https://aab.copernicus.org/articles/ Recent articles of the journal Archives Animal Breeding en https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-569-2026 Growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of Awassi and Cukurova Meat Sheep lambs Murat Durmuş Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 569–583, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-569-2026, 2026 The Cukurova Meat Sheep (CMS) breed was developed to improve lamb meat production. This study compared CMS and Awassi lambs under identical feeding conditions. Although growth performance and overall meat quality were similar, CMS lambs yielded more muscle in high-value carcass cuts and had higher levels of protein, taurine, and arachidonic acid. These results highlight the potential of CMS for producing high-quality lamb.  Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-563-2026 Genome-wide association study of gestation length in German Holsteins Maximilian Zölch, Valentin P. Haas, Christin Schmidtmann, Hatem Alkhoder, Jens Tetens, and Jörn Bennewitz Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 563–568, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-563-2026, 2026 Gestation length (GL) is an important component of fertility in cows, as it interacts with stillbirth and calving ease. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was applied to a dataset of German Holstein cows, aiming to identify genomic variants associated with direct and maternal GL. We found variants for the direct effect on GL at BTA14, 18, and 19. This is consistent with previous studies in other populations, allowing the transfer of their insights. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-553-2026 Unveiling potential genetic markers: associations of IGF1R eon 13 and Intronic polymorphisms with growth traits in yak Xinyue Liu, Yincang Han, Yonggang Sun, Fajie Gou, Jianyu Chen, Weiqiang Jiang, and Qingye Zhao Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 553–561, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-553-2026, 2026 We studied 400 female yaks from the Qinghai Plateau to explore whether small differences in a growth-related gene were linked to body size. Several genetic differences were associated with height and body length, and one genetic pattern was linked to better overall growth. These findings may help identify yaks with favorable growth potential and support more efficient breeding in the future. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-541-2026 Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing milk composition and cow metabolism Jindřich Čítek, Eva Samková, Michaela Brzáková, Oto Hanuš, Libor Večerek, Eva Jozová, Lucie Hasoňová, Eva Baldíková, Sulaiman Mohammed Iliyasu, and Michael Rost Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 541–552, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-541-2026, 2026 The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors on the composition of milk and cow metabolism. Farms and lactation stage had a strong effect. Polymorphisms of lipogenic genes had a low effect on milk parameters and the fatty acid profile. The association between β-hydroxybutyric acid and the fat-to-protein ratio was significant. The level of β-hydroxybutyric acid in milk may serve as a field predictor of ketosis in animals. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-529-2026 Can kefir supplementation influence the growth performance and serum biochemistry of artificially reared squabs of three pigeon breeds? Hande Işıl Akbağ, Atakan Şensoy, Hakan Erdem, Soner Yiğit, Cemil Tölü, and Türker Savaş Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 529–539, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-529-2026, 2026 Intensive pigeon breeding is limited because squabs depend on species-specific crop milk. Artificial crop milk developed for industrial use has been associated with lower survival and higher mortality, likely due to missing bioactive compounds and beneficial microbiota. Kefir was also tested. However, parent-fed squabs showed better growth and blood parameters, while artificially fed birds had poorer performance and survival. Wed, 30 Sep 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-517-2026 Metabolic, adipokine (irisin, spexin, visfatin), and ER stress (GRP78) responses in multiparous Brown Swiss cows: a multivariate approach across physiological stages and body condition scores Gökşad Cemil Kotan, Şeyma Aydemir, and Bülent Bayraktar Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 517–528, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-517-2026, 2026 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. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-507-2026 The effects of Viburnum opulus L. fruit powder on the performance, egg traits, and egg cholesterol of laying Japanese quails Ayşe Gül Filik, Gökhan Filik, and Olgay Kaan Tekin Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 507–515, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-507-2026, 2026 This study evaluated the effects of dietary Viburnum opulus L. fruit powder (VOFP) on performance, egg quality, and egg yolk cholesterol in laying Japanese quails. VOFP supplementation had no adverse effects on growth performance. The VOFP5 group showed improvement in selected internal egg quality parameters, whereas the VOFP15 group demonstrated a significant reduction in egg yolk cholesterol only in the sixth week, indicating the potential of VOFP as a phytogenic feed additive. Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-495-2026 Effects of Acacia cyanophylla-condensed tannin supply on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of fat-tailed Barbarine lambs studied under grazing conditions or in a feedlot Yathreb Yagoubi, Naziha Atti, Samir Smeti, Jihene Abidi, and Mokhtar Mahouachi Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 495–505, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-495-2026, 2026 This study investigated how feeding systems and acacia foliage supply, a natural tannin source, affect lamb growth, carcass and meat quality. Twenty-eight fat-tailed Barbarine lambs were either grazed or stall-fed, with or without acacia supplementation. Grazing improved growth and carcass yield, while tannins had little impact on meat quality. The results show that the effects of tannins depend on the main diet, highlighting their potential for sustainable lamb production. Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-477-2026 Dietary caprylic acid, Campylobacter jejuni colonisation and product quality in broilers: a systematic review and meta-analysis Muhammet Kuddusi Erhan Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 477–493, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-477-2026, 2026 Caprylic acid is a natural fatty acid tested as a feed additive to make chicken safer. By re-analysing published broiler trials, this study shows that moderate doses in feed often reduce gut Campylobacter – a common cause of food poisoning – without clearly harming growth. The results support caprylic acid as a tool for more antibiotic-free poultry production. Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-469-2026 Assessment of reproductive performance in dairy cows using explainable machine learning Elif Çelik Gürbulak, Uğur Kara, Esra Canooğlu, Hazal Aysın Yüceel, Ece Çetin, Mehmet Demirel, and Kutlay Gürbulak Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 469–476, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-469-2026, 2026 This study demonstrates the applicability of an explainable machine learning framework (XGBoost + SHAP) for investigating reproductive performance in dairy cows. Although the predictive performance of the independent test dataset was limited (R² = 0.01), SHAP provided transparent global- and individual-level explanations of model predictions, highlighting the methodological potential of explainable artificial intelligence for veterinary data analysis.       Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-455-2026 Impact of pedigree completeness on genomic–polygenic evaluations for milk yield, fat percentage, and age at first calving in Thai multibreed dairy cattle Danai Jattawa, Praew Thiengpimol, Thanathip Suwanasopee, Mauricio A. Elzo, Thawee Laodim, and Skorn Koonawootrittriron Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 455–467, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-455-2026, 2026 This study investigates the impact of pedigree completeness on genomic–polygenic evaluations for milk yield, fat percentage, and age at first calving in Thai multibreed dairy cattle. By testing nine pedigree omission scenarios, we reveal that genomic data offset moderate gaps, but accuracy and ranking stability collapse when losses exceed 20%. These findings provide novel evidence that robust pedigree recording is vital for reliable genetic progress in tropical smallholder systems. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-441-2026 Genetic modelling of the weekly weight of Japanese quails using orthogonal Legendre polynomials Arzu Üçtepe and Antonios Kominakis Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 441–454, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-441-2026, 2026 This study analyses weekly body weight records from Japanese quail from hatch to 9 weeks of age to understand how genetic influences change during growth. The model accurately described changes in body weight over time, while simulated selection scenarios revealed that selection between 21 and 35 d of age provided the most balanced genetic response across the entire growth trajectory, marking it as the optimal selection window. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-431-2026 Meat production traits of Lalahan sheep: fattening, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of lambs Rabia Arslan, Necmettin Ünal, and Akın Yakan Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 431–439, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-431-2026, 2026 This study was conducted to determine the slaughter and carcass characteristics of Lalahan sheep, a new genotype in Türkiye, at different slaughter weights. The results indicated that the optimal slaughter weight for meat production, when both feeding performance and slaughter and carcass characteristics were evaluated together, was 40 kg.  Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-421-2026 Reproductive and endocrine responses to short-term safflower seed supplementation in anestrous ewes synchronized with progestagen Metehan Kutlu and Halef Doğan Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 421–429, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-421-2026, 2026 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. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-411-2026 GH-mRNA expression and prediction of genetic improvement using selection index for body weight traits in turkeys Mohamed H. Khalil, Alaa A. Abd El-Motaleb, Manal M. Abdel-Rahman, Emad M. Amin, Ibrahim Abousoliman, and Mostafa K. Shebl Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 411–420, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-411-2026, 2026 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. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-397-2026 Effects of different slaughter weights on meat quality parameters and gene expression related to fat metabolism in muscles, liver, and gluteal fat in Lalahan lambs Rabia Arslan, Necmettin Ünal, and Akın Yakan Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 397–409, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-397-2026, 2026 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.  Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-383-2026 Semantic modelling of animal welfare explained – Part 2: The basis of welfare weighting and usage of scientific information Margret L. Vonholdt-Wenker, Janine Benthin, Karen Kauselmann, Marc B. M. Bracke, and E. Tobias Krause Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 383–396, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-383-2026, 2026 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. Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-363-2026 Semantic modelling of animal welfare explained – Part 1: Calculating overall welfare scores for husbandry systems using the ANyWEL model framework Janine Benthin, Karen Kauselmann, E. Tobias Krause, Marc B. M. Bracke, and Margret L. Vonholdt-Wenker Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 363–382, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-363-2026, 2026 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. Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-347-2026 The role of ESR1 in regulating lactation traits in buffalo mammary epithelial cells Zhixiang Wang, Xiaoyun Chen, Chaobin Qin, Jiaqi Jiang, Ling Li, Qingyou Liu, Cuijin Teng, Jinping Xiong, Leyi Wang, Ahmed Amin, and Zhipeng Li Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 347–361, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-347-2026, 2026 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. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:19:48 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-337-2026 Blood metabolic profile and complete blood count of sheep during late pregnancy and lactation Zvonko Antunović, Josipa Kučan, Željka Klir Šalavardić, Mislav Djidara, and Josip Novoselec Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 337–346, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-337-2026, 2026 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.  Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:19:48 +0200