Short-term whole safflower seed supplementation was evaluated in anestrous ewes. Ewes were synchronized using a 7 d progestagen-based protocol during the non-breeding season. Safflower seed supplementation did not improve estrus, pregnancy, lambing rate, or litter size. Serum estradiol increased and PGFM (13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2α) decreased over time in both experimental groups. Whole safflower seed cannot be recommended as a short-term nutritional adjunct for improving out-of-season reproductive performance in ewes.

This study evaluated a selection index based on body weight, shank length, and breast width to improve turkey performance, examining its relationship with growth hormone (GH) gene expression. Selected turkeys showed higher expected genetic gains and significantly increased GH expression in both sexes, indicating a positive association between GH expression and body weight, and its potential use as a genetic selection marker.

In this study, meat quality parameters in Lalahan sheep, a new genotype, were examined in detail at different slaughter weights. In addition, the expression levels of certain genes important for fat metabolism were evaluated in detail in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. 

Semantic modelling is a procedure that can be used to assess overall animal welfare. Through the selection of scientific statements, semantic models can generate overall welfare scores. Our objective was to provide guidelines to make semantic modelling more formalised and transparent and to facilitate the use of this methodology to assess (farm) animal welfare. Ultimately, those guidelines should aid (new) modellers in applying the principles of semantic modelling in a standardised way.

We developed the ANyWEL (ANimal WELfare assessment of anY farm animal) model for improved semantic modelling. The model allows for the synthesis of scientific information about animal welfare. Housing conditions can be compared and ranked and welfare-relevant properties can be distinguished. We explain how this procedure works through a fictitious animal species. Herewith, semantic modelling becomes more transparent with regard to how scientific knowledge can be used to produce overall welfare scores.

Buffalo milk is valued for its rich flavor and high nutrition. However, the lag in genetic research has limited the utilization of buffalo lactation traits. This study found that ESR1 (estrogen receptor alpha) supports cell growth and health, enhances milk fat and protein production, and reduces cell damage. This work offers new insights for breeding and management to improve milk yield and quality, supporting more sustainable dairy production for farmers and consumers globally.

The research was performed on 30 adult Lika Pramenka sheep, aiming to determine the influence of physiological stage on blood metabolic profile. Changes in blood indicators were expressed in heavily pregnant and lactating sheep. This research suggests that studies should include physiological status and feed quality in the determination of the metabolic profile of sheep's blood in order to obtain the best possible information on the herd.