Donkeys assume relevant economic importance in several countries worldwide. However, the genetic structure of these populations is less investigated compared to other species. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic background of nine different Italian donkey populations.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin that impairs fertility in swine. This study was designed to identify the ovarian molecular impacts of ZEN exposure in thermal neutral (TN) pre-pubertal pigs. Additionally, whether heat stress (HS) would affect the ovarian ZEN response was also queried.

The objective of this research was to determine the influence of long-term supplementation (258 d) of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) and/or yeast cell wall (YCW) product on bacterial populations in beef steers. Collectively, there were no appreciable treatment influences on bacterial populations.

To mitigate stress caused by inevitable management practices and to enhance cattle health, a preconditioning program is recommended from weaning to feedlot entry. This experiment evaluated the effects of multiple bovine-appeasing substance (BAS) administrations during a preconditioning program followed by feedlot receiving on productivity and health.

Steroidal implants are a commonly used growth-enhancing technology that improves the efficiency of beef production. Steroidal implants increase muscle growth via increased net protein synthesis and skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Various trace minerals (TM) are important in supporting growth and development.

This research explored the effects of a manganese complex containing lysine and glutamic acid (Mn-LG) on various health parameters in weaned piglets. Utilizing samples of 288 piglets, the study investigated how Mn-LG supplementation influences growth performance, Mn deposition and emission, antioxidant capacity, and metacarpal strength.

Runs of homozygosity (ROHom), continuous stretches of homozygous loci, and runs of heterozygosity (ROHet), continuous stretches of heterozygous loci, may be due to directional (ROHom) or balancing selection (ROHet) and are interesting to analyze those shared among animals within a population and the genes they harbor. The detection of both types of genomic regions is influenced by genotyping density and involved parameters.

Milking robots have revolutionized the cow milking, reducing dependence on human labor and increasing milk yield per cow. However, addressing concerns about farmed animal welfare and overall sustainability is crucial. This paper presents a text-mining analysis of the scientific literature to explore the effects of robotic milking on cow health, welfare, and behavior.

Animals have an impressive array of defenses to excessive reactive oxygen species in the body. The antioxidant defense system is complex and sophisticated. vitamin E, vitamin C, and β-carotene are known to scavenge free radicals that are created during times of oxidative stress.

The feeding of one-carbon metabolites (including methionine and B vitamins) has been shown to improve fetal growth and milk production in species such as mice, sheep, and dairy cattle. Extending this to beef cattle around the time of breeding is a growing area of research.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the reproduction, performance, skeletal support, and overall health of beef cattle. During pregnancy, vitamins and minerals are critical for proper fetal growth, development, and establishment of postnatal micronutrient reserves.

Multienzyme additives are increasingly used in animal feed, primarily to enhance growth performance and nutrient digestibility. This study focused on the effects of multienzyme additives on various aspects of broilers, including growth performance, carcass characteristics, digestive enzyme activities, apparent nutrient digestibility, excreta noxious gas emission, and intestinal nutrient transporter gene expression.

Dogs and cats are living longer and healthier lives due, in part, to the scientific development of nutritional information. This information has allowed the building of many new types of foods, treats, and supplements that promote life, health, and enjoyment by the pet.

The June Edition of The Giving Herd, an ASAS Foundation Newsletter.

Feedlot-receiving calves are typically exposed to a series of stressful events, such as weaning, transportation, commingling, a change of environment, and illness, that have a negative impact on feed intake. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of feed flavors on feed intake, indicators of stress, and markers of the immune response for newly received feedlot cattle.

Functional fibers and biotics have demonstrated the potential to modulate the gut microbiome and improve gastrointestinal health in dogs, but are often tested individually. Research investigating unique fiber/biotic combinations is needed.

Many livestock species show sexual differences between males and females. However, we still do not fully understand the specific area of the genome responsible for these differences. This study used a novel method to investigate this research question in two distinct tropically adapted cattle.

In this research, we explored the functions of two specific microRNAs, bta-miR-181d and bta-miR-196a, in the muscle cells of Qinchuan cattle. These tiny molecules are known to play crucial roles in various cellular processes.

Avian coccidiosis, a prevalent parasitic disease caused by Eimeria protozoa, leads to significant economic losses in the global poultry industry. Currently, the control of coccidiosis in chickens primarily relies on chemical and ionophore anticoccidials.

The pleomorphic adenoma gene1 (PLAG1) produces PLAG1 protein which, by binding to specific regions on DNA, influences the activity of other genes that regulate many body functions. One gene is insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) which controls cell metabolism and growth.