Rearing hogs on pasture minimally impacts pork composition.

Managing swine on pasture is increasing in popularity for both the consumer and producer. This interest appears to be driven by an effort to create an improved perception of environmentally sustainable practices and increased animal welfare, while keeping start-up costs low. However, evidence-based guidance on pasture management practices that support quality pork production and environmentally sustainable procedures is lacking. The objective of this work was to quantify the impact of pasture rearing on pig growth efficiency and pork quality. In this pilot study, 20 pigs similar in genetics, age, weight, and sex ratio were divided across indoor (n = 10) and Outdoor (n = 10) housing environments. Pigs were weighed every 14 d and harvested upon reaching an average weight of 113 kg. Average starting body weights were similar between both groups (P = 0.98). Carcass quality was evaluated by measuring pH, loin eye area (LEA), back fat (BF) thickness, subjective color and marbling scores, and colorimetry (CIE color space [L*, a*, b*]) at the 10th rib. Final body weights at slaughter also showed no significant variation between housing groups (P = 0.98). No differences were observed in pork quality: pH 0 h (P = 0.53), 6 h (P = 0.29), 12 h (P = 0.80), and 24 h (P = 0.07) postmortem, LEA (P = 0.44), color (P = 0.73), and marbling (P = 0.40). However, hogs raised indoors had an increase in BF thickness (P = 0.04). Based on this pilot study, outdoor rearing conditions did not have significant impacts on pork quality. Further research will help to determine the impact that rearing scheme has on pH and BF.

Dataset of iodine concentration in soils and grassland vegetation and radioactive contamination of pastures of the regions of the Russian Federation affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident.

Iodine is a trace element with an important role in human health. Iodine deficiency is a global health problem that can provoke iodine-deficiency-related thyroid disorders, such as endemic goitre, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, etc. Study of iodine in the soils and vegetation was conducted from 2008 to 2022 in the Bryansk and Oryol regions of Russia. These regions are known to exhibit natural iodine deficiency and have been affected by radioactive contamination following the Chernobyl accident in 1986. Soil and grassland vegetation samples were collected from local pastures near rural settlements. The soil core was divided into layers at the following depths: 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-20 cm. The iodine content in all selected samples was determined in the GEOKHI RAS using the kinetic rhodanide-nitrite method. The information in the dataset could be used to assess the iodine deficiency in the environment of other regions situated on similar soils.

Effects of grazing on grassland or wood-pasture, slaughtering age and ageing time on meat production and quality in Podolian young bulls.

Podolian cattle is an autochthonous breed well adapted to the harsh semi-arid environments of the Southern Italy regions; the extensive rearing system used for these indigenous animals is based on grazing on spontaneous pastures, such as grasslands or wood pastures These grazing systems respect animal welfare and enrich animal products with characteristics closely related to the feeding system and the farming environment. The aim of the present study was to characterize the nutritional value of a forage crop and a wood-pasture and to evaluate the effects of grazing by Podolian young bulls on the performances and meat quality in relation to the age at slaughter (14 or 18 months) and to the ageing time of meat (3, 9 or 14 days). The metabolizable energy and the gas production were greater in April and June for both pasture systems. Young bulls raised on the grassland showed greater slaughter weights (p < 0.05) as compared to those fed on the woodland system, at both the slaughtering ages. The Warner Bratzler Shear (WBS) force values for raw and cooked meat were not influenced by the pasture system but they significantly (p < 0.01) decreased in relation to the ageing time in all the groups. Ageing markedly (p < 0.05) increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration from 3 to 14 days of storage, regardless of the pasture system and the slaughtering age. The n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio of meat was markedly lower in grassland animals, regardless of the age of slaughter. In conclusion, 18 months old grassland beef showed better performances and yield of meat cuts. Ageing for 9 days positively affected meat WBS without increasing MDA concentration.

The impact of seasonal calving systems with varying pasture allowance on Cheddar cheese composition, nutritional quality and ripening characteristics.

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of stage of lactation (early, mid and late) and proportion of pasture in the cows diet (high: GRS, medium: PMR and no: TMR) on the composition and quality of Cheddar cheese. Triplicate trials were carried out in each stage of lactation, and milk protein and fat contents were standardized for Cheddar cheese manufacture at pilot scale. As cheese milks were standardized for milk fat and protein contents, gross composition did not differ as a result of diet. Fatty acid profiles of GRS cheese were significantly different from TMR, while PMR profiles were less distinct and more similar to both GRS and TMR profiles, as illustrated by partial least squares discriminatory analysis. Fatty acids including CLA C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, C22:1 n-9 and C18:3 n-3 were most influential in this separation of profiles. Fatty acid profiling revealed that GRS derived cheese contained higher proportions of nutrients considered beneficial for human health including higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids. A biomarker model utilizing the proportions of 5 fatty acids was constructed and was effective at distinguishing between cheese of GRS, TMR and PMR feeding systems. Proportions of ρ-κ-casein, αs2-casein and αs1-casein in cheese also differed between diets while proportions of ρ-κ-casein, αs1-casein and ß-casein were lowest in late lactation cheese. The impact of diet was less influential compared with that of stage of lactation on the ripening characteristics of cheese. An index of primary proteolysis was highest in late lactation cheese. The peptides derived from the proteolysis of κ-casein and ß-casein and levels of secondary proteolysis, in particular, the proportions of 12 free amino acids were most influenced by stage of lactation. Overall this study demonstrated the effects of increasing pasture allowance and stage of lactation on the nutritional quality and ripening properties of Cheddar cheese.

Annual number of generations and biology of non-parasitic phase of Rhipicephalus microplus in irrigated and non-irrigated pasture in a tropical region.

This study aimed to verify the number of R. microplus annual generations in irrigated and non-irrigated pastures compared to the constant ideal environment. It also sought to evaluate the biology of the non-parasitic phase of this tick for each generation in these different areas of pasture; assess the larvae population dynamics in the pasture of each tick generation, and evaluate the R. microplus population dynamics parasitizing cattle in non-irrigated pasture. In the field experiment, two sub-areas were subjected to artificial irrigation (IRRI-A and IRRI-B) with artesian water, while the other two remained non-irrigated (NIRRI-A and NIRRIG-B). When more than 75 % of the total surviving engorged females from all 90 repetitions of each area (irrigated or non-irrigated) produced mature larvae within one tick generation, two cattle were infested with approximately 10,000 R. microplus larvae from the tick colony used in this study. On the 22nd day post-infestation, a new tick generation was started by releasing these females in different areas (IRRI-B and NIRRIG-B). This procedure was repeated successively, and each year was analyzed independently. In both the non-irrigated and irrigated areas, there were five generations of R. microplus per year. It can be observed that there the number of annual generations of ticks in this region has increased when compared to 30 years ago. Under the constant ideal temperature and humidity conditions (B.O.D. chamber), R. microplus completed an average of 6.59 generations. In the environment, the longest generation was the first (July to October), while the 2nd, 3rd and 4th (December to March) were the most similar to B.O.D. conditions. Although the number of generations was the same in the different areas, the population density of R. microplus larvae was higher in the irrigated area, probably because the irrigation provided milder temperatures, higher relative humidity and lower saturation deficit values during about eight hours per day. Between the 3rd and 5th generation of ticks, there was an overlap of larvae in the pastures, belonging to different generations, and at each peak of infestation observed in cattle between these generations, there were up to 30 % of larvae from the previous generation, and consequently up to 70 % of larvae from the new generation.

Alterations in the diversity and composition of the fecal microbiota of domestic yaks (Bos grunniens) with pasture alteration-induced diarrhea.

Diarrhea is a common issue in domestic yaks (Bos grunniens) that can occur with pasture alterations and significantly impacts growth performance. Previous research has examined the microbiota of diarrhetic yaks; however, the structural changes in gut bacterial community and microbial interactions in yaks with grassland alteration-induced diarrhea remain poorly understood. To explore variations in gut microbiota homeostasis among yaks suffering from diarrhea, fecal microbiota diversity and composition were analyzed using 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Gut fecal microbiota diversity was lower in diarrhetic yaks than in non-diarrhetic yaks. Furthermore, the bacterial community composition (including that of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria) in the feces of diarrhetic yaks displayed significant alterations. Co-occurrence network analysis further underscored the compromised intestinal flora stability in yaks with diarrhea relative to that in non-diarrhetic yaks. Interestingly, the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, were decreased in yaks with diarrhea, and the reductions were negatively correlated with the fecal water content. Collectively, these findings indicate that diminished microbial stability and increased abundance of certain bacteria in the gut may contribute to diarrhea occurrence in yaks.

Study on the Effects of Pasture Fiber on Thermal Properties of Slag Bricks.

In the context of ecological sustainability, this study focuses on the effect of variables of pasture fibers on the thermal properties of slag bricks made from a green recyclable material. This experiment uses slag as the binder, sand as the aggregate, and pasture fiber as an additive. The experimental variables include the additive content ratio of the pasture fiber, the size of the pasture fiber, and the type of pasture fiber. Significance analysis of the experimental results of the thermal performance tests is carried out using Minitab 18.1.0 software, and the optimal ratios for the thermal performance of the composite samples are derived from the response optimizer and conformity analysis. The results of the experiment's test analysis using Minitab 18 software indicate that, with an increase in pasture fiber content, the thermal performance of the composite samples initially decreases before increasing. Additionally, the lower the thermal conductivity of the composite sample, the lower the apparent density and the higher the porosity. Incorporating pasture fibers into slag bricks, as revealed in this study, reduces the waste of pasture resources in pastoral areas and promotes the development of sustainable building materials with favorable thermal properties.

Negative legacy effects of past forest use on native plant diversity in semi-natural grasslands on ski slopes.

Over the past century, grassland and forest ecosystems globally have been heavily influenced by land-use changes driven by diverse socioeconomic activities. Ski resorts are a modern land-use type associated with biodiversity loss in mountain ecosystems worldwide. Below the treeline, by contrast, some ski slopes have been shown to provide suboptimal semi-natural habitats for native grassland plants and animals, depending on specific construction and management practices. We compared environmental factors and grassland vegetation between two types of ski slopes in central Japan with different land-use histories: slopes constructed on old pastures (pasture slopes) and slopes constructed by clearing secondary forests or larch plantations established on abandoned pastures during the 1940s-1990s (forest slopes). We examined the effects of land-use history and machine grading as well as other environmental factors on ski slope vegetation, including total species richness and the richness of native, endangered, and exotic plants, using a total of 108 plots of 2 m × 10 m. Compared to pasture slopes, forest slopes exhibited significantly lower richness of native grassland species, including endangered species. Forest slopes were more graded than pasture slopes, resulting in lower native and higher exotic grassland species richness. A significantly lower duration of direct sunlight on forest slopes than on pasture slopes likely decreased endangered species richness. The lower species richness on forest slopes may be also caused by seed dispersal limitations. Our findings demonstrate that ski slopes have good potential to support numerous native grassland plant species, including endangered species, but this potential is significantly and negatively affected by forest use history and concomitant environmental changes. The conservation of semi-natural conditions on pasture slopes as habitats for native grassland species can be promoted through the maintenance of annual mowing practices, avoidance of machine grading, and wider ski courses.

Comparison of the chemical composition of major feed resources between the midland and lowland agro-ecological zones in the Majang zone of southwest Ethiopia.

Evaluation of feed chemical composition is essential for predicting nutrient deficiencies and improving feed for optimal livestock productivity. However, variation in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) might affect the chemical composition of feeds. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the chemical composition of major feed resources in the midland and lowland AEZs of the Majang zone in southwest Ethiopia. A total of eight representative samples of feed resources were collected from lowland (Godere district) AEZ (500-1500 m above sea level) and midland (Mangashi district) AEZ (1501-2300 m above sea level). The samples were analysed for dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The result revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition traits between the two AEZs in the study area. For example, the DM, ash and NDF contents of C. dactylon were higher (P < 0.05) in the lowland AEZ, while the ADF and ADL contents were higher in the midland; D. abyssinica had higher (P < 0.05) ADF content in the lowland, while Z. mays stover had higher (P < 0.05) DM, ash and ADF contents in the lowland. S. bicolor stover showed higher (P < 0.05) DM, ash, ADF and ADL contents in the lowland, while C. gayana had higher (P < 0.05) ash and CP contents in the lowland and higher (P < 0.05) ADF and ADL contents in the midland AEZ; Atella (a traditional alcohol byproduct) had greater (P < 0.05) ash and ADF contents in the lowland. Regardless of the AEZs, the DM, ash, NDF, ADF, EE, CP and ADL contents of the feed samples varied from 89.97 ± 0.33 % in P. purpureum to 92.50 ± 0.01 in Sorghum bicolor stover, 4.27 ± 0.19 in Atella to 12.37 ± 0.42 in elephant grass, 51.66 ± 0.38 in Atella to 66.10 ± 0.25 in D. abyssinica, 32.21 ± 0.29 in D. abyssinica to 42.58 ± 0.44 in D. abyssinica, 0.63 ± 0.15 in Atella to 2.55 ± 0.03 in C. dactylon, 4.77 ± 0.01 in Zea mays stover to 11.83 ± 0.02 in V. unguiculata and 10.31 ± 0.07 in Z. mays stover to 19.41 ± 0.07 % DM in C. dactylon, respectively. From this study it was concluded that variation in AEZ has a significant effect on chemical composition traits of the feeds in the study area. The results of the study revealed that V. unguiculata stands out as a valuable protein source, while crop residues may require additional protein supplementation to meet livestock requirements in the study area.

Impact of growth implants and low-level tannin supplementation on enteric emissions and nitrogen excretion in grazing steers.

The primary objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a growth-hormone implant (Revalor-G, Merck Animal Health., Rahway, NJ, USA) and tannin supplementation (Silvafeed BX, Silva Team, San Michele Mondovi CN, Italy) on enteric methane (CH4) emissions and estimated nitrogen (N) excretion in grazing steers. Steers (n = 20; initial body weight [IBW] = 343 ±â€…14 kg) were acclimated to use a portable automated head-chamber system (AHCS) to measure CH4 and a SmartFeed Pro automated feeder for dietary supplementation (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA). After the training period, steers were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangements of treatments, with 2 levels of growth-hormone implants, no-implant (NO-IMP) or implanted (IMP), and 2 levels of tannin supplementation, no tannin supplementation (NO-TAN) or tannin supplementation (TAN). This created 4 treatment groups: (1) NO-TAN and NO-IMP, (2) TAN and NO-IMP, (3) IMP and NO-TAN, and (4) TAN and IMP. Tannin was offered daily at 0.30% dry matter intake (DMI) through 0.5 kg/hd/d sweetfeed supplement (Sweetfeed Mix, AgFinity., Eaton, CO, USA) with a targeted tannin intake at 48 g/hd/d. No (P ≥ 0.05) implant × tannin interaction was detected for any dependent variable, so only the main effects of implant (NO-IMP vs. IMP) and tannin supplementation (NO-TAN vs. TAN) are discussed. Implant status did not affect (P ≥ 0.56) final body weight (FBW) or average daily gain (ADG) during the 90 d grazing period. There was no effect (P ≥ 0.15) of growth implant on CH4 production or emission intensity (EI; g CH4/kg gain). Additionally, IMP steers tended (P ≤ 0.08) to have less CH4 yield (MY; g CH4/g DMI) and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) than NO-IMP steers. Tannin supplementation did not impact (P ≥ 0.26) FBW or ADG. However, NO-TAN steers tended (P = 0.06) to have a greater total DMI than steers supplemented with tannin. No effect (P ≥ 0.22) of tannin supplementation was observed for CH4 production and EI. Nitrogen utilization as measured through BUN, urine N, fecal N, or fecal P was similar (P ≥ 0.12) between TAN and NO-TAN animals. The findings indicate that low-level dietary supplementation to reduce enteric emissions is difficult in grazing systems due to inconsistent animal intake and that growth implants could be used as a strategy to improve growth performance and reduce EI of steers grazing improved pasture.

Chronological dynamics of the gut microbiome in response to the pasture grazing system in geese.

It is commonly accepted that dietary fibers are good for gut health. The effect of fibers on the diversity and metabolic activities of the cecal microflora, however, differ with the passage of time. Therefore, we investigated the time-series impacts of the pasture grazing system (a high dietary fiber source) on the cecal microbiome and short-chain fatty acids in Wanpu geese, comparing it to commercial feeding (a low dietary fiber source). The cecal microbiota composition and SCFA concentrations were evaluated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography, respectively. We found that pasture produced a generally quick positive response to Bacteroidales, Lactobacillales, Gastranaerophilales (at 45 days), Lachnospirales, and Oscillospirales (at 60 days and 90 days) irrespective of Erysipelotrichales (at 45 days), Clostridia_UCG-014, RF39 (at 60 days), Christensenellales, and Peptostreptococcales-Tissierellales (at 90 days) in geese. Meanwhile, we found that Lactobacillales, Gastranaerophilales, Lachnospirales, and Oscillospirales were significantly correlated with short-chain fatty acids in pasture grazing geese. Indeed, the correlation of cecal microbiota with SCFAs led to altered microbial functions evinced by COG; KEGG pathway levels 1, 2, and 3; BugBase; and FAPROTAX databases. This study emphasizes the importance of dietary fiber sources in influencing beneficial impacts in regulating geese microbiota homeostasis and metabolic functions such as energy and lipid metabolism.IMPORTANCELow dietary fiber diet sources cause gut microbial and short-chain fatty acid alterations that lead to compromised animal health. The establishment of an artificial pasture grazing system at the expense of ryegrass is a good source of dietary fiber for geese. Our results described the importance of pasture in maintaining the gut microbiota, SCFAs, and potential microbial functions reported by COG; KEGG pathway levels 1, 2, and 3; BugBase; and FAPROTAX databases.

Impact of dietary regime on the metabolomic profile of bovine buttermilk and whole milk powder.

INTRODUCTION: Bovine milk contains a rich matrix of nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, protein and various vitamins and minerals, the composition of which is altered by factors including dietary regime. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of dietary regime on the metabolite composition of bovine whole milk powder and buttermilk. METHODS: Bovine whole milk powder and buttermilk samples were obtained from spring-calving cows, consuming one of three diets. Group 1 grazed outdoors on perennial ryegrass which was supplemented with 5% concentrates; group 2 were maintained indoors and consumed a total mixed ration diet; and group 3 consumed a partial mixed ration diet consisting of perennial ryegrass during the day and total mixed ration maintained indoors at night. RESULTS: Metabolomic analysis of the whole milk powder (N = 27) and buttermilk (N = 29) samples was preformed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, with 504 and 134 metabolites identified in the samples respectively. In whole milk powder samples, a total of 174 metabolites from various compound classes were significantly different across dietary regimes (FDR adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05), including triglycerides, of which 66% had their highest levels in pasture-fed samples. Triglycerides with highest levels in pasture-fed samples were predominantly polyunsaturated with high total carbon number. Regarding buttermilk samples, metabolites significantly different across dietary regimes included phospholipids, sphingomyelins and an acylcarnitine. CONCLUSION: In conclusion the results reveal a significant impact of a pasture-fed dietary regime on the metabolite composition of bovine dairy products, with a particular impact on lipid compound classes.

Prosapia bicincta (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) abundance, plant associations, and impacts on groundcover in Hawai'i Island rangelands.

The twolined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say), is a major economic pest of forage grass and turfgrass. Prosapia bicincta was first detected in rangelands on Hawai'i Island in 2016 and has since spread to an estimated 72,000 ha in the North and South Kona districts. This study aimed to quantify P. bicincta abundance, plant associations, and impacts on groundcover over time. Monthly surveys of P. bicincta nymphs and adults were conducted from February 2018 to September 2022 along 17 established 100-m transects at 4 ranches located in Kona, Hawai'i Island, spanning an elevation gradient from 519 to 1,874 m above sea level (a.s.l.). Monitoring revealed P. bicincta occurs from 519 to 1,679 m a.s.l., primarily in Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.)) Morrone (Poales: Poaceae) pastures. Peaks in P. bicincta abundance coincided with the wet season, with most activity occurring from April to October and little to no activity between November and March. Mid elevation (1,000-1,300 m) transects had significantly higher mean P. bicincta abundance (126 nymphs/m2) relative to low (500-999 m) (64 nymphs/m2) and high elevations (>1,300 m) (20 nymphs/m2). Sites with the highest abundance of P. bicincta were also associated with the greatest decrease in mean grass cover (30%) and were replaced by forbs, bare ground, and shrubs. Grasses accounted for 72% of the total P. bicincta detections, with the remaining plants comprised of legumes (16%), sedges (6%), and forbs (6%). Twenty new P. bicincta plant associations were found. This information will help improve the effectiveness of management to suppress populations below economic thresholds.

Accounting for minimum data required to train a machine learning model to accurately monitor Australian dairy pastures using remote sensing.

Precision in grazing management is highly dependent on accurate pasture monitoring. Typically, this is often overlooked because existing approaches are labour-intensive, need calibration, and are commonly perceived as inaccurate. Machine-learning processes harnessing big data, including remote sensing, can offer a new era of decision-support tools (DST) for pasture monitoring. Its application on-farm remains poor because of a lack of evidence about its accuracy. This study aimed at evaluating and quantifying the minimum data required to train a machine-learning satellite-based DST focusing on accurate pasture biomass prediction using this approach. Management data from 14 farms in New South Wales, Australia and measured pasture biomass throughout 12 consecutive months using a calibrated rising plate meter (RPM) as well as pasture biomass estimated using a DST based on high temporal/spatial resolution satellite images were available. Data were balanced according to farm and week of each month and randomly allocated for model evaluation (20%) and for progressive training (80%) as follows: 25% training subset (1W: week 1 in each month); 50% (2W: week 1 and 3); 75% (3W: week 1, 3, and 4); and 100% (4W: week 1 to 4). Pasture biomass estimates using the DST across all training datasets were evaluated against a calibrated rising plate meter (RPM) using mean-absolute error (MAE, kg DM/ha) among other statistics. Tukey's HSD test was used to determine the differences between MAE across all training datasets. Relative to the control (no training, MAE: 498 kg DM ha-1) 1W did not improve the prediction accuracy of the DST (P > 0.05). With the 2W training dataset, the MAE decreased to 342 kg DM ha-1 (P < 0.001), while for the other training datasets, MAE decreased marginally (P > 0.05). This study accounts for minimal training data for a machine-learning DST to monitor pastures from satellites with comparable accuracy to a calibrated RPM which is considered the 'gold standard' for pasture biomass monitoring.

Short communication: Association between prepartum subclinical magnesium imbalance and postpartum diseases in grazing dairy cows in Southern Chile.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between prepartum subclinical hypomagnesemia (pre-SHMg) and the occurrence of dystocia, metritis, clinical mastitis, lameness, and subclinical hypomagnesemia postpartum (post-SHMg) in pasture-based dairy cows. Also, the difference in means of prepartum magnesium (Mg) concentration by postpartum health events was evaluated. A total of 890 dairy cows from 32 commercial farms located in southern Chile were enrolled. Cows were examined twice, once between 30 and 3 days before and once between 3 and 30 days after calving. Blood samples were collected on both assessments, and cows were considered as having SHMg if serum total Mg < 0.65 mmol/L. On the postpartum visit, cows were evaluated for metritis and lameness. Information about clinical mastitis and dystocia was collected from on-farm records. Data were analyzed using multivariable mixed linear models and multivariable mixed logistic regression models. The overall prevalence of pre-SHMg was 9.9%, and its presence was associated with the occurrence of post-SHMg (odd ratio [OR] = 5.7; P < 0.0001) and metritis (OR = 3.1; P = 0.04). However, we did not detect an association between pre-SHMg and dystocia, clinical mastitis, or lameness after calving. Prepartum serum Mg concentrations were lower in cows that developed post-SHMg than those that did not (LSM ± SE = 0.75 ± 0.02 mmol/L vs. 0.83 ± 0.02 mmol/L; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, pre-SHMg was associated with a higher risk of post-SHMg and metritis in grazing dairy cows but not other postpartum health events.

Quantification of species composition in grass-clover swards using RGB and multispectral UAV imagery and machine learning.

Introduction: Growing grass-legume mixtures for forage production improves both yield productivity and nutritional quality, while also benefiting the environment by promoting species biodiversity and enhancing soil fertility (through nitrogen fixation). Consequently, assessing legume proportions in grass-legume mixed swards is essential for breeding and cultivation. This study introduces an approach for automated classification and mapping of species in mixed grass-clover swards using object-based image analysis (OBIA). Methods: The OBIA procedure was established for both RGB and ten band multispectral (MS) images capturedby an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The workflow integrated structural (canopy heights) and spectral variables (bands, vegetation indices) along with a machine learning algorithm (Random Forest) to perform image segmentation and classification. Spatial k-fold cross-validation was employed to assess accuracy. Results and discussion: Results demonstrated good performance, achieving an overall accuracy of approximately 70%, for both RGB and MS-based imagery, with grass and clover classes yielding similar F1 scores, exceeding 0.7 values. The effectiveness of the OBIA procedure and classification was examined by analyzing correlations between predicted clover fractions and dry matter yield (DMY) proportions. This quantification revealed a positive and strong relationship, with R2 values exceeding 0.8 for RGB and MS-based classification outcomes. This indicates the potential of estimating (relative) clover coverage, which could assist breeders but also farmers in a precision agriculture context.

Simulation of the nutritional requirements and energy balance of adult cows in a northern temperate grassland.

The forage-livestock balance is an important component of natural grassland management, and realizing a balance between the nutrient energy demand of domestic animals and the energy supply of grasslands is the core challenge in forage-livestock management. This study was performed at the Xieertala Ranch in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. Using the GRAZPLAN and GrazFeed models, we examined the forage-livestock energy balance during different grazing periods and physiological stages of livestock growth under natural grazing conditions. Data on pasture conditions, climatic factors, supplemental feeding, and livestock characteristics, were used to analyze the metabolizable energy (ME), metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm), and total metabolizable energy intake (MEItotal) of grazing livestock. The results showed that the energy balance between forage and animals differed for adult cows at different physiological stages. In the early lactation period, although the MEItotal was greater than MEm, it did not meet the requirement for ME. MEItotal was greater than ME during mid-lactation, but there was still an energy imbalance in the early and late lactation periods. In the late lactation period, MEItotal could meet ME requirements from April-September. Adult gestational lactating cows with or without calves were unable to meet their ME requirement, especially in the dry period, even though MEItotal was greater than MEm. Adult cows at different physiological stages exhibited differences in daily forage intake and rumen microbial crude protein (MCP) metabolism, and the forage intake by nonpregnant cows decreased as follows: early lactation > mid-lactation > late lactation, pregnant cows' lactation > dry period. For the degradation, digestion and synthesis of rumen MCP, early-lactation cows were similar to those in the mid-lactation group, but both were higher than those in the late-lactation group, while pregnant cows had greater degradation, digestion, and synthesis of MCP in the lactation period relative to the dry period. For lactating cows, especially those with calves, grazing energy requirements, methane emission metabolism and heat production were highest in August, with increased energy expenditure in winter. Overall, grazing energy, methane emissions and heat production by dry cows were low. In the context of global climate change and grassland degradation, managers must adopt different strategies according to the physiological stages of livestock to ensure a forage-livestock balance and the sustainable utilization and development of grasslands.

Multispecies pasture diet and cow breed impacts on milk composition and quality in a seasonal spring-calving dairy production system.

In recent years, there has been significant emphasis on the composition of pasture-based cow feed and the potential benefits of incorporating multispecies swards to improve sustainability and biodiversity. This study compared the effects of a conventional perennial ryegrass (PRG) monoculture supported by high chemical nitrogen (N) usage with a low chemical N application multispecies sward system (MSS) on the composition and quality of milk across lactation using spring-calving Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Jersey Holstein-Friesian (JFX) cows. Bulk milk samples (n = 144) were collected from each group at morning and evening milking on a weekly basis (n = 36) throughout lactation and analyzed for gross composition and physico-chemical properties. Cow breed had a significant impact on milk profile, with milk from HF cows having significantly smaller milk fat globule (MFG) size, higher instability index values, higher yield, and lower total solids levels, compared with JFX cows. Notably, HF cows had increased milk total solids and fat levels when fed on MSS, as opposed to the PRG-fed HF cows. Feeding MSS pasture increased creaming velocity values in mid and late lactation, and resulted in similar milk gross composition to PRG. In comparison to PRG, MSS-fed groups showed significantly increased total solids yield, including higher levels of protein and fat yield. In late lactation, MSS feeding was associated with reduced MFG size. All physicochemical properties studied (MFG size, creaming velocity, instability index) showed decreasing values from early to late lactation stage. Overall, these findings demonstrate the significant effects of cow diet, breed and stage of lactation on compositional and physico-chemical characteristics of milk, with important implications for milk processing and dairy product quality.

Mealybug Population Dynamics: A Comparative Analysis of Sampling Methods for Saccharicoccus sacchari and Heliococcus summervillei in Sugarcane (Saccharum sp. Hybrids).

This research is focused on a comparative field-based study of the population dynamics and sampling methods of two mealybug species, Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae) and Heliococcus summervillei (Brookes, 1978) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae), in sugarcane (Saccharum sp. hybrids) (f. Poaceae) over consecutive growing seasons. The research monitored and compared the above- and belowground populations and seasonal abundance of these two mealybug species in sugarcane fields in Far North Queensland, with non-destructive sampling techniques of yellow sticky traps, pan traps, and stem traps, and destructive sampling of the whole leaf and whole plant. The results indicated that S. sacchari (n = 29,137) was more abundant and detected throughout the growing season, with population peaks in the mid-season, while H. summervillei (n = 2706) showed peaks of the early-season activity. S. sacchari is primarily located on sugarcane stems and roots, compared to H. summervillei, which is located on leaves and roots. The whole-leaf collection and stem trap were the most effective sampling techniques for quantification of H. summervillei and S. sacchari, respectively. This study enhanced the understanding of S. sacchari and the first-ever record of H. summervillei on sugarcane in Australia and will contribute to the development of more effective pest management strategies.

A Rare Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) With Hemoptysis and Hematuria: A Case Report.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by type II and type III hypersensitivity reactions that affect multiple organs, including the joints, heart, lungs, brain, skin, and kidneys. Patients with SLE can experience a range of symptoms, ranging from fever and joint pain to a distinctive butterfly facial rash. Severe complications may encompass conditions such as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), pulmonary hypertension, and lupus nephritis, among others. Among them, DAH, a critical pulmonary complication in SLE, involves bleeding from interstitial capillaries and alveoli due to immune complex damage. This case report describes a patient who was initially misdiagnosed but later confirmed to have SLE. The patient presented with persistent symptoms, including cough, dyspnea, and fever, over two weeks and subsequently developed hematuria and hemoptysis within the last two days. The progression of symptoms led to an acute exacerbation, resulting in her admission to the emergency department. Subsequent evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of lupus nephritis and DAH. This case highlights the importance of considering SLE in the differential diagnosis of unexplained systemic symptoms and underscores the urgent need for medical intervention in DAH to substantially reduce mortality.