Thermal characterization and ventilation assessment of a battery-caged laying hen housing in the humid tropic climate.

The indoor climate to which livestock are exposed is a critical factor influencing their performance and productivity. Elevated air temperature and relative humidity could result in heat stress for laying hens. This situation results in severe adverse effects such as weight loss and mortality. Egg fertility and hatchability are also impacted. Consequently, a study was carried out in a naturally ventilated battery-caged laying hen house to measure climatic variables (air temperature, relative humidity and air velocity). The degree of heat stress was assessed using the temperature-humidity index (THI), and the index of temperature and air velocity (ITV) was also evaluated. According to the results obtained, birds reared within the study building would spend most of their productive life under stressful thermal conditions, which could significantly hamper their performance. The air velocity was below 1.0 ms-1 for most of the internal part of the housing, meaning natural air movement at the location was insufficient to provide a suitable environment for the birds. A high THI was recorded for nearly the entire study period. This high THI could indicate high relative humidity about air temperature. The observed ITV values (ITV > 25) suggest that birds throughout the building could be perpetually uncomfortable. The thermal and velocity profile within the structure could further be assessed numerically using computational fluid dynamics. This would enable engineers to make modifications to improve living conditions within the building.

Factors Influencing Milk Quality and Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Herds Housed in Compost-Bedded Pack Barn System.

The compost-bedded pack barn (CBPB) system has been increasingly adopted by dairy farms due to its ability to enhance animal comfort and milk production. This study evaluated the associations among bedding characteristics, milk quality and composition, and subclinical mastitis (SCM) occurrence in dairy herds housed in CBPB systems. Over a period of six months, data related to milk quality and udder health and bedding sampling were collected from eight dairy farms. Monthly measurements of the bedding temperature and wind speed inside the CBPB were taken, while temperature and relative humidity data inside the CBPB were recorded using a datalogger. Bedding samples were subjected to analysis of moisture, pH, microbiological count, and carbon/nitrogen ratio. Data on milk composition (fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen, and total solids) and quality (somatic cell count and standard plate count) of bulk tank milk were obtained from DHIA results. Canonical correlation analyses were used to evaluate the association between the analyzed group variables, and linear regression models were used to identify associations between bedding characteristics and SCM occurrence in the studied herds. The bedding characteristics that most influenced milk composition and quality were moisture, temperature at 30 cm depth (T30), and bedding pH. Environmental variables played an important role in bedding composting, as they were closely related to the surface temperature and pH. Overall, 62.71% of the variation in milk quality and composition could be explained by the bedding variables, and 77.50% of the variation in the bedding variables was associated with environmental variables. Median SCM prevalence and incidence were 28.6 and 13.8%, respectively. An increase of 1 °C for T30 resulted in a 0.6% reduction in the prevalence of SCM. Additionally, the bedding surface temperature at 22.3 °C resulted in the highest incidence of SCM (~18.1%). Our results demonstrate the importance of controlling microclimatic conditions in the CBPB to optimize the bedding composting process and milk quality.

Effects of Heat Stress in Dairy Cows Raised in the Confined System: A Scientometric Review.

Due to climate change, heat stress is a growing problem for the dairy industry. Based on this, annual economic losses in the dairy sector are verified mainly on a large scale. Despite several publications on thermal stress in lactating dairy cows in confinement systems, there need to be published reviews addressing this issue systematically. Our objective was to scientometrically analyze the effects of heat stress in dairy cows managed in a confinement system. Based on PRISMA guidelines, research articles were identified, screened, and summarized based on inclusion criteria for heat stress in a confinement system. Data was obtained from the Web of Science. A total of 604 scientific articles published between 2000 and April 2022 were considered. Data was then analyzed using Microsoft Excel and CiteSpace. The results pointed to a significant increase in studies on heat stress in lactating cows housed in confinement systems. The main research areas were Agriculture, Dairy Animal Science and Veterinary Sciences. The USA showed the highest concentration of studies (31.12%), followed by China (14.90%). Emerging themes included heat stress and behavior. The most influential journals were the Journal of Dairy Science and the Journal of Animal Science. The top authors were L. H. Baumgard and R. J. Collier. The leading institutions were the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, followed by the State University System of Florida and the University of Florida. The study maps the significant research domains on heat stress of lactating cows in confinement systems, discusses implications and explanations and highlights emerging trends.

Placental Development and Physiological Changes in Pregnant Ewes in Silvopastoral and Open Pasture Systems during the Summer.

This study aimed to analyze the reproductive and physiological changes in ewes subjected to heat stress during pregnancy at UTFPR-Brazil. Twenty-four pregnant crossbred ewes were kept in a silvopastoral system (SP) or an open pasture system (OP) throughout the final trimester of pregnancy. Both systems were stressful, but the SP system had lower air temperature than the OP system (26.0 ± 0.38 and 26.9 ± 0.41 °C, respectively; p = 0.0288). Moreover, the radiant thermal load of the two groups presented a difference of 34 Wm-2 (p = 0.0288), and the grass temperature was also lower in the SP system compared to that in the OP system (23.4 ± 0.37 and 25.6 ± 0.44 °C, respectively; p = 0.0043). The respiratory and heart rates of animals from the OP group were higher than those from the SP group (p < 0.001), but no difference was observed in the mobilization of white blood cells (p = 0.4777), and the neutrophil count was only affected by time (p < 0.0001). As regards placental biometry, placentas in twin pregnancies had a greater membrane area (p = 0.0223), but no differences between the systems were observed in placental weight (p = 0.1522) and the number of cotyledons (p = 0.5457). We concluded that the type of rearing system used affects the thermal comfort of pregnant ewes, and that an SP system can offer more amenable microclimatic conditions, which result in greater comfort for the ewes.

A systematic review of the effects of silvopastoral system on thermal environment and dairy cows' behavioral and physiological responses.

Does the silvopastoral system (SPS) promote a satisfactory thermal environment for dairy cows to perform their natural behaviors and perform a suitable thermoregulatory function? To answer this, peer-reviewed articles, written in English and evaluating the effects of silvopastoral systems on thermal environment, dairy cows' behavior, and physiology were used in this systematic review; additionally, a bibliometric approach was performed. Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to compile the literature. The resulting articles (1448) underwent a 4-step appraisal process and resulted in 19 articles that fitted our inclusion criteria. Microclimate variables and thermal comfort indicators were the most researched topics (discussed in 89% of studies); 47% of studies addressed cattle behavior and 36% physiological responses. Our review highlights different benefits of silvopastoral systems for grazing dairy cows. For example, the SPS provides a more comfortable thermal environment than treeless pasture, which increases feeding behaviors; furthermore, dairy cows in SPS show lower drinking events, surface temperature, and respiratory rate than cows raised in treeless pasture. However, for nine of the variables related to cows' behavior (e.g., resting, rumination) and physiology responses (e.g., internal temperature), the results of the studies were unclear. Furthermore, behaviors associated with lying down (e.g., idling and rumination) and milk production in SPS were explored only in six and two studies, respectively. These findings provide consistent evidence that the silvopastoral systems are beneficial to thermal comfort of dairy cows; nonetheless, the effect on cows' behavioral and physiological responses is still scarce and unclear.

Mitigation of ammonia and greenhouse gases emissions from urea coated with oil shale residues in a silvopastoral system.

The objective of this work was to investigate the viability of using retorted oil shale as urea coating (U + ROS) in the decrease of N losses by ammonia (NH3-N) volatilization. The experiment was carried out in a silvopastoral system with a randomized block design with split-plots. The main treatments consisted of spatial arrangements of the trees, while the subdivision of the plots constituted the surface application of common urea (U) and retorted oil shale-coated urea (U + ROS) for the pasture. In addition to NH3 measurements, fluxes of N2O and CH4 in the soil were determined, as well as soil moisture and contents of mineral N (0-5 cm). Independently of tree spacing, the use of ROS along with urea (U + ROS) showed a mean decrease of 15.9% in the accumulated NH3 volatilization and 24.1% in the peaks of emission, although it was not significantly different from the U treatment (P < 0.10). In addition, it did not increase significantly the N2O and CH4 emissions, evidencing a potential to decrease N losses by ammonia volatilization, with no impact on greenhouse gases emissions from the soil.

Compost Dairy Barn Layout and Management Recommendations in Kentucky: A Descriptive Study.

This study was conducted to describe the building layout and dimensions, characterize the bedding material, and observe the management practices in 42 compost-bedded pack (CBP) barns in Kentucky (USA). The average herd size found in the study was 90 cows and the breeds consisted of Jersey (6.8%), Holstein (72.7%), and mixed (20.5%). The average CBP barn dimensions were 49.1 m (length) by 21.9 m (width). Many of these barns had feed alleys and driveways; overshot ridges with frequent orientation from NE to SW; and green sawdust, kiln-dried sawdust, or a mixture of both as the most common bedding materials. The bed-turning process was performed mechanically at depths of less than 0.25 m, and the loading of fresh material was performed every one to five weeks, varying by season, weather conditions, barn size, and cow density. The average bedding moisture content was found to be 59.0% (wet bulb-w.b.) and ranged from 36.2 to 71.8%. Coliforms were not present in barns that had a higher compost temperature, and the E. coli, Bacillus, and Streptococcus counts were higher in the barns that had a lower moisture content. In conclusion, it was observed that heterogeneous management was used among the barns and that the producers were satisfied with the compost barn system.

Influence of COD in Toxic Industrial Wastewater from a Chemical Concern on Nitrification Efficiency.

COD is an arbitrary indicator of the content of organic and inorganic compounds in wastewater. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of COD of industrial wastewater on the nitrification process. This research covered wastewater from acrylonitrile and styrene-butadiene rubbers, emulsifiers, polyvinyl acetate, styrene, solvents (butyl acetate, ethyl acetate) and owipian® (self-extinguishing polystyrene intended for expansion) production. The volume of the analyzed wastewater reflected the active sludge load in the real biological treatment system. This research was carried out by the method of short-term tests. The nitrification process was inhibited to the greatest extent by wastewater from the production of acrylonitrile (approx. 51%) and styrene-butadiene (approx. 60%) rubbers. In these wastewaters, nitrification inhibition occurred due to the high COD load and the presence of inhibitors. Four-fold dilution of the samples resulted in a two-fold reduction in the inhibition of nitrification. On the other hand, in the wastewater from the production of emulsifiers and polyvinyl acetate, a two-fold reduction in COD (to the values of 226.4 mgO2·dm-3 and 329.8 mgO2·dm-3, respectively) resulted in a significant decrease in nitrification inhibition. Wastewater from the production of styrene, solvents (butyl acetate, ethyl acetate) and owipian® inhibited nitrification under the influence of strong inhibitors. Lowering the COD value of these wastewaters did not significantly reduce the inhibition of nitrification.

The Welfare of Dairy Cows in Pasture, Free Stall, and Compost Barn Management Systems in a Brazilian Subtropical Region.

The effect of milk production systems on the welfare of dairy cows has been studied worldwide, but studies that compare pasture-based, compost barn, and free stall systems, according to animal welfare, are more scarce. In this work, the welfare of 51 dairy herds, including 17 from each management system, was investigated through the application of the Welfare Quality® protocol. Descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric method were used to analyze variables. In the present work, the welfare of the evaluated herds was significantly better in the pasture-based system than in the confinement systems. However, the pasture-based system presented weaknesses in providing water resources. The compost barn had fewer animal welfare critical points than the free stall system, as well as it was better than the free stall in measures related to comfort and health. The free stall did not present better scores than the other systems. It is concluded that the welfare of dairy cows is affected by the rearing system, with better scores, in most measures, in the pasture-based system, followed by the compost barn and, finally, the free stall.

Determination of Thermal, Chemical and Physical Properties of Bedding Materials for Compost Dairy Barns.

The thermal, chemical, and physical properties of compost bedding materials play an important role in every phase of compost production. Based on this, we aimed to assess the thermal, chemical and physical properties of bedding materials for compost-bedded pack (CBP) barns. The database for this study was registered from 42 CBP barns, distributed throughout the state of Kentucky (USA). The thermal conductivity showed a linear relationship with moisture content and bulk density, while thermal resistivity decreased with increasing particle size. The bedding moisture average was 46.8% (±11.5). The average finer index (p < 0.05) was the highest weight percentage (30.1%) in the samples studied. Water-holding capacity (WHC) increased with increasingly fine particle size. The higher bulk density value was 3.6 times that of the lowest bulk density value. The chemical characterization of the bedding material provided the following results: 42.7% (±3.8%) C, 1.6% (±0.4%) N, and 28.2 (±8.0) C:N ratio. However, thermal properties are strongly dependent on particle size. Producers can use the bedding material as fertilizer in their crops, due to the chemical characteristics of the materials. Beds with good physical and chemical properties improve their moisture content.

Changes in plant communities and soil attributes in the "Cousteau's whale bone skeleton" tourist attraction area in Keller Peninsula after 48 years.

Ice-free areas of Antarctica represent an important study region that helps us understand how human activity affects plant communities and soil properties. The goal of this study was to determine the changes in plant composition and soil properties around a whale bone skeleton (WB) near Ferraz Station, King George Island, Antarctica from 1972 to 2020 (48 years). The WB was assembled in 1972 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his team. It is located in a large moss field and visited by many tourists. We studied the plant composition and development based on historical and recent photographs and phytosociological studies from 1986 to 2020. The soil was sampled in February 2009 to determine general properties. The results showed that human activity surrounding the WB directly affected the plant community composition and soil properties. The Syntrichia cushions were positively affected by the calcium deposits from bone dissolution. The principal component analysis revealed that mineralization of the bones increased soil nutrient assembly. A strong phosphatization process was observed in the WB area, similar to that in ornithogenic soils. The WB on the marine terrace enhanced soil fertility and changed the plant community.

Baryon Acoustic Oscillations from Integrated Neutral Gas Observations: an instrument to observe the 21cm hydrogen line in the redshift range 0.13 < z < 0.45 - status update.

BINGO (BAO from Integrated Neutral Gas Observations) is a unique radio telescope designed to map the intensity of neutral hydrogen distribution at cosmological distances, making the first detection of Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) in the frequency band 980 MHz - 1260 MHz, corresponding to a redshift range 0.127 < z < 0.449. BAO is one of the most powerful probes of cosmological parameters and BINGO was designed to detect the BAO signal to a level that makes it possible to put new constraints on the equation of state of dark energy. The telescope will be built in Paraíba, Brazil and consists of two \thicksim 40m mirrors, a feedhorn array of 50 horns, and no moving parts, working as a drift-scan instrument. It will cover a 15 ^{\circ} ∘ declination strip centered at \sim \delta ∼ δ =-15 ^{\circ} ∘ , mapping \sim ∼ 5400 square degrees in the sky. The BINGO consortium is led by University of São Paulo with co-leadership at National Institute for Space Research and Campina Grande Federal University (Brazil). Telescope subsystems have already been fabricated and tested, and the dish and structure fabrication are expected to start in late 2020, as well as the road and terrain preparation.

The Controversy Persists: Is There a Qualification Criterion to Utilize Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Pre-term Newborns?

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use in premature newborns remains controversial among clinicians. In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Fetus and Newborn released a statement that the available data do not support routine iNO use in pre-term newborns. Despite the absence of significant benefits, 2016 California data showed that clinicians continue to utilize iNO in pre-term infants. With studies as recent as January 2017, the Cochrane review confirmed no major advantages of iNO in pre-term newborns. Still, it recognized that a subset of pre-term infants with pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) had not been separately investigated. Furthermore, recent non-randomized controlled trials have suggested that iNO may benefit specific subgroups of pre-term newborns, especially those with PHTN, prolonged rupture of membranes, and antenatal steroid exposure. Those pre-term infants who showed a clinical response to iNO had increased survival without disability. These findings underscore the need for future studies in pre-term newborns with hypoxemic respiratory failure and PHTN. This review will discuss the rationale for using iNO, controversies regarding the diagnosis of PHTN, and additional novel approaches of iNO treatment in perinatal asphyxia and neonatal resuscitation in the pre-term population < 34 weeks gestation.

Spatio-Thermal Variability and Behaviour as Bio-Thermal Indicators of Heat Stress in Dairy Cows in a Compost Barn: A Case Study.

The spatial variability and behavioural aspects of compost-bedded pack barns remain unknown in subtropical regions. In this study, we investigated whether spatial variability occurs in the thermal environment of a compost barn and how the behaviour of dairy cows with different numbers of lactations differs in this system. The spatial sampling design comprised a grid of 108 locations inside the facility. At each location, we measured air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and bed temperature at 9:00, 12:00, and 15:00. We performed 24-h behavioural observations. Regarding spatial variability, the north face showed high air temperature values, and the distribution of relative humidity varied from the north to the south face. Kriging maps revealed a high bedding temperature trend, indicating heterogeneous ventilation management. Primiparous cows visited the water trough during the hottest hours of the day, whereas multiparous cows displayed a higher probability of walking during these periods. In conclusion, we observed a heterogeneous management of ventilation through the spatial distribution of the thermal environment inside the compost-bedded pack barn, with multiparous cows exhibiting dominance over primiparous cows seeking environmental resources.

Lipid Composition, Digestion, and Absorption Differences among Neonatal Feeding Strategies: Potential Implications for Intestinal Inflammation in Preterm Infants.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population. Formula feeding is among the many risk factors for developing the condition, a practice often required in the cohort most often afflicted with NEC, preterm infants. While the virtues of many bioactive components of breast milk have been extolled, the ability to digest and assimilate the nutritional components of breast milk is often overlooked. The structure of formula differs from that of breast milk, both in lipid composition and chemical configuration. In addition, formula lacks a critical digestive enzyme produced by the mammary gland, bile salt-stimulated lipase (BSSL). The gastrointestinal system of premature infants is often incapable of secreting sufficient pancreatic enzymes for fat digestion, and pasteurization of donor milk (DM) has been shown to inactivate BSSL, among other important compounds. Incompletely digested lipids may oxidize and accumulate in the distal gut. These lipid fragments are thought to induce intestinal inflammation in the neonate, potentially hastening the development of diseases such as NEC. In this review, differences in breast milk, pasteurized DM, and formula lipids are highlighted, with a focus on the ability of those lipids to be digested and subsequently absorbed by neonates, especially those born prematurely and at risk for NEC.

Use of Different Cooling Methods in Pig Facilities to Alleviate the Effects of Heat Stress-A Review.

An increase in the frequency of hot periods, which has been observed over the past decades, determines the novel approach to livestock facilities improvement. The effects of heat stress are revealed in disorders in physiological processes, impaired immunity, changes in behaviour and decreases in animal production, thus implementation of cooling technologies is a key factor for alleviating these negative consequences. In pig facilities, various cooling methods have been implemented. Air temperature may be decreased by using adiabatic cooling technology such as a high-pressure fogging system or evaporative pads. In modern-type buildings large-surface evaporative pads may support a tunnel ventilation system. Currently a lot of attention has also been paid to developing energy- and water-saving cooling methods, using for example an earth-air or earth-to-water heat exchanger. The pigs' skin surface may be cooled by using sprinkling nozzles, high-velocity air stream or conductive cooling pads. The effectiveness of these technologies is discussed in this article, taking into consideration the indicators of animal welfare such as respiratory rate, skin surface and body core temperature, performance parameters and behavioural changes.

Impact of a Policy to Deliver at 39 Weeks for the Indication of Class III Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a policy to deliver at 39 weeks for class III obesity. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of women with class III obesity delivering at ≥ 37 weeks before (May 2012 to April 2014) and after the policy (September 2014 to August 2016). The primary outcome was the cesarean rate. Secondary outcomes included maternal morbidities and a neonatal morbidity composite. Modified Poisson regression was used to adjust for demographic differences between groups. RESULTS: The study included a total of 1,210 patients, 580 before the policy and 630 after the policy. Before and after the policy, cesarean rates were similar (41.6% vs. 47.1%; risk ratio [RR]: 1.13 [95% CI: 1.00-1.29]; adjusted RR [aRR]: 1.03 [95% CI: 0.92-1.14]). In adjusted comparisons of women undergoing labor induction, parous women had lower cesarean rates (aRR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41-0.94) but nulliparous women had higher cesarean rates (aRR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.04-1.68) after the policy (P for interaction = 0.01). Rates of chorioamnionitis, endometritis, and cesarean wound infection were not different between groups. Composite neonatal morbidity was not different between pre- and postpolicy groups. CONCLUSIONS: A policy of delivery at 39 weeks for class III obesity did not affect overall cesarean rate or rates of maternal or neonatal morbidity. Further investigation should evaluate subsets of women who may have a higher cesarean rate with this policy.

Impact of exposure time to harsh environments on physiology, mortality, and thermal comfort of day-old chickens in a simulated condition of transport.

The aim of this study was to assess the variation of physiological responses and mortality of day-old chicks subjected to different thermal conditions and exposure times during simulated transport. For this purpose, day-old chicks (n = 900) were used and subjected to simulated conditions of transport in a climate chamber. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design, with the structure of the treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme (thermal ranges and time intervals) and each level of containers considered a block. The physiological variables used in this trial were body weight, respiratory rate, cloacal temperature, average surface temperature, and gene expression of heat shock protein (HSP70). Regarding body weight, a small variation was observed between treatments (P > 0.05). The animals subjected to the heat treatment exhibited respiratory rates above 100 movements per minute (P < 0.05), average cloacal temperatures above 44.7 °C, surface temperatures above the comfort zone (greater than 39.6 °C; P < 0.05), and increased gene expression of HSP70 (P < 0.001), especially after 3 initial hours of exposure. In addition, the heat treatment lead to increased mortality of the animals (over 6%). Also in the cold treatment, despite the absence of mortality, the animals showed hypothermia from 3 h of exposure, based on the results of the average surface (28 °C) and cloacal temperatures (39.6 °C; P < 0.05). In this way, the results imply that the effects of thermal stress caused by heat as well as by cold in a simulated transport condition are increased when traveling for more than 3 h, indicating a trend of rising mortality after long-term transportation of day-old chickens.

Retinal degeneration mutation in Sftpa1tm1Kor/J and Sftpd -/- targeted mice.

Surfactant proteins are important collectin immune molecules with a wide distribution throughout the body, including the ocular system. Mice with gene deletions for the surfactant protein genes Sftpa1 and Sftpd were observed to have visual impairment and thinning of the outer nuclear layers of the retina. We hypothesized that gene deletion of Sftpa1 and Sftpd (Sftpa1tm1Kor/J and Sftpd-/-) results in early retinal degeneration in these mice. Sftpa1tm1Kor/J and Sftpd-/- retinas were evaluated by histopathology and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retinas from Sftpa1tm1Kor/J and Sftpd -/- mice showed early retinal degeneration with loss of the outer nuclear layer. After screening of mice for known retinal degeneration mutations, the mice were found to carry a previously unrecognized Pde6brd1 genotype which resulted from earlier breeding of the strain with Black Swiss mice during their generation. The mutation was outbred and the genotype of Sftpa1tm1Kor/J and Sftpd-/- was confirmed. Outbreeding of the Pde6brd1 mutation resulted in restoration of normal retinal architecture confirmed by in vivo and in vitro examination. We can therefore conclude that loss of Sftpa1 and Sftpd do not result in retinal degeneration. We have now generated retinal Sftpa1 and Sftpd targeted mice that exhibit normal retinal histology.

Structure, genetics and function of the pulmonary associated surfactant proteins A and D: The extra-pulmonary role of these C type lectins.

The collectins family encompasses several collagenous Ca2+-dependent defense lectins that are described as pathogen recognition molecules. They play an important role in both adaptive and innate immunity. Surfactant proteins A and D are two of these proteins which were initially discovered in association with surfactant in the pulmonary system. The structure, immune and inflammatory functions, and genetic variations have been well described in relation to their roles, function and pathophysiology in the pulmonary system. Subsequently, these proteins have been discovered in a wide range of other organs and organ systems. The role of these proteins outside the pulmonary system is currently an active area of research. This review intends to provide a current overview of the genetics, structure and extra-pulmonary functions of the surfactant collectin proteins.