Serological and molecular survey of Toxoplasma Gondii in aborted livestock fetuses from Northeast Iran.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis not only leads to abortion in humans but also in herbivores, which causes significant financial and quality-adjusted life-year losses. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in aborted fetuses via serological and molecular assays. Moreover, the genotypes of the obtained isolates were detected. METHODS: Serological and molecular methods were used to study aborted fetuses from Bojnourd City, North Khorasan Province, Iran, which included 52 ovines and 16 bovines. Nested PCR of the B1 gene was used to detect parasite DNA in brain tissues. The PCR-RFLP method for the GRA6 gene was used to determine the genotype of T. gondii. RESULTS: Out of 68 aborted fetuses, 16.1% showed the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG. Among these, 11.7% were identified in bovine fetuses and 4.4% in ovine fetuses. Additionally, two (2.94%) samples of ovine tested positive for anti-T. gondii IgM. Our PCR analysis detected parasite DNA in two cases (2.94%) among 11 IgG-positive samples. All obtained isolates belong to type I of T. gondii. CONCLUSION: Infection with Type I of T. gondii during the neonatal period may partly be responsible for abortion and economic losses in livestock farming in our studied region. To understand the molecular epidemiology and genotypes of T. gondii associated with abortion, further evaluation of aborted samples from different geographical locations is necessary.

The impact of citrus pulp inclusion on milk performance of dairy cows: A meta-analysis.

Considering sustainability and circular economy, citrus pulp could become a common dairy feedstuff. Yet, there is no clear indication of the amount of citrus pulp that can be fed without compromising milk performance or that could deliver benefits. In our meta-analysis, we investigated the impact of varying citrus pulp inclusion levels, i.e., no (0 %), low (>0-10 %), medium (>10-20 %), and high (>20 %), on milk performance variables. Replacing cereal grains with citrus pulp increased pectins and sugars while decreasing starch. At the low inclusion level, citrus pulp increased milk yield without affecting feed intake. At higher inclusion levels, citrus pulp reduced feed intake and milk yield but with higher fat contents, the milk energy content was similar to no inclusion. Concluding, citrus pulp is a good energy source with lipogenic properties in dairy cows. We encourage research to fill in the existing gap of knowledge at the rumen and systemic levels.

Exploratory study for implementing a Global Burden of Animal Diseases case study in Senegal. / Etude exploratoire pour la mise en oeuvre d'une étude de cas du programme " Impact mondial des maladies animales " au Sénégal.

Senegal is a West African country with both extensive animal production systems, representative of the environmental, economic and animal health constraints specific to the Sahel region, and thriving commercial poultry and dairy production. An exploratory study was conducted in Senegal between 2021 and 2022 as a prelude to a case study of the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme. An overview of existing animal production systems as well as the main priorities and issues in animal health on a national level was developed. A national workshop gathering representatives from the livestock production and academic sectors took place in Dakar in June 2022 with the objective of jointly developing a case study. The participants prioritised pastoralist production systems for cattle and agropastoral systems for small ruminants for the application of the GBADs programme. Through a series of activities, the participants highlighted the health, environmental, economic and socio-political challenges surrounding these systems, all of which limit their contribution to the well-being of pastoralist households, consumers and other stakeholders. While Senegal has in the past hosted a large number of research and cooperative projects on these two livestock systems, participants noted difficulties in obtaining, centralising and harmonising the existing data. This exploratory study led to the funding of a focused case study of the agropastoral small-ruminant sector that was carried out in 2023 in partnership with national and international organisations.

Le Sénégal est un pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest comprenant à la fois des systèmes de production animale extensifs représentatifs des contraintes environnementales, économiques et sanitaires propres à la zone sahélienne, et un élevage commercial avicole et laitier en plein essor. Une étude exploratoire en prélude à une étude de cas du programme " Impact mondial des maladies animales " (GBADs) a été menée au Sénégal sur la période 2021-2022. Un état des lieux des systèmes de production animale existants, ainsi que des principales priorités et questions en termes de santé animale au niveau national, a été dressé. Un atelier national rassemblant des représentants de l'administration des productions animales et du secteur académique a eu lieu à Dakar en juin 2022 avec pour objectif de construire l'étude de cas de manière concertée. Les participants ont donné la priorité aux systèmes d'élevage bovins pastoral et petits ruminants agropastoral pour l'application du programme GBADs. Par une série d'activités, les participants ont mis en évidence les enjeux sanitaires, environnementaux, économiques et socio-politiques autour de ces systèmes qui limitent leur contribution au bien-être des ménages d'éleveurs, de consommateurs et autres acteurs de la société. Si le Sénégal a accueilli par le passé un grand nombre de projets de recherche et de coopération portant sur les deux systèmes d'élevage, les participants ont fait remonter les difficultés à obtenir, centraliser et harmoniser les données existantes. Cette étude exploratoire a débouché sur le financement d'une étude de cas focalisée sur le secteur agropastoral des petits ruminants, réalisée en 2023 en partenariat avec des organisations nationales et internationales.

Senegal es un país de África occidental con sistemas de producción animal extensivos, representativos de las limitaciones ambientales, económicas y zoosanitarias propias de la región del Sahel, y una próspera producción comercial avícola y lechera. Entre 2021 y 2022, se llevó a cabo en Senegal un estudio exploratorio como paso previo a la realización de un estudio de caso en el marco del programa sobre el impacto global de las enfermedades animales (GBADs). Se elaboró una reseña de los sistemas de producción animal existentes, así como de las principales prioridades y cuestiones en materia de sanidad animal a escala nacional. En junio de 2022, se celebró en Dakar un taller nacional que reunió a representantes del sector de la producción ganadera y el sector académico con el objetivo de elaborar conjuntamente un estudio de caso. Los participantes priorizaron los sistemas de producción pastoral de ganado vacuno y los sistemas agropastorales de pequeños rumiantes para la aplicación del programa GBADs. A través de una serie de actividades, los participantes pusieron de relieve los retos sanitarios, ambientales, económicos y sociopolíticos en torno a dichos sistemas, que limitan su contribución al bienestar de los hogares pastorales, los consumidores y otras partes interesadas. Aunque Senegal ha acogido en el pasado un gran número de proyectos de investigación y cooperación sobre estos dos sistemas ganaderos, los participantes señalaron las dificultades para obtener, centralizar y armonizar los datos existentes. Este estudio exploratorio condujo a la financiación de un estudio de caso centrado en el sector agropastoril de pequeños rumiantes que se llevó a cabo en 2023 en colaboración con organizaciones nacionales e internacionales.

Epidemiological and pathomorphologic investigation of peste des petits ruminants in Western Algeria: A comprehensive study of clinical and histopathological findings.

Background: This study delves into the epidemiology and pathomorphologic characteristics of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in western Algeria, a viral disease that constantly threatens small animals in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Aim: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the epidemiology of PPR in western Algeria and to understand the pathomorphological lesions in naturally infected small ruminants. Methods: An online survey conducted via google forms and shared with veterinarians in the wilaya of Tiaret, provided insights into the prevalence and clinical manifestations of PPR.A comprehensive examination of organs was conducted and representative tissue samples from the lungs, trachea, thymus, spleen, liver, kidney, heart, tongue, stomach, different parts of the small and large intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected and the specimen was fixed in a 10% neutral buffer formalin solution. Results: Among 2,200 small ruminants managed by expert veterinarians, 192 small ruminants exhibited clinical signs compatible with PPR, and 79 dead animals. Among the 31 sick young small ruminants, eight were confirmed to be infected with the PPR virus. Necropsies of affected animals revealed significant gross lesions in organs such as the lungs, intestines, spleen, and lymph nodes. Histopathological analysis further illuminated the severity of lesions, including interstitial pneumonia, syncytial cell formation, and severe gastroenteritis. Conclusion: The study's comprehensive approach, encompassing epidemiological data, necropsy findings, and histopathological insights, contributes valuable knowledge for understanding and managing PPR outbreaks.The pathological lesions observed in this study exhibited consistency with those previously documented in experimental studies, thereby providing support for the diagnosis based on clinical signs and disease history.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of thoracic and abdominal neoplasia in domestic ruminants: A systemic review.

There is a lack of literature on the usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and prognosis of thoracic and abdominal neoplasia in domestic ruminants, such as cattle, camels, sheep, and goats. This review aims to shed light on the current applications and prospects of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of thoracic and abdominal neoplasia in domestic ruminants. The scientific literature on ultrasonographic evaluation of the thoracic and abdominal neoplasia in domestic ruminants has been systematically reviewed to verify the potential role of ultrasonography in diagnosing such neoplasia. Based on the literature results, cattle (71.03%) were the most affected animals by thoracic and abdominal neoplasia, followed by sheep (11.86%), goats (11.57%), and camels (5.54%). In all included species, the abdominal neoplasia was more frequent (6.18%) than the thoracic neoplasia (2.97%), and the most frequent neoplasms were forestomach neoplasia. It is concluded that ultrasonography is not widely used in diagnosing thoracic and abdominal neoplasia in ruminant practice. Using ultrasonography in conjunction with guided needle aspiration and biopsy can offer veterinarians the opportunity for more precise diagnosis and treatment decisions guidance of thoracic and abdominal neoplasia in domesticated ruminants.

An agroecological approach to preparation and use of a milk protein production baseline.

Commercial dairy production occurs in a complex management environment, but increasingly, the dairy manager is expected to provide detailed reporting of productivity and environmental outcomes, for which conventional research methods double-blind crossover or case:control trials are inappropriate. This paper demonstrates the development of a milk protein production monitoring tool using a temporal (baseline) control in longitudinal, census-type investigations of modulation of system performance in response to factor change. It utilises farm-derived current and historical data, and contrasts seasonal responses with those achieved on neighbouring farms in a 2 × 2 contingency table. The approach is then shown to be useful in assessing the effect of two approaches to moderating milk urea concentration. Firstly, milk urea content can be monitored as it falls due to reduced feed protein content, and this fall can be arrested when milk protein content starts to decline relative to the value expected for the herd at any lactation stage. Secondly, by providing a dietary intervention aimed at increasing the availability of metabolic energy in the last month before calving, udder development can be augmented, leading to greater protein secretion capacity, meaning greater utilisation of circulating amino acids, and thus more limited substrate for urea synthesis. Thus, the changing impact of differing nutrition practices on dairy herd nitrogen excretion to environment can be followed with daily precision. In principle this approach can provide useful insights into a wide range of practical management interventions.

Enteric methane emissions from zebu cattle are influenced by seasonal variations in rangeland fodder quality and intake.

Rangeland fodder resources used to feed ruminants in the Sahel decline considerably in both quantity and quality from the wet to dry seasons. While it is widely assumed worldwide that this seasonality of fodder supply impacts intake levels and therefore enteric methane (eCH4) emissions, there are very few references based on in vivo measurements of eCH4 in this region. The purpose of this study was to test the assumption that the seasonality of fodder supply impacts intake levels and consequently eCH4 in ruminants. Thus, eCH4 was measured in vivo in Sudanese Fulani zebu cattle during three main seasons of the year (wet season: WS, cold dry season: CDS, and hot dry season: HDS). The experiment was carried out on 10 steers aged 32 months with an average (± SD) initial BW of 138 ± 5.8 kg (i.e. 0.55 Tropical Livestock Unit - TLU) and kept in individual pens. Animals were fed with natural rangeland fodder harvested each season following herders' practices, i.e. green fodder in the WS and dry fodder hay in the CDS and HDS. Different levels of fodder were offered to the animals to reproduce the gradient of fodder availability on rangelands over the year (six trials): 3.3% BW during the CDS; 3.3, 2.3, and 1.4% BW successively during the HDS; and 2.3% in two sequential studies in the WS. Each trial lasted 3 weeks, split into 2 weeks of fodder adaptation and 1 week of data collection. The BW, quantity of voluntary DM intake, digestibility of DM digestibility and of OM digestibility, and eCH4 (GreenFeed® system) were measured for each animal. Fodder composition varied considerably between seasons (P < 0.05). The DM intake (g/kg BW per day) varied from 23.9 in CDS to 15.7 in HDS and 22.3 in WS (P < 0.001). The DM digestibility varied from 0.50 in CDS to 0.46 in HDS and 0.57 in WS. The eCH4 yields (g/kg DM intake per day) varied significantly from 25.2 in the CDS to 31.8 in the HDS and 20.5 in the WS. When extrapolated over a full year and irrespective of season, eCH4 emissions for steers amounted to 68.1 g/d (24.6 g/kg DM intake per day, 46.7 ± 3.34 kg of eCH4/TLU per year). Variations in the various parameters recorded in different areas and during the main seasons must therefore be accounted for in national inventories to refine eCH4 data for ruminants in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Heat Stress Management in Ruminant Livestock.

Heat stress impacts ruminant livestock production on varied levels in this alarming climate breakdown scenario. The drastic effects of the global climate change-associated heat stress in ruminant livestock demands constructive evaluation of animal performance bordering on effective monitoring systems. In this climate-smart digital age, adoption of advanced and developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is gaining traction for efficient heat stress management. AI has widely penetrated the climate sensitive ruminant livestock sector due to its promising and plausible scope in assessing production risks and the climate resilience of ruminant livestock. Significant improvement has been achieved alongside the adoption of novel AI algorithms to evaluate the performance of ruminant livestock. These AI-powered tools have the robustness and competence to expand the evaluation of animal performance and help in minimising the production losses associated with heat stress in ruminant livestock. Advanced heat stress management through automated monitoring of heat stress in ruminant livestock based on behaviour, physiology and animal health responses have been widely accepted due to the evolution of technologies like machine learning (ML), neural networks and deep learning (DL). The AI-enabled tools involving automated data collection, pre-processing, data wrangling, development of appropriate algorithms, and deployment of models assist the livestock producers in decision-making based on real-time monitoring and act as early-stage warning systems to forecast disease dynamics based on prediction models. Due to the convincing performance, precision, and accuracy of AI models, the climate-smart livestock production imbibes AI technologies for scaled use in the successful reducing of heat stress in ruminant livestock, thereby ensuring sustainable livestock production and safeguarding the global economy.

Metagenomic insights into the mechanistic differences of plant polyphenols and nitrocompounds in reducing methane emissions using the rumen simulation technique.

Methane (CH4) emissions from ruminants contribute significantly to greenhouse gas levels and also result in considerable feed energy losses. Plant polyphenols and nitrocompounds are two typical types of methane inhibitors. The study investigates the mechanistic differences between 2-nitroethanol (NE) and proanthocyanidins (PAC) in reducing methane emissions from ruminant livestock using the rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) combined with metagenomic analyses. The experiment was performed as a complete randomized block design with 3 runs. Run was used as a blocking factor. The treatments included a control (CON) with no additive, NE at 0.5 g/kg dry matter (DM), and PAC at 20 g/kg DM, all incubated in vitro for 24 h (h) with eight replicates per treatment. The results showed that NE significantly reduced CH4 production by 94.9 % (P < 0.01) and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration by 11.1 % (P < 0.05) compared to the control. NE also decreased the acetate-to-propionate ratio (A/P) from 1.93 to 1.60 (P < 0.01), indicating a shift towards more efficient fermentation. In contrast, PAC reduced methane production by 11.7 % (P < 0.05) and decreased the A/P (P < 0.05) while maintaining microbial diversity and fermentation stability, with no significant impact on TVFA concentration (P > 0.05). Metagenomic analysis revealed that NE markedly suppressed the abundance of key genera involved in carbohydrate metabolism, including Prevotella and Bacteroides, leading to reduced acetate and butyrate pathways. NE also selectively inhibited methanogenic archaea, particularly Methanobrevibacter spp., which are integral to the hydrogenotrophic pathway (P < 0.01). On the other hand, PAC showed selective inhibition of Methanosphaera spp., targeting the methylotrophic pathway (P < 0.01). These findings provide valuable insights into the distinct microbial and metabolic pathways modulated by NE and PAC, offering potential strategies for developing effective dietary interventions to mitigate methane emissions in ruminant livestock.

Diagnostic utility of ultrasonography for thoracic and abdominal bacterial and parasitic diseases in ruminants: a comprehensive overview.

This review article describes the roles of ultrasound in assessing thoracic and abdominal infectious diseases, mainly bacterial and parasitic ones that affect farm animals, including cattle, camels, sheep, and goats. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging technique used to diagnose infectious diseases affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and hepatobiliary systems. In cases of thoracic and abdominal infections, ultrasound typically reveals abnormalities in echogenicity and echotexture, the presence of unusual artifacts, and mass formation exerting pressure on surrounding structures. Inflammatory and degenerative changes within the viscera can be identified ultrasonographically by comparing the echogenicity of affected areas with that of the surrounding normal parenchyma, such as in fascioliasis. Bacterial and parasitic infections often result in capsular mass lesions with anechoic contents, as observed in hydatid cysts and cysticercosis, or varying echogenic contents, as observed in liver abscesses. Effusions within the pericardium, pleura, and peritoneum are common ultrasonographic findings in infectious thoracic and abdominal diseases. However, these effusions' echogenicity does not always allow for clear differentiation between transudates and exudates. The routine use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of the chest and abdomen in affected or suspected ruminants is highly beneficial for detection, guiding therapeutic decisions, assessing prognosis, and aiding in the eradication of highly contagious diseases that cause significant economic losses.

Soybean oil, linoleic acid source, in lamb diets: carcass traits and meat quality.

We developed a study to determine the ideal level of inclusion of soybean oil (SBOil) in the diet without affecting the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the carcass and meat of lambs in a feedlot system; therefore, determining the ideal level of inclusion. Forty male lambs (Santa Inês breed) were used. The initial body weight and age averaged 34.88 ± 3.19 kg and 5 months, respectively. Experimental units (lambs) were randomly distributed in 5 different diets: inclusion levels of SBOil: 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The SOil inclusion reduced the DM intake (P < 0.001), Total digestible nutrients (P = 0.004), and crude protein (P < 0.001). Total weight gain (P < 0.001) decreased with the SBOil inclusion and subcutaneous fat thickness (P = 0.017) showed the same behaviour. The final body weight decreased by 42.9 g/kgDM until the inclusion level of 30 g/kgDM; from this level it was reduced by 145 g/kgDM. The hot and cold carcass weights (P = 0.013) decreased by 36.6 g/kgDM after including 30 g/kgDM of SBOil. Meat physicochemical composition was not altered (P > 0.05). Lower meat tenderness values ​​were obtained at the levels of 60 and 90 g/kgDM. The inclusion above 30 g/kgDM decreased meat tenderness. It is concluded that soybean oil should be included up to 30 g/kgDM in diets. It is important to note that with diets with 60% concentrate, SBOil levels greater than 30 g/kgDM promote yield losses.

Udder health, bacterial isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity of Staphylococcus species from non-dairy goats on smallholder farms in Hong Kong.

This research article describes an investigation into the udder health, bacterial isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity of three staphylococcal species isolated from the milk of non-dairy goats, suckling their kids, on two smallholder farms in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Udder lesions were visually noted in 21 of 34 goats and two goats had palpable abnormalities. Collected milk samples grew a total of 11 bacterial organisms and the most frequently isolated organism was Staphylococcus chromogenes. Selected isolates of S. aureus, caprae and simulans from both farms were tested by antimicrobial sensitivity testing for 23 antimicrobials and all isolates showed antimicrobial resistance to doxycycline and tetracycline. Less common resistance was shown to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, penicillin and rifampicin. This preliminary study confirms the presence of udder lesions and mastitis bacteria in non-dairy goats in Hong Kong, along with the first information on the antimicrobial profile of three common Staphylococcus species bacteria affecting goats.

Sustainable ruminant nutrition in West Africa by in vitro characterization of cashew apple by-products.

Cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale L.) are planted for primarily their nuts, but they also generate apples which are mostly thrown away due to their astringent taste. The current study aimed to explore the possible utilization of cashew apple by-products (CABP) in West Africa as an alternative feedstuff for small ruminants' nutrition. To achieve this aim, five parts of cashew apple by-products (whole, up, down and middle part, and pomace) of two cashew varieties (red and yellow) were collected in two different agroecological zones (Sudanian Zone, SZ and Sudano-Guinea Zone, SZ) to be characterized for the chemical composition, including polyphenols and sugars, and the in vitro fermentation pattern. In general, the results showed that CABP characteristics depend more on sampling area than on variety. The dry matter (DM) in SZ and SGZ varied from 12.76 to 26.10 % and 7.41-22.9 %, respectively. The pomace showed the highest crude protein, lipids, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content (SZ: 9.48, 3.94 and 31.66 % DM; SGZ: 14.03, 4.94 and 34.12 % DM, respectively) but the lowest nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) and sugar for both zones. Regarding the in vitro fermentation, the organic matter degradability (dOM) was higher in the middle part (73.73 %) and whole apple (61.62 %) of SZ and SGZ, respectively. In contrast, the pomace from both zones showed the lowest in vitro fermentation parameters. The total polyphenols were more concentrated in the CABP from SZ (whole: 2736 µg/g DW; pomace: 3813 µg/g DW) compared to those from SGZ (whole: 1755 µg/g DW; pomace: 1374 µg/g DW). Results suggest that CABP should be collected in each cultivation zone regardless of variety, separating pomace from other by-products and may be used as alternative feedstuff for small ruminants during the dry season in the West Africa region.

Ruminant livestock TR V(D)J genes and CDR3 repertoire.

Ruminant livestock exhibit certain immune characteristics that make them valuable models for studying T cell receptor diversity and immune responses. This resistance is attributed to their well-developed immune system, comprising both innate and adaptive components. In this review, we delve into the intricate workings of the immune system of ruminant livestock, focusing on innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Specifically, we discuss the TR V(D)J genes (including TRB, TRG, and TRA/D chain) and the characteristics of the complementary determining region 3 (CDR3) repertoire in bovine and ovine species, shedding light on the diversity and functionality of the T-cell receptor(TCR) repertoire in these species. Understanding the distinct features of these germline genes and CDR3 repertoires is essential for unraveling the complexities of immune responses in ruminant livestock. Lastly, we outline future prospects in this field, emphasizing the importance of further research to enhance our understanding of ruminant livestock immunity and its potential applications in disease management, vaccine development, and breeding strategies.

Biofermentation of aquatic plants: Potential novel feed ingredients for dairy cattle production.

The study assessed the impacts of aquatic plant silages on feeding efficiency and dairy cattle health as an alternative to conventional corn silage under high altitude conditions. Mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to treatment groups according to a randomized complete block design of parity, previous 105-d milk yield, and body weight. Cows (n = 8 per group) were fed with aquatic plant silage inoculated with Bacillus subtilis (BS), Yeast (YS), or conventional corn silage without inoculants (control) in addition to [standard grain feed] for 75 consecutive days. BS and YS had higher protein contents than control silage (111.20 ± 7.68, 112.10 ± 6.83 vs 76.94 ± 3.48 g/kg DM), while feeding efficiency was comparable between treatments (1.07, 0.99, and 0.90, respectively). In addition, the addition of aquatic plant silage in ruminant diets enhanced immunity and antioxidant capacity when compared with control group. Metagenomic analysis showed similar composition in rumen microbiota between YS and control groups, with higher enrichment for energy and nitrogen utilization pathways in YS-treated cows. This study highlights the use of aquatic plant silage as an alternative feed for dairy cattle with higher protein than corn silage. Our results suggest YS or BS could potentially boost immune and antioxidant functions, improving adaptation to high-altitudes and reducing demand for high input corn production on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Liver transcriptome and proteome are modulated by nutrient restriction in early lactation cows challenged with intramammary lipopolysaccharide.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of nutrient restriction on liver function 24 h after an intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in early lactation cows using transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Multiparous Holstein cows were fed a lactation diet (CONT, n = 8) throughout the study or were switched to a diet diluted with barley straw (48 % DM) for 96 h (REST, n = 8) starting at 24 (18 to 30) days in milk. At 72 h, a healthy rear mammary quarter was infused with 50 µg of LPS in all cows. Blood and liver biopsies were collected at 96 h, corresponding to 24 h after LPS challenge. Liver transcriptome was analyzed with a 44 K bovine microarray and proteome by LC MS/MS. Transcriptomic and proteomic data were analyzed using GeneSpring (moderated t-test with Westfall-Young correction) and the "between subject design", respectively. Data mining was performed using Panther and Pathway Studio software. By design, the negative energy balance was -68 and -37 MJ/d in REST and CONT, respectively. Plasma non-esterified FAs, and ß-hydroxybutyrate were significantly greater in REST compared to CONT, which is consistent with 96 h of nutrient restriction in REST and ketosis induction. We detected 77 and 91 differentially expressed genes at mRNA and protein levels, respectively, between CONT and REST. Genes involved in fatty acid synthesis (e.g.: ACAT, FASN, SCD) were downregulated in REST, whereas those involved in fatty acid oxidation, detoxification, cholesterol synthesis, lipoprotein lipid secretion, and gluconeogenesis (e.g.: ACAD, CPT1A, CPT1B, CPT2) were upregulated. Differentially abundant mRNAs and proteins were consistent with negative energy balance and plasma metabolite concentrations, and reflected a state of intense lipomobilization, glucose deficit and ketogenesis in REST cows. Nutrient restriction did not change in deep liver expression of genes directly involved in immune function 24 h after an intramammary LPS challenge.

In silico docking and molecular dynamics for the discovery of inhibitors of enteric methane production in ruminants: a review.

The increase in methane emissions, a major greenhouse gas, threatens human well-being and global ecosystems due to its contribution to global warming. Livestock, particularly ruminants, have been a major research topic in recent decades due to their methane production. Therefore, the objective of the current review was to comprehensively discuss the in silico techniques used to mitigate methane production from ruminants. The review covers the principles of in silico docking and molecular dynamics, which can be used to develop methanogenesis inhibitors. It also discusses specific methanogen enzymes as potential targets for inhibitor development. Furthermore, in silico-based methanogenesis inhibitor development studies have been reviewed with the authors' opinions. The further use of in silico-based research techniques, including artificial intelligence-based systems, is encouraged to help reduce methane production from livestock more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Management Practices and Udder Health in California Sheep Flocks and Seroprevalence of Small Ruminant Lentivirus.

(1) Background: Information is lacking on small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) status, prevalence, risk factors, and control measures for mastitis in California ewes. The goal of this survey was to outline characteristics of the sheep industry in California related to udder health and mastitis management. (2) Methods: An online survey consisting of 48 questions was completed by respondents between April 2022 and February 2023. Descriptive analysis and chi-squared tests were conducted to evaluate associations between variables. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) of general management practices, udder health management, and flock demographics was performed to assess clustering. A subset of respondents (20) participated in SRLV serology testing. (3) Results: Seventy-one completed surveys were submitted. The MCA showed two clusters. Larger flock sizes, the use of breeding ewes for meat or wool production or contract grazing, and extensive management practices were more closely related to >5% udder abnormalities per lactation and ≥5% orphan lambs. The flock-level seroprevalence of SRLV was 75% (15/20), and ewe-level seroprevalence was 14.1% (183/1106). (4) Conclusions: The results of this study highlight areas that need further research, such as exploring differences in mastitis and SRLV incidences among management systems, the efficacy of mastitis treatments, and education on critical timepoints for mastitis diagnosis and control.

Effect of Agro-Industrial by Products Derived from Volatile Fatty Acids on Ruminant Feed In Vitro Digestibility.

The growing demand for sustainable ruminant feed alternatives has motivated the application of bioconversion approaches for the valorization of agro-food byproducts (AFB) into feed additives and supplements. The present study thoroughly investigated substituting volatile fatty acids (VFAs) obtained from acidogenic fermentation (AF) of AFB as an energy source in ruminant feed. Rumen in vitro digestibility assays were conducted utilizing the gas production method, wherein the VFAs obtained from AF of apple pomace and potato protein liquor was substituted with partial silage and concentrate energy at levels of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The results indicate that substituting 20% of the concentrate's energy with VFA mixture significantly reduced methane production and had no adverse effect on the production and accumulation of VFAs in the simulated rumen media. Conversely, replacing 10% of the silage energy with VFAs led to a decrease in methane production and further enhanced the production of VFAs. Readily digestible VFAs in ruminant feed have the potential to enhance energy availability and sustainability in ruminant farming practices, aligning with the principles of circular economy and waste valorization.

Recent Developments in the Application of Filamentous Fungus Aspergillus oryzae in Ruminant Feed.

The resource-intensive nature of the ruminant farming sector, which has been exacerbated by population growth and increasing pressure to reduce feed antibiotics and growth promoters, has sparked interest in looking for sustainable alternative feed sources to enhance ruminant production efficiency. Edible filamentous fungi, rich in macronutrients like proteins, offer promise in reducing the reliance on conventional protein sources and antimicrobials to improve feed quality and animal performance. The inclusion of single-cell proteins, particularly filamentous fungi, in ruminant feed has long been of scientific and industrial interest. This review focuses on the potential application of the extensively studied Aspergillus oryzae and its fermentation extracts in ruminant nutrition. It provides an overview of conventional ruminant feed ingredients, supplements, and efficiency. Additionally, this review analyzes the re-utilization of organic residues for A. oryzae cultivation and examines the effects of adding fungal extracts to ruminant feed on ruminal digestibility and animal performance, all within a circular bioeconomy framework.