In this recent Journal of Animal Science study, researchers evaluated how cassava, a high amylopectin starch, impacted the performance and other metabolic parameters of growing pigs. Pigs were fed either a corn-soybean meal LP diet, a corn-cassava-soybean meal LP diet, or a cassava-soybean meal LP diet.

This was the first study of record to evaluate the effects of hydroxy-selenomethionine as a dietary supplement for boards on raw semen characteristics and quality of seminal doses, as well as the reproductive performance achieved when used for artificial insemination.

The negative impacts of stress on gastrointestinal tract barrier function can result in compromised animal growth and health; aspirin is known to cause mucosal injury, leading to increased gut permeability and tight junction damage and, in turn, can be used as a model to study leaky gut in cattle.

The prophylactic use of antibiotics and pharmacological zinc were traditionally used to ward off postweaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets. However, due to antibiotic resistance and strict regulations on the use of zinc and antibiotics in animal feed, other strategies for combatting PWD are needed.

A study recently published in the Journal of Animal Science aimed to determine whether or not increasing propionate alters dry matter intake, glucose clearance rate, blood metabolites, insulin concentrations, and hepatic gene expression in steers fed a finishing diet.

​Single cell proteins (SCP) are nutrient dense and derived from various economical sources including bacteria and yeast. However, the safety profile of SCP and its and impact on production in farm animals are still under investigation.

Over the last few decades, fertility has been studied as a breeding goal in domestic species, but horses have historically been selected for conformation or performance in equestrian sports without much regard to fertility. For this reason, there is little information available on fertility traits and their inclusion as selection criteria in equine breeding programs.

Livestock farming is currently undergoing a digital revolution. Animals and their surroundings are closely monitored and observed, but such data often reside in disconnected silos, making it impossible to leverage their full potential to improve animal well-being.

Changes in metabolism due to immune system activation and the incidence of infectious disease can lead to differing dietary amino acid requirements for an animal. In addition, it is imperative to determine the nutritional requirements of animals under challenging conditions, so feed formulations are optimal to maximize growth rate and efficient use of nutrients.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced new strategies to reduce Salmonella illness linked to poultry products. The efforts will include gathering data and information to support future actions to move closer to the Healthy People 2030 target of a 25% reduction in Salmonella illness.

ASAS and the ASAS Foundation recognize members on Giving Tuesday.

The School Recovery Act was recently introduced to direct the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide competitive grants to support schools working on food waste reduction programs. “Reducing food waste in schools will give students the opportunity to develop responsible habits that can benefit their communities and our planet throughout their lives,” said Bonamici in a press release.

The government hired hundreds of private companies last spring to buy food no longer needed by restaurants, schools, and cruise ships, and transport it to overwhelmed food banks. The program faced several problems such as spilled and spoiled food, high costs, and uneven distribution nationwide.

“We recognize that beginning farmers and ranchers have unique needs for education, training, and technical assistance. Their success, especially in the first 10 years, often hinges on access to reliable, science-based information and the latest educational resources so they can improve their operations’ profitability and sustainability long-term.”

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) released the results of a survey about plant-based meat alternatives. The purpose of the survey was to see how often plant alternatives are consumed and why. It should be noted that the study was funded by SNI Global (formally the Soy Nutrition Institute) and the United Soybean Board.

As the holidays approach, the price to prepare your celebratory dinner will likely be higher this year. Factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, transportation costs, and supply chain issues are to blame.

A new bill introduced and approved by the House Agriculture Committee would offer transparency in the discrepancy between what cattle producers receive and what consumers are paying for beef.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) was held in Glasgow, Scotland. The event had local and seasonal offerings and took a “plant-forward approach”, with 40% of the menu being plant-based options. The menus also feature a carbon footprint graphic of each item so attendees can be informed of the impact of their choices.

During the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the United States and United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with 31 other countries and 48 non-government partners, announced the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate). “The United States is proud to be launching the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate initiative alongside the United Arab Emirates and over 80 partners across the globe," said John Kerry, US special presidential envoy for the climate.

The swine industry continuously battles infectious disease challenges; unfortunately, the nature of our intensive management makes it particularly vulnerable. Understanding how the numerous physiological systems respond to disease is advantageous to scientists working to establish immunity.