Awassi sheep are widely raised in semi-arid regions due to their adaptability to harsh environmental conditions, while the Cukurova Meat Sheep (CMS) breed was developed to improve meat production and carcass characteristics. However, information comparing the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and nutritional composition of these breeds under the same fattening conditions remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters in male Awassi and CMS lambs reared under identical feeding and management conditions. The study included 20 single-born male lambs (10 Awassi, 10 CMS) of similar age and live weight. The animals were allocated by breed and randomly assigned to five pens per breed, with two lambs per pen. After a 2-week adaptation period, the lambs were fattened for 10 weeks on an 80:20longissimus lumborump>0.05), while feed intake and carcass weights were higher in Awassi lambs (p<0.05). CMS lambs had higher muscle weight and proportion in some carcass parts, such as the forearm, rib, loin, and rump (p<0.05). Except for the chroma value of the raw meat, no differences were observed in the pH, color, textural properties, or most chemical components of the meat. Potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations were significantly higher in CMS lambs than in Awassi lambs (p<0.01), whereas no significant breed differences were observed for the other minerals (p>0.05). Furthermore, crude protein, arachidonic acid, and taurine levels were significantly higher in CMS meat (p<0.05). These findings indicate that, although meat quality characteristics are generally comparable between the two breeds, CMS lambs offer advantages in terms of higher protein content and certain amino acid and fatty acid components in their meat.
Gestation length (GL) is important in seasonal calving systems and in the calving trait complex, because it affects traits such as stillbirth (SB) and calving ease. Utilizing imputed high-density genotypes from 34 497 German Holstein cows, this study aimed to identify genomic regions associated with GL. For this, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted, and the results were interpreted by searching for previously reported adjacent quantitative trait loci (QTLs).Four GL traits were analyzed: the direct calf effects on GL in first (GL_d1) and second (GL_d2) parity, along with the maternal effects on GL in first (GL_m1) and second parity (GL_m2). GWAS of direct effects on GL resulted in significant variants on BTA14, 18, and 19 for GL_d1, and on BTA18 and BTA19 for GL_d2. Regarding the maternal effect, only one variant on BTA19 was significant in the second parity. Adjacent to significant variants were known QTLs for several reproduction traits including SB.Overall, the study provides insights into the complex genetic architecture of GL in German Holstein cattle. The identified genomic regions are supported by previous studies and thereby strengthen the basis for future research.
This study aimed to investigate the associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the exon 13 and the intronic regions of the yak IGF1RIGF1RT) was identified in exon 13, and three SNPs (g.7383136G>A, g.7383137C>T and g.7383177G>A) were identified in intron 13. Haplotype and linkage disequilibrium analyses revealed weak linkage among the four loci, and six haplotypes were identified, among which Hap2 was the dominant one. Association analysis of growth traits indicated that g.7383084C>T, g.7383136G>A, g.7383137C>T, and g.7383177G>A loci were significantly or highly significantly associated with body height and body length in plateau yaks. The advantageous genotypes were CC and CT for g.7383084C>T, GA for g.7383136G>A, CT for g.7383137C>T, and GG for g.7383177G>A. Genotype combination analysis showed that all five common diplotypes were significantly associated with some growth traits, with H2H6IGF1R
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors on milk composition and cow metabolism. Czech Holstein (n=230) and Czech Simmental cows (n=289) were analysed. The effects of farm, breed, parity, lactation stage, and polymorphisms on the AGPAT6, SCD1, FASN, LEP, and DGAT1 genes were evaluated. The contents of protein, fat, and fatty acids (FAs); the levels of β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), citric acid, acetone, and urea; and somatic cell scores were analysed. The farm and lactation stages were the most significant factors influencing the parameters, as well as their interactions. The effects of parity and breed were much weaker. The impact of gene polymorphisms was very low, as were the interactions between gene and farm, between lactation stage and farm, and between parity and lactation stage. BHB levels were influenced by farm in the models including all genes and by parity in the models including AGPAT6, SCD1, and DGAT1
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kefir on growth performance and some serum parameters in artificially reared squabs. A total of 114 1 d old squabs (Takla, Dolapçı, and Homing breeds) were fed crop milk by their parents for 3 d. The squabs were then randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) the control group, which was fed naturally by their parents; (2) the artificial crop milk (ACM) group, which was hand-fed with artificial crop milk; and (3) the kefir (KEF) group, which was hand-fed with artificial crop milk supplemented with 2 % kefir. Samples of crop milk were collected 3 d after hatching, and their chemical composition was analysed. The body weights and feed intake of the squabs were monitored daily. Blood samples were taken from the squabs at 28 d of age to determine serum biochemical parameters. The nutritional composition of crop milk did not vary according to pigeon breed (P>0.05). In the study, it was determined that body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were significantly reduced in the ACM and KEF groups compared to the CON group (P ≤ 0.05). In the KEF group, Homing pigeon squabs had higher feed intake and body weight than those in the ACM group. Serum biochemical parameters, except for aspartate aminotransferase, differed among the pigeon breeds (P ≤ 0.05). In contrast, among the measured serum parameters, only total protein and albumin were significantly affected by the dietary treatments (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, hand-feeding with artificial crop milk resulted in poorer growth performance than parental feeding.
This study investigates metabolic adaptation, novel hormones, and cellular stress in dairy cows across pregnancy and lactation stages with different body condition scores. Results show that the dry period and early lactation represent critical metabolic stress points with elevated cellular stress and fat mobilization. Monitoring these novel biomarkers provides practical insights for optimizing transition-period nutritional strategies and herd health management.
This study investigated the responses of novel adipokines (irisin, spexin, visfatin), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker (GRP78), and traditional metabolic parameters (non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), urea, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol) in 360 healthy Brown Swiss dairy cattle. The animals were categorized into 18 subgroups based on pregnancy stages (early, mid, dry), lactation stages (early, mid, late), and body condition scores (BCSs). Serum analyses were performed using ELISA and spectrophotometric methods. Interactions between physiological stages and BCS were highly significant for all measured parameters (p<0.001). Results showed that mean serum levels of spexin (ranging from 14.02 to 36.04 pg mL−1) and irisin increased as pregnancy and lactation progressed. Visfatin levels exhibited a significant increase specifically during the gestation period, peaking during the dry period (24.09 ng mL−1), and maintained a significant increasing trend as lactation progressed toward the late stage (Tables 2, 4). Conversely, GRP78 (peaking at 0.46 ng mL−1), NEFA (peaking at 0.52 mmol L−1), and urea levels peaked during the dry period and early lactation, subsequently decreasing as metabolic stability was achieved. Notably, during the dry period, stress markers rose despite declining albumin and globulin levels (p<0.05). These data indicate that the dry period and early lactation are the most critical phases for metabolic and cellular stress, characterized by lower spexin and elevated GRP78 and NEFA concentrations. The later rise in irisin and visfatin, while BHBA remained within physiological limits, confirms successful metabolic adaptation (p<0.001). In conclusion, the integrated evaluation of these novel biomarkers is anticipated to provide significant contributions to protective strategies and metabolic management in dairy cattle.
This study was conducted to evaluate the potential use of Viburnum opulusCoturnix coturnix japonica) and its effects on egg quality parameters and egg yolk cholesterol concentration. A total of 176 Japanese quails aged 30 weeks were used in the study. They were allocated into 4 main groups with 11 replicates, each consisting of 3 females and 1 male. The experimental groups consisted of the control (VOFP0) and the VOFP5, VOFP10, and VOFP15 groups, which received the basal diet supplemented with Viburnum opulus−1, respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. According to the results, dietary VOFP supplementation had no statistically significant effects on the quails' body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P>0.05). The absence of adverse effects on growth performance parameters suggests that VOFP was well tolerated under the conditions of this study. The lowest total feed consumption was recorded in the VOFP15 group, whereas the addition of VOFP5 resulted in the highest total egg weight (1828.60 g). Evaluation of egg quality parameters showed that VOFP supplementation improved selected internal egg quality parameters.The dose of VOFP5 significantly increased egg yolk height and yolk index compared with the control group (P<0.01). Regarding shell characteristics, VOFP supplementation reduced shell weight, whereas no adverse changes were observed in shell thickness and breaking resistance. Egg yolk cholesterol concentration showed VOFP supplementation numerical reductions at several sampling points; however, a statistically significant decrease was observed only in the sixth week in the VOFP15 group compared with the control group (P<0.05).In conclusion, the inclusion of VOFP5 in quail diets improved selected egg internal quality parameters, while VOFP15 showed a potential cholesterol-modulating effect, with a significant reduction observed only in the sixth week of the experiment. Considering the limited information available on VOFP supplementation in poultry nutrition, these findings provide preliminary evidence regarding the potential use of VOFP as a phytogenic feed additive and support further investigations into its effects on egg quality characteristics and potential functional properties of eggs.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with acacia foliage, a tannin source, and feeding systems on Barbarine lambs' growth, carcass traits, and meat quality under grazing and feedlot conditions. Twenty-eight male lambs (5-month-old, 22.5 ± 3.6 kg) were divided into four groups based on body weight (BW) and assigned to one of four diets for a 60 d trial. Two groups were raised in stalls (S) and fed hay and concentrate, while two grazed on pasture (P) with the same concentrate supplementation. Within each system, one group received 100 g of Acacia cyanophylla
This systematic review and meta-analysis re-evaluated how dietary caprylic acid (CA) supplementation affects Campylobacter jejuniC. jejuni−1) for colonisation and the standardised mean difference (SMD) for growth, with pre-planned subgroup, dose–response and sensitivity analyses. Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria; 11 contributed 15 comparisons to the quantitative syntheses and one could be included only qualitatively. Caprylic acid reduced caecal C. jejuni−1.46−1−2.50−0.41; P=0.006), with substantial heterogeneity (I2=88.1 %). Route of administration accounted for most of that heterogeneity: in-feed application reduced colonisation by −2.68−1−3.88−1.49; I2=39.0 %), whereas water-based application had no detectable effect (−0.05−1; 95 % CI −0.68+0.58). Growth performance was unaffected overall (SMD +0.16; 95 % CI −0.32+0.64; P=0.524), but the dose–response analysis showed that inclusion above about 1 % of feed depressed feed intake and body weight while conferring no additional antimicrobial benefit. Funnel-plot asymmetry was significant (Egger's test, P=0.009) but coincided with the feed-versus-water contrast, so publication bias and genuine subgroup heterogeneity could not be separated. Caprylic acid is therefore a credible component of antibiotic-free Campylobacter
Reproductive performance is a key determinant of productivity and economic sustainability in dairy farming and is influenced by a complex interaction of biological and management-related factors. This study aimed to evaluate reproductive performance in dairy cows and to identify the most influential risk factors at both global and individual animal levels using an explainable machine learning framework. An eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) regression model was applied to evaluate reproductive performance based on days to first insemination. Model performance was assessed using standard regression metrics. Model interpretability was achieved through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), allowing both global feature importance assessment and local, animal-specific interpretations. SHAP analysis indicated that age had the greatest contribution to the model predictions, followed by mastitis, retained placenta, ovarian cysts, ketosis, and metritis. The direction and magnitude of the SHAP contributions varied across individual animals, highlighting heterogeneity in the model explanations. Model performance on the independent test dataset (RMSE = 39.05 d, MAE = 18.58 d, R2 = 0.01) indicated limited predictive generalizability. Nevertheless, SHAP analysis provided transparent global and local explanations of model behavior, demonstrating how explainable machine learning can be applied to investigate reproductive performance in dairy cows. These findings should be regarded as a methodological demonstration, and further studies using larger, more comprehensive datasets that include a broader range of variables are required before clinical decision-support applications can be considered.
Pedigree completeness is fundamental for accurate estimation of genetic parameters and reliable prediction of breeding values, yet incomplete pedigree records remain a persistent limitation in smallholder dairy systems, especially in multibreed populations. Although genomic data capture genetic relationships and compensate for missing pedigree information, the extent of this compensation under varying pedigree losses is not fully understood. This study evaluated the impact of pedigree completeness on genomic–polygenic evaluations of 305 d milk yield (MY), fat percentage (FP), and age at first calving (AFC) in the Thai multibreed dairy cattle population. Phenotypic records from 14 239 first-lactation cows and genotypes from 5175 animals imputed to 117 796 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed using a three-trait single-step genomic–polygenic model across nine scenarios (SO1–SO9). These ranged from full pedigree (SO1) to progressive exclusion of records for up to 50 % of phenotyped animals (SO9). Declining pedigree completeness altered variance structures, increasing additive genetic variance and heritability estimates for MY but reducing them for FP and AFC. Genomic–polygenic estimated breeding value (GPEBV) accuracies and ranking stability also declined with pedigree losses, particularly for FP and AFC, once more than 20 % of phenotyped animals lacked pedigree information. While genomic data partially compensated for moderate pedigree omissions, this capacity was trait-specific and dependent on the accuracy of imputation. The findings underscore that pedigree completeness remains indispensable for robust genomic–polygenic evaluations, particularly for low-heritability traits, where genomic information alone cannot ensure reliable selection. This study highlights the importance of systematic pedigree recording in smallholder-based tropical dairy systems to safeguard the accuracy of genetic evaluations and sustain long-term genetic improvement in multibreed populations.
In this study, Legendre polynomial random regression models (RRMs) of orders 2 to 6 were applied to estimate genetic parameters (heritability coefficients and genetic correlations) for weekly body weight (5745 records) from hatch up to 9 weeks of age in 575 Japanese quails (423 females and 152 males). Based on the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), the optimal RRM was of the fifth order and incorporated nine heterogeneous residual variance classes. The model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, yielding a symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE) of 2.6 % and a CV(RMSE) of 5.0 %. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.25 (at hatch) to 0.15 (at day 63), peaking at day 21 (h2≈0.30). Genetic parameter estimates from the optimal RRM were highly consistent with those from a multivariate analysis, showing that genetic correlations were highest between adjacent ages and decayed progressively as the time interval increased. Eigenfunction decomposition of the additive genetic covariance matrix identified two principal modes of variation: the first eigenfunction (84.8 %) represented uniform shifts across the entire growth trajectory, whereas the second (10.2 %) captured a genetic trade-off between early and late growth phases. Simulated selection targeting the top 10 % of birds based on estimated breeding values (EBVs) at early (1–14 d), middle (21–35 d), and late (42–63 d) growth stages differentially altered the genetic response curves, demonstrating the capacity to tailor selection strategies to specific breeding objectives. Overall, selection between 21 and 35 d of age provided the most balanced genetic response across the growth trajectory, identifying this period as the optimal selection window for Japanese quail breeding programmes.
This study investigated the fattening performance, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of Lalahan-genotype lambs at different slaughter weights. The animal material of the study consisted of 36 male Lalahan-genotype lambs, randomly divided into three groups and fed intensively. Six lambs were slaughtered from each group, with average weights of 35 (Gr35), 40 (Gr40), and 45 kg (Gr45). The average daily weight gain (DWG) in each group was 241.50 ± 17.90, 243.33 ± 29.68, and 235.45 ± 26.15 g, respectively, while feed conversion rate (FCR) was 3.590, 3.958, and 4.392, respectively. Cold-dressing percentages were 45.26 ± 0.57 %, 44.66 ± 1.15 %, and 46.11 ± 0.85 %, respectively. Carcass lean and fat percentages differed significantly at 61.82 ± 0.60 %, 61.04 ± 0.47 %, and 57.53 ± 0.74 % (P < 0.001) and 13.57 ± 0.24 %, 14.05 ± 0.17 %, and 19.46 ± 0.68 % (P < 0.001). Leg, back, and loin percentages differed significantly at 31.57 ± 0.71 %, 30.04 ± 0.58 %, and 28.41 ± 0.27 % (P < 0.01); 13.39 ± 0.23 %, 12.63 ± 0.46 %, and 14.72 ± 0.56 % (P < 0.05); and 8.41 ± 0.13 %, 7.88 ± 0.26 %, and 7.19 ± 0.12 %, respectively (P < 0.001). The lean 
This study investigated the effects of short-term supplementation with safflower seed, a linoleic-acid-rich oilseed, on reproductive performance and endocrine responses in Hungarian Merino ewes during the non-breeding season. Forty-four clinically healthy multiparous ewes were allocated to two equal groups: a control group and a safflower group. Ewes in the safflower group (n=22) received 75 g ewe−1 d−1n=22) received no oilseed supplementation. All ewes were treated with an intravaginal sponge containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 7 d during April. At sponge removal, 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was administered intramuscularly. Ewes showing estrus were mated with proven fertile Merino rams (ewe : ram ratio of 5:1). Blood samples were collected on day 0, day 7, and immediately after mating on the day of estrus to determine serum estradiol (E2) and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2αp>0.05). Serum E2 concentrations increased, whereas PGFM concentrations decreased over time in both groups; however, no treatment effect or treatment × time interaction was detected. In conclusion, supplementation with 75 g ewe−1 d−1
This study aimed to evaluate the expected responses to a selection index based on body-weight-related traits to improve the productive performance of turkeys and to investigate the relationship between body weight and growth hormone (GH) gene expression. Two lines of local Baladi turkeys were used: a selected line (S), chosen for high body weight at 6 months of age; and an unselected random-bred control line (C). Both lines originated from the same randomly mated base population. A selection index incorporating body weight (BW), shank length (SL), and breast width (BRW) at 6 months of age was constructed. This index resulted in expected genetic gains per generation of 441.71 g for BW, 0.26 cm for SL, and 1.93 cm for BRW. Growth hormone gene expression in the selected line was significantly higher than in the control line for both sexes. In males, GH showed a relative gene expression of 1.43 in the selected line compared with 1.01 in the control line, while in females, the corresponding values were 1.76 and 1.31, respectively. Differences in GH-mRNA expression between the two lines indicate a positive association between gene expression level and body weight, suggesting that GH expression may be a useful molecular marker in genetic selection programs aimed at improving body weight in turkeys.
The study examined the meat quality characteristics and expression levels of 3 genes (SREBP-1c, PPARγ, and FASN) affecting fatty acid composition in Lalahan lambs at different slaughter weights. Thirty-six male lambs were randomly divided into three groups and fed intensively. Six lambs from each group were slaughtered at average slaughter weights of 35 (Gr35), 40 (Gr40), and 45 kgP<0.05) on pH and a∗h
A methodology called semantic modelling can be used to synthesise scientific information to assess farm animal welfare. Different housing systems consist of attributes that can each have an effect on the welfare of the animal. Examples include type of floor, water provision system, and lighting system. Each of those attributes has so-called attribute levels. So, for instance, a water provision system can be drinking nipples, bowls, or troughs. Statements from the scientific literature that report the welfare effects of certain attribute levels serve as the basis for the welfare assessment. A semantic model takes attribute levels describing a housing system as input and generates a weighted overall welfare score as output. Although the procedure used in semantic modelling to decompose scientific statements into welfare-relevant attributes has been applied to multiple contexts, the procedure of information extraction has not been described in sufficient detail to allow new modellers to easily understand the procedure. Hence, the reproducibility of semantic modelling may be at stake despite its potential for integrated animal welfare research. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to provide a set of formalised rules showing how scientific information can be decomposed and weighted using semantic-modelling principles. We describe how to read the scientific literature to select scientific statements and how to decompose them to extract the relevant information for building a semantic model. Statement decomposition entails that the original formulation of the scientific statement is transformed into an “if–then” rule using this format: “if attribute A's level L1 is compared to its level L2 then there is a ([large] [significant]) effect on welfare measure M, with M belonging to a specified category of measures used for weighting (a so-called weighting category, WCat)”. The attribute levels are then weighted based on the incidence, duration, and intensity of the measured welfare effect, expressed by a so-called weighting-category level score (WCatLevSc). The guidelines presented in this paper could be an important step towards the transparent use of available scientific information for sustainable development supporting both human and animal welfare.
A modern evidence-driven approach to assess the welfare of farm animals is semantic modelling. It enables the (semi-)quantitative assessment of the overall welfare status, as well as a welfare comparison of different housing systems, through systematic and formalised knowledge extraction from the scientific literature. A semantic model essentially enables a description of housing systems in terms of their welfare-relevant properties (so-called attributes, e.g. space per pen or the availability of enrichment materials) using weighted welfare component scales. Based on this approach, we developed the ANyWEL framework (ANimal WELfare assessment of anY farm animal): a semantic-modelling framework to assess the welfare status of any species of farmed animal kept in housing systems that meet predefined criteria (i.e. the model's assessment domain and the available scientific literature). Compared to previous semantic models, the ANyWEL framework is not restricted to a single species or production direction. It is generalised across species and production directions. Due to its conceptual character, the ANyWEL framework can be applied to new species and systems in the future. We show that it can use new scientific knowledge, even when this would go against mainstream perceptions (e.g. that extensive systems “must be” better for welfare than intensive systems). The objectives of this paper are (i) to explain the general procedure and principles used in semantic modelling, (ii) to introduce the ANyWEL framework by comparing it with a previous semantic model and to illustrate it with an example of a fictitious animal species called anYmal, and (iii) to reflect on the strengths and limitations of this new generalised model framework even with unexpected outcomes.
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.