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.
Recently, microalgae have been used as protein supplements to improve the productivity of dairy cows. However, the results are inconsistent among different studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of dietary microalgae incorporation on animal performance. The effect of microalgae was assessed by examining the raw mean differences (RMDs) between the treatment (with microalgae) and control (without microalgae) diets using a random-effect model. Heterogeneity was evaluated through meta-regression and subgroup analyses using microalgae species, inclusion level, days in milk, experimental duration, and cow breed as covariates. Microalgae supplementation decreased the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). NDF digestibility improved, whereas the acetate:propionate ratio decreased. Milk and lactose yields remained unchanged. Despite a decrease in milk fat, the fatty acid (FA) profile improved, especially considering the increase in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) C18:2 c9t11, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) C22:6 n-3, and mono- and polyunsaturated FA (MUFA and PUFA) and the decrease in the n-6:n-3 ratio. The main sources of variation in the responses to microalgal inclusion in cow milk production and quality were the animal breed, microalgae species, and their level of incorporation. In general, the incorporation of 61–100 g kg DM−1Schizochytrium
This study investigated the association between growth hormone (GH) gene polymorphism and postnatal growth and placental traits of Tuj sheep over a 3-year period (2020–2022) at the Atatürk University Sheep Research Farm, Erzurum. The genotype–phenotype association analyses comprised Tuj ewes and their progeny. The polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method using the Hae-III restriction enzyme was applied to identify GH gene variants. Three genotypes were detected: LL (49.0 %), LV (39.0 %), and VV (11.0 %). The mean birth weights were 4.45 kg (LL), 4.52 kg (LV), and 4.36 kg (VV); the weaning weights were 14.80, 15.55, and 14.43 kg, respectively; and the average daily gains were 0.213, 0.226, and 0.209 kg d−1, respectively. Although the GH genotype had no significant association with birth weight (p>0.05), it was significantly associated with weaning weight (p<0.05) and daily live weight gain (p<0.01).The present study involves an analysis of the placental traits (placental area, placental weight, and placental efficiency). The results indicated that there were no statistically significant relationships between the GH genotype and placental traits (p>0.05). The study revealed a significant effect of parity on placental area (p<0.05). Twin lambs demonstrated a higher placental weight than single lambs (p<0.05). No significant differences were identified between lamb sex and placental traits. The LV genotype in Tuj ewes was found to be associated with slightly higher growth performance and had favorable indicators for placental traits in comparison with the LL and VV genotypes. These findings suggest that GH gene polymorphism could serve as a potential genetic marker for improving growth performance in Tuj sheep populations.
In poultry production, biostimulants can replace antibiotics. These substances, made from plant extracts, improve animal growth and performance. This experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of biostimulants (NUQO©NEX) as a natural growth promoter on growth parameters and economic efficiency measurements. Unsexed 1 d old chicks (n=90) of a commercial meat type (Ross 308) were randomly equally allocated into three groups of six replicates (five chicks per replicate) in this study. Group G1 fed on the control diet (without additive), while groups G2 and G3 fed on the diet supplemented with 100 mg NUQO©NEX kg−1P<0.05) improvement in the average feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chicks compared to the control group. Group G2 recorded the best value of FCR compared to group G3 and the control group. Cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in broiler serum were decreased (P<0.05) in group G3 and then in group G2 when compared to the control group. Groups G2 and G3 recorded significant (P<0.05) improvements in the antioxidant status of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared to the control group. The serum level of IgM was significantly (P<0.05) increased in group G3 and group G2 when compared to the control group. There were significant (P<0.05) increases in total return from chick sales 
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In Türkiye, as in many parts of the world, buffalo play a significant role in livestock production alongside cattle. Although buffaloes generally exhibit lower productivity than cattle, they are valued for their resilience against challenging environmental conditions and for the unique quality of their milk and meat products. This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of live-weight gain, a key trait for improving profitability in buffalo breeding. Heritability estimates were obtained for birth weight (BW), live weight at 6 months (LW6), and live weight at 12 months (LW12) using data from 910 animals across 42 farms in the province of Istanbul. Genetic evaluations were performed using the BUGA 1.0 software, applying the AI-REML algorithm.The mean weights were 39.02 ± 0.169 kg (BW), 140.86 ± 0.4 kg (LW6), and 255.97 ± 0.692 kg (LW12). The corresponding heritability estimates were 0.5006 ± 0.000029 for BW, 0.5001 ± 0.000035 for LW6, and 0.5000 ± 0.0000012 for LW12. Additive genetic effects exhibited moderate to high accuracy, ranging from 0.63 to 0.68. The proportion of animals with positive additive genetic effects was relatively high for LW612
As demand for local quality products continues to grow, new ways of adding value to sheep meat are being explored. In this connection, cull ewe meat could be an interesting alternative to traditional products. This study aims to promote the use of cull ewes' meat in traditional meat products by evaluating the influence of age and breed on meat quality through a two-part approach. In the first part, the effects of age and breed were assessed on raw meat, while in the second part, the same parameters were investigated in traditional dried meat product “kaddid”. Two Tunisian sheep breeds, Noire de Thibar (NT) and Barbarine (BR), were examined at two age groups (3-month-old lambs and 5-year-old adults). Quality parameters, i.e. tocopherols, intramuscular fat (IMF) content, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and fatty acid profile, were analysed for raw meat and kaddid samples. In raw meat, both breed and age factors significantly affected the α-tocopherol and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents. Raw meat samples of BR breed showed higher levels of α-tocopherols and polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, no significant effects were revealed for γ-tocopherols, intramuscular fat, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and lipid peroxidation levels. In kaddid samples, tocopherol content was affected by the slaughter age and revealed higher tocopherol content for ewes' kaddid samples (P < 0.05), while intramuscular fat and TBARS showed no significant variation (P > 0.05). Fatty acid groups were significantly affected by the age and breed factors, except SFAs, which were unaffected by age. The NT breed kaddid showed favourable levels of PUFA content, which can contribute to the recommended daily PUFA consumption for humans. Overall, both age and breed exerted clear effects on fresh meat and kaddid quality. In particular, meat from cull ewes showed advantageous tocopherol and PUFA profiles in dried products, highlighting its potential as a valuable raw material for traditional meat processing.
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serves as a reliable marker for ovarian reserve and reproductive potential in many species. However, there is limited information available on the factors influencing AMH levels in sheep. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of breed, age, body condition score (BCS), and parity on serum AMH concentrations in four commercial sheep breeds: Lacaune, Assaf, Île de France, and Merino. A total of 120 clinically healthy ewes aged between 19 and 34.5 months were included, with equal representation across breeds and lactation stages. AMH levels were measured using standardized laboratory techniques. Significant differences in serum AMH concentrations were observed among breeds (p<0.001). Île de France and Merino breeds exhibited significantly higher mean AMH levels (479.0 and 391.0 pg mL−1pg mL−1, respectively), suggesting a larger ovarian follicular reserve in these breeds. The range of AMH values was widest in Île de France sheep, indicating considerable intra-breed variability. No statistically significant effects of age, BCS, or parity on serum AMH concentrations were detected (p>0.05). These findings highlight the predominant influence of genetic factors on ovarian reserve in sheep as reflected by serum AMH levels. The elevated AMH concentrations in Île de France and Merino breeds may be linked to superior reproductive potential. Understanding breed-specific variations in AMH could support selective breeding programs aimed at enhancing sheep reproductive efficiency and productivity.
Analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in commercial breed genomes is important for accurately assessing the population inbreeding status and exploring homozygous regions related to economic traits formed by selection pressure. The Danish Large White (LW) pig is a commercially important breed renowned for its superior growth efficiency and reproductive performance. In the present study, we identified ROH segments of Danish LW pigs based on 43 individual whole-genome resequencing data. We then calculated the inbreeding coefficient and screened candidate genes with important economic traits from the ROH islands. A total of 9446 ROH segments were identified in the LW pig population. Each LW pig carried 219.67 ROH. Most ROH were <5 Mb, and the average genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) in LW pigs was 0.24. However, the proportion of ROH (>5 Mb) in LW pigs has reached 10 %, indicating selection pressure or inbreeding in recent times. Candidate genes related to reproductive traits (ALDH1A2, APQ9, ACTG1, CDK6, ADAMTS9, PAPPA2, and ESR2), and growth and development traits (NDN, CEP128, NFATC1, JAK2, KCNQ1, ANKRD22, ACTA2, FABP4, FAS, GDF15, and FGF21) were identified in the genomic ROH islands of LW pigs. In conclusion, the present study provides further assessment of genetic diversity and inbreeding in the Danish LW pig population. In addition, our results provide useful insights into the functions of ROH on a hereditary basis and the role that ROH play in controlling the excellent characteristics of Danish LW pigs.
Claw lesions in dairy cattle pose a significant risk to dairy farmers worldwide in terms of animal welfare concerns and economic profitability. However, the use of different data sources, classification systems, and definitions of reference groups limits the comparison across herds and decreases the usability of the recordings for phenotypic and genetic analyses. In South Africa, information on claw lesions is not routinely collected by dairy farmers and data are limited to hoof trimmers recording lesions during preventative trimming or as needed by producers. Records of the most common claw lesions scored by a local hoof trimmer in five Holstein herds between January 2014 and December 2023 were used, including interdigital phlegmon (F), heel horn erosion (E), sole ulcers (SU), sole haemorrhage (SH), and two combined traits, one representing digital and interdigital dermatitis (DDID) and the other representing white line disease and white line separation (WLDS). The majority of lesions recorded were infectious (40.87 %), with DDID showing the highest incidence (39.58 %). Phenotypic associations may provide valuable information for hoof trimmers regarding the practical prevention, management, and treatment of lameness on-farm. A large, statistically significant odds ratio of 4.39 exists between DDID and E (95 % confidence interval: 3.55 to 5.43, P<0.0001). Within the non-infectious lesions, SH is moderately positively associated with total non-infectious lesions (|ϕ|=0.43, P<0.01) and the occurrences of SU and WLDS are both strongly positively associated with total non-infectious lesions (|ϕ|=0.54, P<0.01|ϕ|=0.58, P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the relationships observed among non-infectious lesions (SH, SU, and WLDS) are moderate to strong. The occurrence of DDID is moderately positively associated with the occurrence of infectious lesions in the front feet (|ϕ|=0.39, P<0.01) and strongly associated with the rear feet (|ϕ|=0.89, P<0.01). The occurrence of WLDS is moderately positively associated with the occurrence of total non-infectious lesions in the front feet (|ϕ|=0.37, P<0.01), with a stronger correlation with the occurrence of non-infectious lesions in the rear feet (|ϕ|=0.46, P<0.01). The occurrence of non-infectious lesions in the rear feet is moderately associated with the occurrence of SU (|ϕ|=0.42, P<0.01) but strongly associated with SH (|ϕ|=0.57, P<0.01). Heritability estimates ranged from 0.02 for DDID to 0.08 for the total lesions category (representing the presence or absence of at least one claw lesion on any foot). Phenotypic correlations and heritability estimates indicate that claw lesion data have the potential to be used for genetic evaluation of hoof health; therefore, the simplification and standardization of hoof lesion data collection should be encouraged.
This study investigated the effects of supplementing broiler drinking water with Egyptian clover honey on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood biochemical parameters. A total of 525 one-day-old male Hubbard broilers were assigned to seven treatment groups to evaluate two concentrations of honey (13 and 26 mL L−1) administered at three different frequencies (daily, every other day, and every 3 d), along with a control group receiving no honey. Supplementing drinking water with honey significantly enhanced overall broiler performance. Birds receiving honey, particularly at the higher concentration and at intermittent intervals, showed improved body weight gain and feed efficiency compared to the control group. The highest relative weights of key lymphoid organs – such as the spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus – were observed in supplemented groups, indicating a positive impact on immune system development. Hematological analysis revealed increased red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume in honey-fed birds, reflecting improved oxygen transport and immune competence. Serum biochemical profiles demonstrated a favorable shift, with significant reductions in markers of metabolic stress and liver function (uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) and notable increases in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels. Additionally, honey supplementation significantly enhanced humoral immune response, as evidenced by higher hemagglutination inhibition titers against Newcastle disease virus. The results indicate that honey supplementation via drinking water, especially at 26 mL L−1, administered intermittently, can effectively improve growth performance, physiological health, and immune function in broiler chickens. These findings support the potential of honey as a natural antibiotic-free additive to promote sustainable poultry production.
The olive oil industry produces large volumes of by-products which, if not properly managed, can negatively impact water resources, aquatic ecosystems, soil quality, and the atmosphere. The extraction process generates several by-products that have previously been regarded as waste. Utilizing these residues as alternative feed ingredients aligns with the principles of a circular economy, making the agri-food system more sustainable, conserving natural resources, and reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production. Therefore, the proper use of industrial by-products is of great importance and requires continuous attention. Olive pomace, a major by-product of olive oil extraction, can be used in animal feed as an inexpensive yet nutritious residue. It consists mainly of pasty pulp, kernel, skin, and vegetation water. Once dried, it becomes a stable by-product suitable for feed use. Olive by-products can be incorporated into animal diets in several forms, such as fresh, ensiled, or dried material, or as components of concentrate pellets and multi-nutrient feed blocks. Among these, dried olive pomace is considered one of the most practical and stable options. Olive pomace, as a by-product of the olive oil industry, is rich in phenolic compounds and beneficial fatty acids that play significant roles in animal health and productivity. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate its potential as a feed ingredient; however, current understanding of its specific effects on livestock production remains limited. This review focuses on the influence of olive pomace inclusion in animal diets on milk production, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, and overall health status. In general, dietary olive pomace has shown satisfactory results, serving as a low-cost nutrient source that can enhance both the productivity and the quality of animal-derived products.