Context: Uninterrupted nutrient uptake and the use of bulls with high genetic merit for carcass traits may increase the likelihood of producing high-quality retail cuts for different markets. Aim: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the combined effects of level of nutrition during the 104-day post-weaning winter period (WADG; low-L: 0.2 vs high-H: 0.6 kg/calf per day) and level of expected

Context: Methane (CH4) accounts for loss of dietary gross energy in ruminants and is a potent greenhouse gas. Feedstuffs that could alter ruminal fermentation by decreasing methane production without reducing total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration are desirable. Aims: Tropical fruit peels, which can be simply collected and exploited, were compared with lucerne (Medicago sativa) in order to assess

Context: The in vivo evaluation of body tissue development on meat production sheep can be used both to identify and select animals with the best characteristics and to make choices regarding marketing the products of these animals. Aims: The objective of this work was to evaluate, using computed tomography, the dynamics of body tissue development and composition of male and female Santa Inês sheep

Context: Methionine (Met) is an essential amino acid in pig diets. However, high blood homocysteine concentration, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, can arise from high dietary Met intake and may indicate an imbalance in the Met cycle. Vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor for enzymes associated with the trans-sulfuration pathway, considered the major elimination route of excess homocysteine. Aims:

Context: Lamb survival can be compromised by twin-bearing ewes being unable to produce enough colostrum and immunoglobulins following parturition. Without sufficient colostrum production, newborn lambs are at risk of death due to starvation, mismothering, exposure and infection. These deaths can be reduced by altering the ewe’s nutrition in the final weeks of pregnancy. Starch, a glucose precursor

Context: European beef production is facing fresh challenges on various fronts: increasing public concern on animal welfare; declining EU meat consumption; and, conversely, expected growth in global demand for meat. The Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare (CReNBA) has developed an assessment protocol for collecting information about beef cattle welfare and biosecurity conditions, with

Context: Biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.) is a relatively new legume species in Australia that has been shown to maintain higher quality forage late in the season than subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). Aim: This study investigated the suitability of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), subterranean clover and biserrula, or a choice of both biserrula and subterranean clover, for finishing

Context: There is increasing interest in the composition of lipids in beef from pasture-fed Wagyu-cross cattle and how they compare to beef from traditional beef breeds. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the differences in fatty acid and phospholipid content of the ribeye, striploin and tenderloin obtained from commercially sourced beef. Hypothesis: We hypothesised that long-chain omega-3

Context: Twin-bearing ewes may be unable to produce enough colostrum following birth to support the survival of two lambs. This causes the newborn lambs to be at risk of death due to starvation, mismothering, cold exposure and infection. Niacin has previously been demonstrated in cattle to increase immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum, possibly due to niacin increasing blood flow, allowing the

Context: Beef producers in northern Australia are continually presented with new technologies and opportunities to enhance beef production. They need to be able to accurately and efficiently assess the potential impact of alternative strategies on profitability, risk and the period of time before benefits can be expected. Aims: Our aim was to demonstrate the value of the farm-management economics framework

The grazing of cereal and canola crops during winter is an increasing component of grazing systems in southern Australia. The capacity of such crops to meet the requirements of young livestock and reproducing animals for sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) is reviewed. The growth responses of young stock to Na and/or Mg supplements when grazing wheat are discussed. These responses

The aim of the present study was to use a non-linear regression approach to investigate the relationship between litter birthweight and litter size of five breeds of goat under intensive conditions in a hot arid environment. Litter-size and litter-weight data on 20 117 kids from 13 685 litters representing five breeds, namely Saanen, Toggenburg, French Alpine, Anglo-Nubian and Granadina, were compared

Methane (CH4) emission is an important environmental trait in dairy cows. Breeding aiming to mitigate CH4 emissions require the estimation of genetic correlations with other economically important traits and the prediction of their selection response. In this study, test-day CH4 emissions were predicted from milk mid-infrared spectra of Holstein cows. Predicted CH4 emissions (PME) and log-transformed

Changes in the microbial community are closely related to the fermentation of silage. However, how host genetic variation shapes the community structure of the silage microbiota and its metabolic phenotype is poorly understood. The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of the application of the homo-fermentative Lactobacillus plantarum and hetero-fermentative Lactobacillus buchneri

Lipid additives are of particular importance in the diet of high-yielding dairy cows. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a specially designed energy-protein supplement on dairy cows' performance and milk composition. The experiment was conducted on 24 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows fed total mixed ration. Two kilograms of energy-protein supplement/cow.day were added to the ration

Two aspects regarding the ruminant's contribution to global methane (CH4) emissions were investigated: (i) testing the accuracy of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change default values for dairy cows fed different diet types and differing slurry storage temperatures; and (ii) providing carbon-isotope (C-isotope) signature data to contribute information on the characteristics of ruminant-derived

The objective of this study was to compare the ability of Basis spline (B-spline) models and five non-linear functions (Richards, Brody, Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and Logistic) to describe the growth of females of a beef cattle breed and predict cow mature weight (A). Random regression models that included animal variation within function parameters were fitted using mixed model procedures. Comparisons

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the addition of dry tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) residue to cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) silage on the carcass traits, quality and fatty acid profile of lamb meat. Forty 6-month-old (±2 days) castrated lambs (crossbred Santa Ines × mixed breed) with initial bodyweights of 22.1 ± 3.0 kg were used in a completely randomised design

The genetics of heifer performance in tropical 'wet' and 'dry' seasons, and relationships with steer performance, were studied in Brahman (BRAH) and Tropical Composite (TCOMP) (50% Bos indicus, African Sanga or other tropically adapted Bos taurus; 50% non-tropically adapted Bos taurus) cattle of northern Australia. Data were from 2159 heifers (1027 BRAH, 1132 TCOMP), representing 54 BRAH and 51 TCOMP

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of pig bile powder supplementation on the digestibility of nutrients, fat digestion and growth performance of starter broilers fed on a high fat diet. A total of 1110, day-old, male broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were randomly allocated into six treatment groups with five replicates per treatment. The chicks were fed on a corn-soybean meal basal diet with

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of forage species and feeding systems on ruminal fermentation, microbiota (Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and total bacteria) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration of milk in dairy goats. Twenty female crossbred Saanen lactating goats (~35 ± 3.0 kg bodyweight) in early to mid-lactation stage were assigned

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal digestibility of napier Pakchong 1 silage combined with maize cob and husk in different ratios. The napier Pakchong 1 grass was harvested at 45 days of maturity. The napier Pakchong 1 grass was ensiled with maize cob and husk at ratios of 1:5, 1:10 and 1:15. Three rumen fistulated Thai native cattle (White Lamphun cattle) with

The steer progeny of sires genetically diverse for fatness and meat yield were grown at different rates from weaning to feedlot entry and effects on growth, carcass and meat-quality traits were examined. The present paper, the second of a series, reports the effects of genetic and growth treatments on carcass traits. A total of 43 sires, within three 'carcass class' categories, defined as high potential

Context: Pasture allowance (PA) in early lactation is widely acknowledged to influence animal performance; however, climatic factors can limit grass growth in early spring, resulting in potential feed deficits on farm. Aim: The present study determined whether PA restrictions imposed in early lactation impair energy balance and metabolic health of the cow. Methods: One hundred and five cows were assigned

Context: Exposure to maternal hormones can permanently alter an embryo’s developmental trajectory. Maternal mediated effects have significant potential in the chicken meat industry, as breeder hens are feed restricted in a bid to improve performance. Evidence suggests breeder hens are chronically stressed, resulting from periods of prolonged hunger. However, evidence linking embryonic exposure to early-life

Context: In grazed pasture systems, most nitrogen (N) losses arise from N deposited in the form of ruminant excreta patches. However, during winter, when grassland stocking rate and soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are expected to be low, N2O fluxes from excreta patches could be considered negligible for the calculation of the total emissions. Aims: The aims of the study were to quantify and compare

Context: Automated feeding units allow the recording of individual feeding behaviour of group-housed sheep and provide data for research into feed efficiency. Aim: It was hypothesised that measures of feeding behaviour such as the number of non-feeding events, meal size, eating rate and meal duration would change under different levels of feeding. Method: Maternal Composite ewes (n = 126, 18 per pen)

Context: The third Australian national survey on control practices for internal and external parasites of sheep, following similar surveys in 2003 and 2011. Aims: To document current parasite control practices and attitudes, measure change and to provide a benchmark against which to assess future practices and attitudes. Methods: An online survey emailed to 6460 sheep producers, with a paper version

Context: Methane from ruminant livestock systems contributes to the greenhouse effect on the environment, which justifies the adoption of novel feed strategies that mitigate enteric emissions. Aims: We investigated the effects of the condensed tannin (CT)-rich legumes Flemingia macrophylla, Leucaena leucocephala, Stylosanthes guianensis, Gliricidia sepium, Cratylia argentea, Cajanus cajan, Desmodium

Context: Modern crop stubbles provide an important source of feed for sheep during summer but can vary widely in their feeding value due to Genetics × Environment × Management interactions during crop growth, and how chaff is managed at harvest. Stubbles are difficult to assess for grazing value, due to the heterogeneity of forage components (e.g. stem, leaf, grains), which means that livestock producers

Context: Dietary supplementation of essential oils or in combination with a Bacillus probiotic was investigated as an antibiotic growth promoter for weaned pigs. Aims: To evaluate the effect of essential oils (i.e. thymol and carvacrol mixture) or in combination with a probiotic strain (i.e. Bacillus subtilis PB6) on the growth performance, diarrhoea incidence, ammonia emission and serological profiles

Context: The anticoagulant properties of heparin have led to the routine use of heparinised saline flushes to prevent thrombus formation and to prolong the patency of indwelling cannulas. However, limited work exists on very low-dose heparin used to retain cannula patency for the purpose of repeated blood sampling for metabolic studies. Of particular interest is whether low-dose heparin will cause

Goat meat production is an expanding industry in Australia. However, there is limited data quantifying the levels of reproductive performance, particularly under extensively grazed rangeland conditions, which would inform interventions to improve performance. This review aimed to quantify the levels of reproduction, time and causes of reproductive wastage in goats. It considers the levels of fertility

Context: The productivity of Ethiopian smallholder farms is considered to be low owing to different factors such as feed shortage, lack of breeding strategies, disease prevalence and missing marketing strategies. Aim: The main objective of the study was to develop a dynamic, stochastic herd model by adopting system dynamic modelling methodology for evaluation of the effect of increased feed availability

Context: Lamb producers are currently limited in their ability to make informed on-farm management changes with respect to disease and defects identified at processing. This is due to the limited accuracy and detail of information included in disease and defect feedback supplied by processors. Increasing transparency of the feedback can allow producers to make more informed on-farm decisions, and,

Context: Indigenous cattle breeds represent an important genetic resource for livelihood of communal-area inhabitants. Indigenous breeds have the ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions, can adapt genetically to poor-quality forages and are resistant to parasites and diseases. These unique traits possessed by indigenous breeds are under threat because of unrestrained crossing with exotic commercial

Aims: We examine the average performance of Border Leicester (BL) flocks that are part of LAMBPLAN, Australia’s sheep performance recording and genetic evaluation system. We also summarise outcomes from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industry’s research on BL improvement, and discuss the performance required for the BL to continue to be a pivotal part of the Australian prime lamb industry

Livestock producers are facing increasing pressure to reduce the environmental and animal-welfare impacts of production, while also managing the challenge of an increasingly variable climate and diminishing resources. This perspective paper highlights the role for animal scientists to contribute to the sustainability of future livestock systems. We argue the need for a broader, more inclusive and more

Context: The large inter-annual and decadal rainfall variability that occurs in northern Australian rangelands poses major challenges for the profitable and sustainable management of grazing businesses. Aims: An integrated bio-economic modelling framework (GRASP integrated with Breedcow and Dynama (BCD)) was developed to assess the effect of alternative grazing-management options on the profitability

Context: Palm-kernel cake (PKC) is a by-product widely evaluated as a feed additive in several species of ruminant animals. However, no information of its use in buffaloes is observed. Thus, considering the characteristics of PKC and that buffaloes are able to digest greater amounts of fibre than are other animals, it is thought that PKC can be used as a supplement for lactating buffaloes in pasture

Beak trimming is used in the egg industry to prevent mortality from cannibalism and minimise injurious pecking, vent pecking, aggressive pecking at the head and all forms of feather pecking, although the practice does not completely reduce the damage. There are alternatives to beak trimming, but they have not been reliable in preventing injurious pecking. However, beak trimming should not be used without

Modern laying hens have been selected for an astounding rate of egg production, but the physiological calcium demand takes a significant toll on their skeletal health. Bones can be assessed both in vivo and ex vivo, using a combination of different structural and mechanical analysis methods. Typically, the properties of leg, wing and keel bones are measured. Conventional caged layers are restricted

When feather-pecking behaviour by hens becomes repetitive, plumage damage often results for the recipient of the pecks. The forceful removal of feathers and vigorous pecks directed at the skin may also cause pain, fear and even wounds. ‘Outbreaks’ of pecking behaviour have been reported in all housing systems in which poultry are managed. Pecking may progress to cannibalism and death, thus constituting

Barn production systems in Australia are either an indoor-housing floor system or an aviary system with multilevel structures, equipped with nesting boxes, perches and feeding and watering systems. These systems offer hens the freedom of movement and an opportunity to display a repertoire of favourable behaviours as well as interact with complex housing elements as compared with caged systems. However

Context: Diet is one the most important pre-slaughter factors that potentially influences meat quality, but its effect on flavour quality remains equivocal. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of diet composition on the flavour and sensory quality of meat from Texel × Scottish Blackface ram lambs. Methods: Groups of 11 lambs were assigned to one of the following four dietary

Context: Data collected from producers in south-eastern Australia found that the survival of twin-born lambs decreased by 3.5% for each extra 100 ewes in the mob at lambing. Increasing stocking rate by 1 ewe/ha decreased lamb survival by a further 0.7%. These survey findings suggest that lamb survival could be improved by optimising the allocation of ewes to mobs and paddocks at lambing. Aim: The present

Context. At pasture, the nutritional status of mares will change due to a dynamic association between their energy requirements and the energy supply. Change in the plane of nutrition can influence reproductive performance measures in the mares. To help optimise nutritional and operational management of mares on stud farms, the nutritional status of Thoroughbred broodmares and the factors influencing

Context: In developing countries of south Asia and Africa, cereal crop residues provide important fodder resources for ruminants. Genetic improvement through plant breeding for high-quality crop residues as well as for grain yield is gaining in demand among mixed crop–livestock farmers. Aims: The present study investigated the potential nutritional quality, in vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics, gas

Context: Animals in situations of stress and constant fear exhibit unwanted behaviours for production. Pigs that are afraid of humans tend to associate any management as stressful. The use of environment enrichment for pigs may help to alleviate anxiety and fear, and hence reduce unwanted behaviours during handling. However, provision of appropriate enrichment presents challenges such as the rapid

Context: There is pressure on production veterinarians to reduce the use of antibiotics in intensive beef production systems. Aims: The present study investigated whether preconditioning – the process whereby weaned calves destined for the feedlot are prepared over a period of time – reduced antibiotic treatment events, and improved health and production of calves in a South African feedlot. Methods:

Context: Heat stress poses a major limit to poultry production. Moringa stenopetala leaf meal (MSL) could be a promising feed additive for poultry raised under heat stress, as it is rich in antioxidants. Aims: To determine the effect of (MSL) supplementation on the production and quality of broilers under heat-stress conditions. Methods: In the broiler performance trial, 156 1-day old Cobb 500 broilers

Context: Annually, millions of sheep are exported from Australia to the Middle East, typically during the southern hemisphere winter to the northern hemisphere summer. During these voyages, sheep can be exposed to relatively rapid changes in ambient conditions within a short period of time (≤29 days); therefore, excessive heat load concerns can arise. Aims: The aim of this study was to define the responses

Context: The yak-based transhumant system is influenced by socioeconomic developments, regulations and environmental changes. Little is known about the impact of this on yak farming practices among different regions in Bhutan. Aim and methods: The experienced changes in yak farming practices over the years and perceptions on developments were assessed through interviews with yak herders in three regions

Context: In Australia and many other countries, free-range eggs can be sold at significantly higher prices than cage eggs. Mislabelling cage eggs as free-range eggs and vice versa has been documented, and has a significant impact on consumer trust and egg consumption. The development of methods to identify eggs produced from different production systems is necessary to satisfy consumer demand. Aims:

The rising global demand for animal protein is leading to intensification of livestock production systems. At the same time, societal concerns about sustainability and animal welfare in intensive systems is increasing. This review examines the risks to welfare for beef cattle within commercial feedlots in Australia. Several aspects of the feedlot environment have the potential to compromise the physical

Context: Evaluating performance of broilers fed diet included feed additives in stress conditions. Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding lysophospholipids (LPLs) and vitamin C (VC) to diet on growth performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant capacity and carcass traits in broiler chickens reared under low ambient temperature Methods: A total of 288 male chicks (Ross 308)

Context: The regulation of milk lipids is important for the evaluation of dairy cows’ performance. Lipids are produced and secreted by mammary gland under the regulation of steroid hormones, growth factors and microRNAs (miRNAs). MicroRNAs have been verified to be involved in numerous biological processes. Previous studies have shown that miR-141 is expressed at higher levels in dairy cows at peak

Context: The food security of Tunisia is dependent on utilising all of its resources effectively to feed the population. Rangelands used for grazing are subject to continuous degradation, which reduces the availability of feeds to livestock. In the oasis regions, this constraint is attenuated by the systematic use of various by-products of the palm grove. There is a need to constantly search for alternative

Context: Nutrition in early life can affect the long-term performance of livestock. Aims: The present study evaluated the effects of rearing Wagyu × Holstein Friesian heifer calves either on a concentrate pelleted starter (CS; 90% DM, 19.3% crude protein (CP), and 13.8 MJ metabolisable energy (ME) per kilogram DM) or a forage starter (FS, ensiled alfalfa, Medicago sativa; 45% DM, 18.5% CP and 9.7 MJ

Some believe that farm animals need to be kept in conditions that provide ‘natural’ aspects in the animal’s environment and, thus, provide the opportunity for the animals to perform their full ‘behavioural repertoire’. Captivity may restrict either behaviours that animals have instinctive, intrinsic propensities to perform whatever the environment or behaviours that are elicited by deficits in the