This study investigated how 2 sources (sulfate vs. hydroxychloride) of copper, manganese, and zinc affect the growth and plasma indicators of inflammation and energy metabolism of Bos indicus beef heifers under various nutritional challenges. Nelore heifers were monitored through different periods of 28 d each...

This 59-d study explored the effects of zinc supplementation and an anabolic implant on the performance and carcass quality of Angus-crossbred steers. Researchers provided different levels of zinc to the steers, some of which received a combination growth implant.

Productive longevity (PL) is a concept that blends cow longevity with reproductive performance quantified by the number of calves regularly produced over the defined lifespan. Specifically, PL was defined as the number of calves consecutively and regularly produced from the second to the eighth parity at 9 yr of age, assuming the first calf was produced at roughly 2 yr of age.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of restricting the intake of weight control diets on weight loss, body composition, voluntary physical activity, serum markers of metabolism and inflammation, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of obese cats.

The study compares the characteristics of the small and large intestines in 2 groups of healthy meat rabbit feeding or not with a cannabidiol extract for 27 d. Feed intake and final weight are similar for both groups. However, cannabidiol significantly interfered with protein digestion in the small intestine and decreased the microbial activity in the cecum.

Subclinical mastitis is the inflammation of the udder without visible signs. It is typically caused by bacterial infection. This disease can have important economic and welfare impacts on meat-producing flocks, including udder damage, decreased milk yield, impaired lamb growth, and increased ewe and lamb mortality.

Dogs are utilized in forensic science for their extensive scent-detection capabilities. They are often considered the “gold standard” in-field detection for targets such as illicit drugs and explosives. Despite their prevalence in the field, relatively little is known about how dogs interact with and transport volatile organic compounds through their olfactory system.

Decembers edition of Washington Roundup includes three overviews: Outlook for Continuing Resolution and Farm Bill Extension Unclear, USDA and FDA Release Dietary Guidelines Committee Report, and FDA and APHIS Release Charter on Animal Biologicals Jurisdiction

The Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Scientific Report) was submitted to the Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is available online. The departments have opened a 60-day comment period to collect input from the public on the Scientific Report (December 11, 2024 – February 10, 2025).

As we all know, Animal Sciences is a multifaceted STEM field that studies animal biology and management to improve the lives of both animals and humans. It applies principles from the biological, physical, and social sciences to problems in livestock production and management.

The December Edition of The Giving Herd, an ASAS Foundation Newsletter

This study aimed to assess the impact of soybean isoflavone (SIF) on milk production and composition in dairy goats. In vivo experiments revealed that SIF supplementation (100 mg/d) significantly raised serum estrogen and prolactin levels, resulting in increased milk yield and fat content compared to the control group.

Growth hormone (GH), secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is crucial in the regulation of ruminant growth and development, milk production, and energy metabolism in ruminants. Controlling GH secretion is, therefore, an essential factor in enhancing productivity.

Genetic determination of phenotypes depends not only on the host genome but also on its microbiome, particularly that of the intestinal tract. Host and microbiome form a complex co-metabolism that ultimately affects relevant phenotypes, like the intramuscular fat content. The metabolomic analysis of the gut content can provide a functional characterization, giving a better insight into the microbiome activity implicated.

Classifying fresh pork loin based on potential consumer appeal and value enables processors and producers to stand out in a competitive market, catering to domestic and export demands. Accurate classification aligns products with consumer expectations and benefits purveyors, chefs, retailers, and consumers by ensuring consistent quality.

There is significant interest in improving the efficiency of beef production. Beef quality and consumer satisfaction are of equal importance. Feeding zinc (Zn) above nutritional recommendations and feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) can be utilized to optimize cattle growth.

The performance and welfare benefits of providing shade in cattle feedlots have predominantly been investigated in higher-risk heat-stress zones. However, it is unclear whether the reported benefits of shade are relevant in cooler temperate zones.

Most research conducted to reduce methane (CH4) emissions from cattle has focused on intensive feeding systems, such as dairy and feedlots, where feeding management is tightly controlled. The delivery of CH4 mitigants to ruminants grazing in extensive pasture-based systems requires attention. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the delivery of an essential oil blend called Agolin Ruminant L (Agolin) to beef cattle via drinking water to reduce CH4 emissions.