving the efficiency of beef production. Beef quality and consumer satisfaction are of equal importance. Feeding zinc (Zn) above nutritional recommendations and feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) can be utilized to optimize cattle growth. However, the impacts of these rapid growth strategies on beef quality are not fully understood. This study aimed to identify variations in the protein and metabolite profile of muscle from cattle-fed Zn and RH that may influence postmortem characteristics of meat. Cattle were fed one of the following diets: control (CON-NO), RH-only supplementation (CON-RAC), supranutritional Zn-only supplementation (SUPZN-NO), and the combination of Zn and RH supplementation (SUPZN-RAC). At harvest, RH supplementation resulted in muscle with a greater pH at 6 h postmortem and increased toughness at 1 d postmortem. Zn supplementation resulted in muscle with a lower pH at 6 h and more tender steaks at 1 d postmortem. Postmortem muscle from cattle supplemented with Zn and RH differed in energy metabolism, stress response, and structural proteins. Further, supplementation led to observed differences in metabolites related to energy production. Variations in the protein and metabolite profiles may have influenced postmortem energy metabolism, impacting pH decline, protein degradation, and tenderness development at 1 d postmortem from cattle supplemented Zn and RH. ZN supplementation may have promise in improving tenderness at 1 d postmortem.

Lactational performance and hematological effects of capsaicin supplementation in dairy cows: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects of capsaicin (CAP) on lactational performance and blood chemistry and cell counts in dairy cattle. The database comprised 11 peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2024. The overall effect of CAP, challenge (e.g., ketosis, glucose tolerance, LPS), and dose were considered explanatory variables in the analysis. Lactation performance response variables included DMI, milk yield (MY), ECM yield, feed efficiency (FE), milk components, and BW. Hematological response variables included red and white blood cell counts and blood BHB, total fatty acids, insulin, and glucose concentrations. Data were analyzed using random- and mixed-effect models in the "robumeta" package in RStudio. Milk yield was increased by 2.9% by CAP when compared with control. Capsaicin supplementation increased FE by 3.4% compared with control. Milk fat concentration and yield were also increased by CAP compared with control by 2.6% and 4.0%, respectively. Blood glucose concentrations were decreased 2.5% by CAP supplementation, whereas insulin levels were unaffected. Cows fed CAP during a challenge had higher MY and FE and tended to have lower blood glucose than their control counterparts. Overall, this analysis suggests that CAP supplementation may be directly affecting host physiology by altering glucose metabolism, but further research to define the mechanism is warranted.