Buffalo milk is favoured by consumers due to its higher nutritional components, as well as its rich and mellow flavour. However, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of lactation traits in buffalo remains limited. In this study, we systematically investigated the regulatory effects of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) on lactation-related functions in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) using overexpression and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing strategies. Our results demonstrated that ESR1PPARG, LPL, PLIN2, VLDLR, ADFP, CD36), milk protein synthesis (CSN1S1, CSN1S2, RPS6, RHEB, EIF4E, AKT1), and cell proliferation (STAT5A, MTOR, ELF5, CCND1, EGF, IGF1). Concurrently, silencing ESR1BAX, CASP9) and downregulated the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2. Conversely, ESR1ESR1ESR1
The research was performed on 30 adult clinically healthy Lika Pramenka sheep, aiming to determine the influence of late pregnancy and lactation on blood metabolic profile and complete blood count. Sheep were, on average, 5 years old, in the fourth lactation. The sheep were fed meadow hay at an amount of 1.8 kg d−1g d−1. Blood was sampled during the late-pregnancy stage of the sheep (on the 20th day before lambing) and during the lactation period on the 40th, 70th and 100th days. Complete blood counts determined in this research were the blood cell counts; hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT) and erythrocyte constants; and differential blood count. Biochemical analyses in sheep blood serum determined concentrations of minerals, metabolites and enzyme activities. This research proved that the late pregnancy and lactation had a significant influence on the indicators of the sheep's blood metabolic profile and complete blood count. Significant changes in complete blood count were particularly expressed in late-pregnancy and lactating sheep in the first measurements, especially in terms of values of RBCs (red blood cells), HGB, HCT, PLTs (platelets), lymphocytes and neutrophils; indicators of energy (NEFAs or non-esterified fatty acids, glucose and triglycerides), protein (TP or total protein, ALB or albumin, urea) and mineral status (Ca, P-inorganic); and liver status (changes in most liver enzymes). Moreover, the quality of feed (protein and mineral content) plays an important role in the determination of the blood metabolic profile and complete blood count of sheep during late pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, this research suggests that studies should include late pregnancy and lactation and feed quality in the determination of the metabolic profile and complete blood count of sheep's blood in order to obtain the best possible information on the herd.
To obtain genetic parameters relevant for the management of animal genetic resources, this study provides a comparative characterization of the Trakehner (TRAK) horse population in relation to four other horse populations maintained in Lithuania – Arabian (ARAB), Baltic Warmblood (BW), Lithuanian Warmblood (LW), and Zemaitukai (ZEM). These populations represent diverse histories, selection goals, and breeding practices. Pedigree data (n= 22 666) and parentage verification genetic data based on blood group markers (n= 1293) were used to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure, and inter-population relationships. Despite a 25 % population decline in recent years, the TRAK population maintained moderate inbreeding (F= 0.037) and a balanced genetic structure. The effective population size (Ne) was lower than in BW and LW but higher than in the endangered ZEM population. TRAK retained a high number of alleles (Na= 3.83), with observed heterozygosity (Ho= 0.460) slightly lower than that observed in open sport horse populations. Comparison of all individuals and the Lithuanian reference populations revealed stable or increased heterozygosity in currently breeding individuals, particularly within TRAK. Genetic distances and assignment tests confirmed close relationships among TRAK, BW, and LW, reflecting shared ancestry. In contrast, ARAB and ZEM populations remained genetically distinct. PCA and heatmap analyses further supported the separation between closed and open populations in the current breeding context. These findings highlight that population structure, historical gene flow, and management practices jointly shape genetic variability. The results can be used to optimize mating plans by balancing sire and dam contributions, monitor inbreeding and effective population size trends, manage gene flow between related populations (TRAK, BW, LW), and develop targeted conservation strategies for genetically distinct breeds such as ZEM and ARAB.
The content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) is significantly associated with the flavor, taste, and nutritional value of beef. Adipose tissue (AT) develops in multiple depots, and the UFA content of AT varies among different depots. To elucidate the regulatory role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in UFA synthesis across different AT depots in buffaloes, we conducted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on AT samples from six distinct depots. A total of 8926 lncRNAs were identified and 1363 of them were novel. The numbers of lncRNAs identified in different AT depots were similar. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), a module including 207 lncRNAs with a high correlation with UFA content was revealed. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these lncRNAs were significantly enriched in fat deposition and fatty acid metabolism. Notably, two lncRNAs (MSTRG.11229 and MSTRG.16994) were further identified. Both lncRNAs exhibited predominant expression in sternum subcutaneous AT (SSAT) and were upregulated during adipogenic differentiation in SSAT-derived adipocytes. What is more, the expressions of the two lncRNAs presented a high correlation to adipogenesis and UFA synthesis genes as well as UFA content. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive atlas of lncRNA profiles across six AT depots and identifies two lncRNAs with high correlation with UFA content in buffaloes. These findings offer valuable insights and lncRNAs for the regulation of UFA synthesis in buffaloes.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress and nighttime temperature drop on oocyte yield and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) success. The study was conducted on Holstein heifers within the same herd, under similar management and feeding conditions. Each session of ovum pick-up (OPU) was classified into continuous heat stress (CHS; THImax ≥72≥68), high daytime temperature–humidity index (THI) with nighttime recovery (HDT-NR; THImax ≥72<68), and thermoneutral (TN; THImax <72<68) groups based on environmental THI values. The TN group was found to have a greater number of small- to medium-sized follicles and a higher total number of follicles in comparison to the CHS group (p<0.05). In terms of oocyte yield, the numbers of grade-A, total, and viable oocytes were found to be higher in the TN and HDT-NR groups than in the CHS group (p<0.05). The assessment of the IVEP revealed that the mean number of blastocysts per OPU was lower in the CHS group (p<0.05). Consequently, even when the daytime maximum THI was high, nighttime cooling, reflected by a lower mean THI, appeared to preserve OPU and IVEP performance without adverse effects. Therefore, during the summer season, when the likelihood of heat stress is increased, considering nighttime recovery while planning and conducting in vitro embryo production processes may be an important criterion for improving production success.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of pregnancy type, genotype, and parturition stage on sheep behavior. It also examined how pregnancy type and genotype influence labor characteristics. These evaluations were necessary because the length and difficulty of the early stages of parturition can impact the ewe's condition and parturition-related behavior, potentially disrupting the development of ewe–lamb bonding, which plays a critical role in neonatal lamb survival. Behavioral data were collected via video recordings from three sheep genotypes. The average lying and standing frequencies (hourly posture changes) during the first and second stages of parturition were 3.62 ± 0.33 and 8.53 ± 1.35, respectively (P<0.001). In the first stage, these frequencies were 4.39 ± 0.51 for singleton pregnancies and 2.85 ± 0.38 for twin pregnancies (P= 0.041). During the second stage, the frequencies were 12.64 ± 2.35 for singleton pregnancies and 4.42 ± 0.59 for twin pregnancies (P= 0.013). The duration of the second stage of parturition was significantly affected by pregnancy type (P= 0.009), averaging 48.18 ± 11.39 min for singleton pregnancies and 90.09 ± 10.09 min for twin pregnancies. Genotype had no significant effect on the duration of the second stage of parturition (P= 0.782). Time of day had an impact (P= 0.002), with 18:00–00:00 (Türkiye, UTC+3) being the period with the highest proportion of births (41.56 %). In conclusion, parturition-related behaviors are generally influenced by pregnancy type and stage of labor, while genotype appears to have minimal effect. The lying and standing frequencies per hour may serve as a useful indicator for predicting pregnancy type and timing of delivery.
Dietary supplementation with feed additives may influence intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in grazing cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with capsaicin and/or monensin on intake, nutrient digestibility, energy balance, blood parameters, ruminal kinetics, ingestive behavior, and ruminal fermentation of grazing bulls. Four crossbred (Holstein × Zebu) bulls (375 ± 14 kg body weight (BW); 24 ± 1 months of age), fitted with rumen cannulas, were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design and maintained on 1.2 ha of Pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) pasture with supplementation at 0.3 % of BW. The bulls were allocated to the following treatments: (1) control (CON): supplementation without additives; (2) capsaicin (CAP): supplementation including 100 mg kg−1®, NutriQuest, São Paulo, Brazil); (3) monensin (MON): supplementation including 20 mg kg−1®, Huvepharma, Bulgaria); and (4) capsaicin + monensin (CAPMON): supplementation including sodium monensin (20 mg kg−1−1tdNDF) than those supplemented with CAP. Bulls receiving CAPMON spent more time grazing (min d−1) compared with those supplemented with CAP and MON. In addition, bulls supplemented with CAP and MON exhibited higher ruminal pH and lower propionate concentration than those supplemented with CAPMON. The use of capsaicin and/or monensin at the evaluated doses may be applied in animal production.
This study examined the effects of subclinical pregnancy toxemia (SPT) on follicular development and evaluated the protective potential of dietary L-carnitine supplementation in ewes. Eighteen crossbred Hamdani ewes underwent estrous synchronization, natural mating, and pregnancy confirmation via ultrasonography on day 45 post mating. The ewes were fed according to the National Research Council (NRC) (2007) guidelines until day 100 of gestation, after which they were assigned to one of three groups: SPT (G1, n=6), SPT+L-carnitine (G2, n=6), and control (G3, n=6). Blood β-hydroxybutyrate (βHBA) levels were measured on days 100 and 138. Following slaughter, ovarian tissues were collected, processed, stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin, and imaged for histometric analysis. Follicle types, oocyte diameters, and zona pellucida (ZP) thickness were recorded. Primordial follicle numbers did not differ significantly among groups (p>0.05). Primary follicles tended to be higher in G1 compared to G2 and G3, but this was not statistically significant (p<0.05). Secondary follicles differed significantly, with G2 exhibiting higher counts than G1 and G3 (p<0.05), indicating enhanced secondary follicle development with L-carnitine supplementation. Antral follicles were low across all groups, with no significant differences (p>0.05), consistent with limited preovulatory follicle formation during pregnancy. Atretic follicles were more numerous in G1 than in G2 and G3 (p<0.05), suggesting increased follicular regression in ewes with subclinical pregnancy toxemia (SPT). Secondary follicle oocyte diameters were larger in G2 and G3 than in G1 (p<0.05), while antral follicle oocyte diameters showed no significant differences (p>0.05). ZP thickness tended to be higher in G3 for both secondary and antral follicles, although differences were not significant between groups (p>0.05). Pairwise effect sizes (Cohen's d) also indicated a large effect of L-carnitine on secondary follicle and antral follicle development, and oocyte diameter; and a negative effect of subclinical pregnancy toxemia on follicle development. These results highlight the importance of adequate nutrition and metabolic support during late gestation and suggest that L-carnitine supplementation may
Dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation of chickens may be a tool to reduce heat stress and its associated consequences. This study aims to investigate the effect of supplementation with various levels of inorganic and organic Cr on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in broiler chickens subjected to cyclic heat stress. A total of 245 as-hatched, 1 d old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to seven treatments, each with seven replicates of five birds. The control group received a basal diet without Cr supplementation. In the six other groups, chickens were fed a basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, and 400 ppb of organic and inorganic Cr. From days 25 to 42 d of age, the birds were subjected to heat stress for 3 consecutive days per week. Within chromium-supplemented treatments, the interaction between source and level of Cr influenced body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.01), with the best values obtained at 400 ppb of organic Cr and 100 ppb of inorganic Cr. Dietary supplementation with organic Cr resulted in higher apparent digestibility (AD) of organic matter (OM; P<0.05) and crude protein (CP; P<0.01), while Cr levels (P<0.01) affected AD of OM, CP, and ether extract (EE), with the best values observed at 200 and 400 ppb of Cr. Supplementation with 400 ppb of organic Cr or 100 ppb of inorganic Cr improved the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens raised under heat stress conditions. These findings align with the objective of the study and support the use of source-specific chromium supplementation strategies to mitigate cyclic heat stress in broilers.
Donggala cattle (Bos indicus), an indigenous Indonesian breed, possess strong adaptability to tropical stressors and favourable reproductive traits, making them a strategic focus for genetic improvement via artificial insemination (AI). However, optimizing AI success is constrained by variable semen quality following cryopreservation. This research examined the relationship between the abundance of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) at both the mRNA and protein levels and post-thaw sperm quality, aiming to assess its viability as a molecular marker of motility in Donggala bulls. A total of six Donggala bulls were included in this study, representing the entire available population at the study site. Based on progressive motility evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), the bulls were classified into two groups: good motility and poor motility. Comprehensive semen quality assessments were conducted, including viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation, and protamine deficiency. HSP70 abundance at both the transcript (RT-qPCR) and protein (enzyme immunoassay) levels was quantified in cryopreserved sperm. Bulls in the good-motility group demonstrated significantly higher values for progressive and total motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, and DNA integrity (P<0.05), as well as elevated HSP70 mRNA and protein abundance. Correlation analyses revealed strong positive associations between HSP70 expression and key sperm quality parameters, particularly progressive motility (R2>0.86) and acrosome integrity (R2>0.67). These findings suggest that HSP70 enhances sperm resilience to cryopreservation-induced oxidative stress by stabilizing membranes, proteins, and DNA. This study is the first to characterize HSP70 abundance in Donggala bulls, providing foundational evidence of its utility as a motility biomarker. Incorporating HSP70 profiling into sire selection may improve AI outcomes and support the sustainable propagation of this valuable native breed.
The ability of spermatozoa to penetrate the egg and their competitiveness in the female reproductive organs may depend on their dimensions and shape, and these are often related to the characteristics of the ejaculate. This study aimed to assess the degree of dependence of the morphological features of spermatozoa on sperm concentration in the ejaculate of the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). The research material consisted of ejaculates collected once by manual stimulation from 20 1-year-old foxes. All ejaculates were analysed for standard parameters (volume, sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate). Morphometric measurements of spermatozoa were also performed, on the basis of which spermatozoa shape indexes were calculated. It has been shown that the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate affects the morphological characteristics of male Arctic fox sperm. A high concentration of sperm favours the development of minor morphological changes. As the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate increases, the percentage of spermatozoa with major morphological changes decreases. The most common morphological anomaly of sperm in the ejaculates is the “Dag-like” defect, which is most common in ejaculates with the lowest sperm concentration. It has also been shown that, as sperm concentration increases, the dimensions of spermatozoa heads and tails decrease. Sperm concentration affects the shape of Arctic fox sperm. As sperm concentration in ejaculate increases, the ellipticity and elongation indicators decrease, while the head length 
Genetic crossbreeding and advanced management have substantially improved swine productivity, yet reproductive outcomes in commercial herds remain strongly influenced by environmental and genetic factors. This study quantified these effects on key farrowing and lactation traits in multiparous sows under intensive production, identifying genetic lines that sustain high performance under variable conditions. Farrowing year (FY) and parity number (PN) significantly influenced all farrowing traits and most lactation traits (P<0.05). Genetic group (GG) affected total piglets born (TPBs), piglets born alive (PBAs), and total litter birth weight (TLBW) (P<0.05). Sow weight at farrowing (SWF) and gestation length (GL) exerted linear effects on TPBs (βSWF = 0.01996 piglets per kg; βGL = −0.5344 piglets per day) and PBAs (βSWF = 0.01560; βGL = −0.5248). Cross-fostering increased piglet weight at day 21 (LWW21) and number of piglets weaned (NPWs) (P<0.0001). Insemination season (IS) affected stillborn piglets (SPs) (P=0.0152) and average weaning piglet birth weight (AWPW) (P=0.0078), while season farrowing (SF) influenced AWPW and NPWs (P<0.0001P=0.0447, respectively). Estimates of heritabilities (h2) were low for most traits (0.00–0.07) but moderate for LWW21 (0.21) and AWPW (0.13). Farrowing year and parity number are dominant non-genetic drivers of prolificacy and litter growth in intensive systems. Integrating optimized reproductive management, cross-fostering protocols, and sow body condition control with targeted genetic selection and enhanced nutrition and climate regulation offers a strategic pathway to maximize reproductive efficiency and farm profitability.
This study examined the effects of varying essential oil (EO) blend levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, villus histology and cecal microbiota in Hubbard male broiler chicks. Five groups of male chicks (n= 1000) received diets with incremental EO blend levels: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mL kg−1−1p<0.05), sustaining these trends throughout weeks 4 and 5. The group supplemented with 2 mL kg−1p= 0.04). Digestibility assessments revealed that supplementation of 2 mL kg−1p<0.05), suggesting enhanced nutrient absorption. Immunological results indicated significantly elevated antibody titers in the group supplemented with 2 mL kg−1−1p= 0.04). These findings suggest that a 2 mL kg−1
Native sheep breeds are important genetic resources for extensive livestock systems because of their adaptation to extreme conditions and low-input production. However, long-term data on their production performance remains limited. This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the reproductive traits, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of the Morkaraman, Awassi, and Tuj native sheep breeds over a 10-year period under an extensive production system. The research was conducted at the Sheep Husbandry Unit, Food and Livestock Application and Research Center, Atatürk University, Erzurum (39° N, 41° E), Türkiye. The effects of breed, dam age, gender, and type of birth were analyzed using 5000 individual records. Sheep were managed under extensive conditions with flushing diets provided pre-mating, followed by natural mating and pasture-based grazing. Lamb growth performance data were recorded alongside slaughter and carcass traits. Morkaraman and Tuj breeds showed higher litter sizes at birth (1.06 and 1.08, respectively) than Awassi (1.02) (P < 0.01). Morkaraman and Awassi lambs exhibited superior growth and carcass performance, with birth weights of 4.48 and 4.41 kg, weaning weights of 16.54 and 16.28 kg, slaughter weights of 36.7 and 36.1 kg, hot carcass weights of 16.7 and 16.6 kg, and cold dressing percentages of 47.2 % and 46.6 %, respectively, compared with Tuj lambs (4.05, 15.69, 33.2, 15.2 kg, and 42.7 %). Morkaraman lambs had the highest live weights in all measurement periods (P < 0.01). In parallel with growth performance, higher carcass trait values were observed in Morkaraman lambs along with Awassi (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the Morkaraman breed is suitable for weight- and carcass-oriented production for this study. Conversely, the Tuj breed showed comparatively lower carcass fat deposition and fat-related parameters, indicating leaner meat characteristics. This study provides a valuable long-term dataset on the reproductive, growth, and carcass traits that can be useful for improving breed-specific management and breeding programs.
This study was conducted to compare conventional hatchery-hatching and on-farm-hatching systems in terms of hatching success and first-week chick performance for commercial Cobb 500, Ross 308, and local Anadolu-T genotypes. Eggs in both the conventional and on-farm-hatching groups were subjected to standard hatchery procedures until the end of 18 d of hatching. Subsequently, the eggs in the on-farm-hatching group were transported and placed in pens, while the eggs in the conventional-hatching group were transferred to the hatcher. Data on the length of the hatch window, hatching time, and other hatchery traits were collected for all groups during the hatching process. Post-hatch body weight and chick length were measured 24 h after the end of the hatch window for all groups. Chick feeding behaviour was evaluated through direct observation. There were no significant differences in terms of the hatchability of fertile eggs and total embryonic mortality between the hatching or genotype groups. However, on-farm hatching resulted in a higher chick body length at day zero (P<0.001). Hatching time was significantly influenced by the hatching system (P<0.004) and genotype (P<0.001). The hatching system and genotype had significant effects on feed pecking behaviour at the feeder (P<0.009P<0.03, respectively). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the on-farm-hatching system appears to be competitive with conventional-hatching systems. Despite some limitations of this study, the local broiler genotype could play a crucial role in local sustainable broiler meat production. Further study is required to evaluate growth performance and other relevant parameters under commercial conditions and in large-scale populations.
Bovine mastitis is a costly inflammatory condition of the mammary gland that continues to pose a significant threat to the dairy industry and food safety worldwide. This review summarizes our understanding of mastitis; its classification into clinical and subclinical forms; and the predominant bacterial pathogens that cause bovine mastitis, namely Staphylococcus
Indigenous breeds, such as the Balkan goat, represent valuable genetic resources due to their adaptation to specific ecological and socio-economic conditions. Goats are vital to rural livestock systems, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure, due to their resilience and low resource demands. This study presents a comprehensive genetic characterization of the Balkan goat in Serbia using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers. Nuclear variation was assessed using 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci, revealing a mean expected heterozygosity of 0.756 and a mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.721, indicating a high level of genetic diversity. The overall inbreeding coefficient (FIS =0.042) was low. Maternal lineage diversity was analyzed by sequencing the mitochondrial DNA control region in 42 individuals, identifying 23 distinct haplotypes predominantly belonging to haplogroup A, with a rare occurrence of haplogroup C. Together, the results demonstrate substantial genetic variation within the population at both nuclear and mitochondrial levels, providing essential insights for conservation and sustainable management of this autochthonous breed.
The Angler Saddleback (AS) pig is an endangered breed that originates from Germany. To date there is a lack of scientific research into the meat quality of this local breed, particularly with regard to fatty acid composition. Due to the limited availability of AS piglets, a fattening experiment was conducted with 58 individuals as a pilot study. To meet this slower-growing breed's lower nutritional demands, the pigs were fed a diet rich in silage and low in concentrate feed. In connection with the high backfat (BF) thickness (M=37.8 mm), increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were observed in both the intramuscular fat (IMF; M=46.6 %) and the subcutaneous fat (M=48.6 %) as compared to other pig breeds. The saturated fatty acids amounts were rather low in intramuscular fat (M=33.6 %) and in BF (M=38.7 %), as was to be expected for a fatty pig breed. Furthermore, the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the BF was very low (M=12.7 %), despite the high proportion of grass–clover silage in the diet. These results, along with some unexpected correlations among the target variables, might be due to a genetic effect of the AS pig. Therefore, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were performed using SNP-array data from the 58 pigs. Based on this, 38 significant variants related to pork quality traits were identified. The significant loci were distributed over 10 chromosomes and further underlined the influence of genetics. Given the limited sample size for genomic analysis, these findings can only provide an initial insight. However, the results clearly indicate that examining the fatty acid composition of local pig breeds in more detail could provide valuable information to enhance selection for pork quality.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of interfering with the hair coat of newborn animals on their development and the efficiency of the immune system. The study involved 16 Holstein-Friesian calves divided into two groups (control and experimental). The animals from the control group were licked by the mother after birth, while these from the experimental group were handled after birth by a human. Weight and daily gains were determined, and blood was collected six times in 1 week intervals to analyse protein fractions as well as complete blood count. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, alpha and beta-globulins in the serum of calves from the experimental group did not differ from the control group. The level of gamma-globulins in the experimental group was lower at 14 and 21 d of age. The indices such as WBC, RBC, HGB, HTC, and PLT remained at similar levels in both groups and usually did not differ between the analysed periods in the studied groups. Only the content of platelets in both groups significantly increased from the seventh day of life compared to the baseline period. The levels of blood indices relating to the volume of the red blood cell and the mass and concentration of haemoglobin in it were not affected by interference with maternal behaviour, and changes in the values of these indices with age were noted. Based on the study, we concluded that the replacement of natural maternal care (licking) of a newborn calf by human action did not adversely affect the development and health of newborn calves, which confirms the validity of such a practice in dairy herds.